Gonzalo Jerez is Sales Director of the Spanish neutral consolidator TransGlory, the main air and sea consolidation division of the Romeu Group . With over 20 years of experience in LCL and FCL, he has developed his professional career between Europe and Asia. TransGlory is currently the largest neutral consolidator with Spanish capital, with a presence in Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. We analyze the role of consolidators, the environment in which they operate, and the challenges they will face in the coming years.
What is a neutral consolidator and what role does it play in the logistics chain?
Consolidators—also known as groupage operators or NVOCCs ( Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers )—are cargo groupers. We are dedicated to the sea and air transport of fractional goods that, on their own, would not fill a container. From a single package or box to several pallets or oversized or heavy pieces: anything that can be shipped in standard containers without filling them is susceptible to being treated as groupage or LCL ( Less than Container Load ).
There are non-neutral consolidators , who work directly with exporters or importers, and neutral consolidators, like us, who provide services exclusively to other logistics companies that need them.
Our goal is to optimize our clients’ logistics chains , improving the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. Shipments that are not efficient with full container loads are channeled into maritime groupage, thus maximizing resources.
How do you assess international trade in the current context?
We are living in a time of great uncertainty. After several years of strong growth, global demand for goods is slowing. Geopolitical tensions in different regions, extreme weather events, and the emergence of new technologies make it very difficult to anticipate events.
In this context, companies with greater purchasing power, better geographic coverage, faster response times, and high sector specialization will be the best able to cope with an environment of tighter margins. The key will be to be more efficient and effective , strengthening customer relationships and loyalty.
From your company’s perspective, how do they contribute to improving supply chain efficiency?
LCL is based precisely on preventing our clients from managing inefficient supply chains by avoiding poorly optimized containers. We offer weekly import and export frequencies , with direct routes that reduce inventory and merchandise inventories.
Furthermore, we have been pioneers among NVOCCs in Spain in incorporating carbon footprint information on LCL shipments. This allows customers to measure the environmental impact of their operations and subsequently reduce it by choosing more direct and less polluting routes.
What services and activities do you plan to strengthen your relationship with your global customers?
At TransGlory we offer customized solutions grouped into three main areas:
LCL: Direct weekly import and export services to major ports around the world, with the possibility of cross-trades . We offer unique services, such as the import of dangerous goods by LCL from China to Spain , especially relevant for batteries and electronic devices.
We also offer LCL trucking between Spain and North Africa , avoiding port congestion and reducing transit times. We have our own warehouses in Spain and North Africa and specialize in dangerous and oversized cargo. We also offer our facilities to freight forwarders to manage their own LCL import or export containers, allowing them to integrate their surplus cargo into our regular services.
FCL: We have a specialized team that facilitates complete container management, including cross-trade operations . Thanks to our economies of scale, we offer very competitive terms , as well as extensive experience in special equipment, temperature control, and flexitanks .
Air: We are an ideal solution for non-IATA freight forwarders or those lacking significant purchasing power with airlines. We offer our own air consolidation services , allowing you to compete in today’s price-sensitive market. We also act as a natural transshipment point for cargo from Asia to Latin America.
What should logistics companies do to compete in the next five years?
Given the expected contraction in demand and the reduction in margins expected for 2026, the key will be to focus on operational efficiency .
Properly sizing workforces, supported by new technologies, will be essential. Small and medium-sized logistics players will need to continue investing in customer experience and service quality to compete with large multinationals that leverage economies of scale.
Sectoral or geographic specialization will also be a means of differentiation.
Another critical aspect is talent retention , a growing challenge due to the generation gap and the shortage of qualified personnel.
Companies that foster a positive work environment , offer clear and attractive career paths , and promote work-life balance by combining remote work and in-person work in a balanced way will be the ones that retain the best professionals.
