At a Glance
- Typical consignment size
- 1–33 pallets
- Documents
- CMR, delivery note, commercial invoice
- Delivery window
- Fixed, often a 2–4 h slot
What characterises B2B logistics?
In the B2B sector goods are typically carried on pallets or in containers rather than as individual parcels. Deliveries go to production sites, wholesale warehouses or branches – often with fixed time windows (08:00–12:00, for example) and loading-dock handling. The driver unloads at the dock, not at the front door. Accompanying papers such as the CMR consignment note, the delivery note and, where applicable, customs documents are mandatory.
B2B vs B2C: the key differences
B2C consignments are small parcels to private addresses, often without advance notice and with flexible delivery attempts. B2B, by contrast: consignments from one pallet upwards, fixed delivery windows, a duty to give advance notice, unloading at a dock and commercial documentation. Liability rules (CMR, HGB) apply more strictly, and time limits for claims are shorter than in the consumer sector.
Typical B2B transport types
Pallet shipping (1–5 pallets), part loads/LTL (from 1 LDM up to around 10 LDM), full truck loads/FTL (from 10 LDM), direct runs for time-critical goods, and dangerous goods transports with ADR documentation. Digital platforms such as NexCargo let B2B shippers book and manage all of these transport types in one system.
