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Read ArticleIf you're shipping by sea, one of the first questions you'll be asked is whether you want FCL or LCL. The answer can make a real difference to your price, your timeline and how your goods are handled. Here's how to choose.
What the terms mean
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book a whole container for your goods. Nobody else's cargo goes in it. It's sealed at the start and opened at the end.
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your goods share a container with other people's shipments. You pay for the space your cargo takes up, rather than for the whole box.
The main differences
| FCL | LCL | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | A price per container | Usually by volume (cubic metres) or weight, whichever is greater |
| Best for | Large shipments | Smaller shipments |
| Speed | Usually quicker door to door | Can take longer, as containers are filled and unpacked at a warehouse |
| Handling | Less handling, sealed the whole way | More handling, as goods are loaded with others |
When LCL makes sense
LCL is usually the better choice when you've got a few pallets or boxes and don't need the space of a full container. You're not paying for empty space, which keeps costs down for smaller loads.
The trade-off is time. Before an LCL container can sail, it needs to be filled with other shipments, and at the other end it has to be unpacked before your goods are released. That can add days to the journey.
When FCL makes sense
FCL is usually better when:
- You have enough goods to fill a large part of a container
- Your goods are fragile or high value and you'd like less handling
- You want the most predictable timeline
- Your cargo is unusual in size or shape
Where's the tipping point?
Because LCL is charged by volume, there comes a point where it costs about the same as booking a whole container. Many shippers find that point somewhere in the low teens of cubic metres, but it varies a lot with the route and current rates.
Quick tip
If your shipment is getting close to half a 20ft container, ask for both an FCL and an LCL quote. A whole container is sometimes the cheaper option, and you get the extra benefits for free.
How to decide
- Work out the total volume (length × width × height of each package, in metres) and weight.
- Think about how quickly you need it and how fragile it is.
- Ask for quotes for both options if you're anywhere near the tipping point.
Not sure where your shipment falls? Send us the details and we'll tell you which option works out better.