What Are FCL and LCL? The Difference in Container Shipping
FCL (Full Container Load) is a shipment in which a whole container is reserved for a single shipper.
What Are FCL and LCL? The Difference in Container Shipping
FCL (Full Container Load) is a shipment in which a whole container is reserved for a single shipper. LCL (Less than Container Load) is part-load carriage in which a container is shared with the cargo of more than one shipper.
FCL: full container
The container is reserved for your cargo only; loading is usually done at your premises, and the sealed container is not opened until arrival. The risk of damage is lower and the transit time more predictable. It is usually more economical when the volume and weight are enough to fill the container.
LCL: part load
Your cargo is combined with other cargo at the consolidation warehouse in the port and separated again at the port of arrival. For small volumes you pay only for the space you use; on the other hand, because the number of handling operations increases, transit time may be longer and the risk of damage greater.
Which should I choose?
- If the cargo exceeds 15 m³, FCL can be considered for cost reasons; the exact threshold varies with freight rates.
- For small, regular shipments, LCL offers flexibility.
- For sensitive or valuable cargo, FCL is preferred.
Charging
In LCL, the charge is calculated on the greater of volume (m³) and weight (tonnes) (W/M). In FCL, a fixed freight per container and terminal charges apply. To calculate, you can use the volumetric weight calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is LCL cheaper?
For small volumes, yes; but as the volume grows, the FCL unit cost becomes more advantageous.
How are LCL cargoes combined?
Cargo from different shippers is loaded into the same container at a consolidation warehouse; at the port of arrival the container is opened and the cargo is split among the consignees.
Who loads the container in FCL?
Usually the shipper loads at its own premises and seals the container; if supervision of loading is needed, an inspection service can be bought.