FCL vs LCL: a full container or shared space

• FCL (full container load): goods from a single shipper fill the container. You pay per container, however much you put in.
• LCL (less than container load): your goods share a container with other shippers’ cargo, and you pay for the space and weight you use.

LCL is charged per unit of weight or measure, whichever is greater. Maersk’s LCL terms, for example, count the gross volume in cubic metres (CBM) or the gross weight, whichever is higher, with 1 CBM equal to 1,000 kg, and a minimum of one unit. Light, bulky cartons pay by volume; dense goods by weight. Work out your CBM with the CBM calculator.

Per unit, LCL ocean rates are usually higher than a full container, and LCL adds charges at both ends for consolidation and deconsolidation.

Because LCL costs more per CBM and FCL costs the same however full the box, there is a point where a full container is cheaper even half empty. Where it falls depends on the lane and the week, so price both: post the same cargo as cartons and as a container and compare. As a guide to sizes, see container dimensions.

LCL cargo goes through a container freight station (CFS) at each end: at origin it is consolidated with other shippers’ cargo into one container, at destination the container is unloaded and the shipments separated. Each extra handling adds time and some risk of damage, so pack LCL cartons to travel.

FCL goes from the supplier’s door to yours sealed, unless you choose to transload it near the port.

An Importer Security Filing is needed for all non-bulk ocean cargo, whatever the size, so every LCL shipment needs its own. For LCL the consolidator is the party who stuffed the container, and it, with the stuffing location, is due 24 hours before arrival in the US. CBP can hold a consolidated container in which one house bill has no ISF on file. See ISF filing.

• LCL: a few cubic metres, a first order, or a test of a new product.
• FCL: enough cargo to fill most of a container, fragile goods better left untouched, or a tight date.
• Either way, the same cargo can be priced both ways before you decide.

The shipment form asks whether you ship boxes or pallets, priced on chargeable weight, or full containers, priced per container. Carriers on the lane bid on what you post. See What does the shipment form ask?