Every ocean shipment starts with the same question: should you book a whole container, or share one with other shippers? Get it right and you save money and days. Get it wrong and you either pay for empty space or wait while a shared container fills up. Here is how we help clients decide.
What FCL and LCL actually mean
FCL, full container load, means you book an entire container. Only your cargo goes inside, it is sealed at your door or warehouse, and it is not opened again until it reaches the destination, unless customs decides to inspect it.
LCL, less than container load, means your cargo shares a container with other shippers. It is delivered to a consolidation warehouse, packed with other freight going the same way, and unpacked again at the destination warehouse before final delivery.
Side by side
| FCL | LCL | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | A flat rate per container | Per cubic metre or tonne |
| Typical transit | Faster, no consolidation step | 3 to 7 days longer on average |
| Handling | Sealed at origin, opened at destination | Unpacked and repacked at both ends |
| Best for | More than about 14 m³, fragile goods | Small and occasional shipments |
Finding your break even point
LCL is priced by volume, so the more space you take, the more you pay. At some point, paying for the whole container becomes cheaper than paying for part of it. That point is your break even. Here is a simple example on a typical transatlantic lane.
Sample figures for illustration. Real rates change with the lane, the season and fuel prices, which is why we quote both options side by side for every booking.
The cheapest option on paper is not always the cheapest once handling, time and risk are counted.Sofia L., Head of international freight
It is not only about price
Cost is the main factor, but three other things often decide it.
- Time. LCL waits for the container to fill and adds warehouse steps at both ends. If your stock is needed for a launch date, FCL is safer.
- Fragile or high value goods. Every time cargo is handled there is a chance of damage. FCL keeps your goods sealed from door to door.
- Customs risk. If any shipment in a shared container is held for inspection, the whole container can be delayed, including yours.
A quick checklist before you book
- Measure your cargo in cubic metres, including pallets.
- Check how soon the goods are needed at the destination.
- Consider how fragile or valuable the cargo is.
- Ask for both FCL and LCL prices on the same lane.
Not sure where you land? Send us the size and weight of your cargo and a coordinator will compare both options for you, usually the same day.
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