LCL vs FCL: LCL shares a container and is billed per revenue ton with handling at both ends; FCL is a container of your own, usually the cheaper choice above about 20 cubic meters and worth comparing from about 13.
What is Less than Container Load?
Less than container load (LCL) is ocean freight for cargo that does not fill a whole container. Your goods are consolidated with other shippers' cargo in one container at a container freight station, move under the consolidator's house bill of lading, and are deconsolidated at a CFS at destination.
LCL freight is charged per revenue ton: one cubic meter or 1,000 kg, whichever is greater, subject to a minimum, plus CFS handling and documentation at each end. Below about 13 mยณ it is usually cheaper than a container of your own; above about 20 mยณ, FCL usually wins.
See LCL shipping and consolidation to the USA for how consolidation works, the FCL-versus-LCL table and every line on an LCL quote, and the CBM calculator to work out your revenue tons.
Related terms
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