LCL or FCL is something you’ll come across often while shipping goods overseas. These are terms used for the ideal means of transporting goods across the ocean.

LCL is the abbreviation for “Less than Container Load,” which is quite literally how it sounds. Your goods are loaded into shipping containers with other cargo, creating a carpooling effect for goods and cargo.

FCL means when your shipment is packed within its container. FCL denotes full container load as one term used. This means that your cargo has it all to itself like first-class flights, but for cargo. If you are handling smaller shipments then LCL will be most suitable for you but it is quite the opposite in the case of FCL. Go for what meets your requirements!

Let’s figure out both processes and learn which one you should pick.

When transporting goods across the ocean, it is usually done in large containers. This is where two basic types come from, LCL and FCL. LCL tips mean container sharing while full container load means those ordering FCL get a container for their shipment.

Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s go deeper to find out what the difference is.

LCL means Less than Container Load. It is a method of shipping smaller cargo using a container with the goods of other people or companies. Since you’re only billing for the space your shipment uses, LCL is useful for making savings if you do not need a full container.

It’s best for small loads made of boxes and pallets. Your shipment is consolidated, packaged, and shipped to the destination with other shipments. Never compromising productivity, it is cost-effective.

FCL means Full Container Load. This means that your entire load is stuffed into the container which means sharing of container with others is impossible.

FCL helps when there are larger shipments that require more space. Moreover, it is also safer as the products do not come out of the container, it is sealed and the whole time during transportation it is not disturbed.

In addition, it tends to be delivered quicker as combining or sorting with other items is not incorporated. Therefore, if you’re shipping a large volume of containers, go for FCL!

The volume of your cargo is very useful in deciding whether to go with LCL or FCL. For example, if you have a very small load, say a few boxes or a few pallets, then LCL is ideal because you share the container with other users.

On the other hand, when the load is quite big and can fill an entire container, the best option is FCL. This method further allows the movement of the cargo more efficiently and affords it more privacy. Due to these factors, whether you want to pick LCL or FCL depends on how much you are shipping.

In terms of costs, the volume of your shipment is an important determinant when considering LCL and FCL.

For the smaller ones, LCL is cheaper since you only pay for the space you have occupied in a container. However, for very big shipments which can take an entire container, this may not be the case with FCL.

Since there is a fixed charge for FCL it is more economical for bulk orders. Walking a fine line ensures that you do not go over your budget.

We cannot ignore time while making a choice between LCL and FCL. Using LCL means your cargo has to share a container with others, which makes the process of loading, unloading, and detaching the cargo take longer than usual.

FCL is most of the time quicker as the cargo is consolidated in a container and delivered straight to the rest of the destination. For urgent orders, FCL can be the preferred option since time is saved!

In terms of security, FCL has the upper hand. When there is an FCL shipment, it is around 1 container per cargo and it does not get unsealed until it reaches its destination.

This also helps reduce the damage, loss, or theft risks. LCL, however, includes other shipments’ cargo in the same container.

Because of this, there is a higher chance of the goods being damaged or mislaid after being moved frequently. FCL is the best option for those who value security more!

It is a dilemma for many as to whether to go for LCL or FCL shipment. There are a few key factors to keep in mind, for instance, the dimensions of your shipping package, the cost of shipment, your time constraints, and more importantly the nature of the items being shipped.

Each particular aspect can assist you in making a decision on which option works best for you. Let’s look at these aspects in further detail!

LCL is a perfect solution for smaller shipment sizes such as a few boxes since you only pay for the space you occupy.

On the other hand, if your shipment is such that it would fill an entire container, then the FCL option would be optimal.

It secures and gives more space to your goods. Make sure to consider how much space you will be utilizing before making the decision.

Budgeting is another critical factor to consider when deciding either LCL or FCL shipments. LCL may also be very favorable because if you have a lesser volume of goods to ship, it makes more sense to pay for the space occupied by your goods only.

Nonetheless, if you have large shipments that fill a complete container, you may benefit from the FCL because of its fixed container rate.

Therefore, considering what you have in the budget will most likely help in picking an option that fits your needs perfectly!

When deciding on LCL and FCL options, the lead time for shipping is a major consideration. Sharing a container with other goods, for instance, in the case of LCL, may delay loading, offloading, and arrangement of the shipments.

FCL is however often quicker since the shipment has its own container hence it will go straight to the destination without additional stops. In case time is an important factor, then FCL is the preferred option!

If you are shipping vulnerable or high-value items. For example, for electronics or fragile items, then FCL would be more appropriate since containers remain intact and go untouched.

But for less fragile items such as clothes and basic supplies, LCL can be very effective. Depending on how sensitive or valuable your shipment is, decide which method is appropriate.

• Cost-effective for small shipments as you only pay for the space you use.
• Perfect for sending a few boxes or smaller loads.
• Allows shipping even without enough goods to fill a container.
• Flexible for irregular or smaller shipment sizes.
• Reduces environmental impact as space is shared with others.

• Container shipping time may be longer because the containers are processed as a group.
• Cargo experiences increased times of handling therefore the chances of damage are high.
• Privacy level drops since an area is shared with other goods during the shipment.
• May experience delays in the event the other shipments in the container are not shipped.
• Lack of flexibility in the manner the cargo has to be packed or handled.

• Quick shipping because the container is taken to the required place.
• Standard without any doubts as the container is specially sealed for the client’s goods.
• One of the biggest advantages of container shipping is the complete ability to dictate how the container is packed and how it is handled.
• Delay is not an option in this shipping model.
• Good for individual weight shipment which requires more space.
• Fewer chances of breakage because the package is exposed to fewer hands.

• Cost increases if what is being shipped is small and does not fill the entire container.
• Needs a sufficient quantity of goods to optimize the space in the container.
• Can be difficult for units smaller than a container or for those that are not a regular shape.
• Perhaps not very effective for transportation of cargo not requiring a full container.
• If the shipments are occasional or too light, they become difficult to support.

The choice of whether to use LCL or FCL shipping comes down to the volume of the shipment, the cost, the timing, and the nature of the goods in transit.

Small shipments can use LCL since it is paying for the space used; whereas FCL is ideal for bigger loads as it allows total control of the load. Economically, LCL is beneficial for small loads, but FCL is likely to save expenses in greater loads.

There is no private space therefore FCL moves faster as there are no interruptions, however, LCL is much slower due to handling space in a shared container.

FCL is advantageous for fragile or high-value items such as electronics, whereas, LCL is ideal for canned goods which are not as delicate. Keep these factors in mind and you can make a good choice.

Winsky is perfect for those searching for simple LCL services within a budget. We have a strong network of partners, making global transit from China easy.

Our list of services covers almost everything. We have door-to-door service and customs clearance at competitive prices.

Be it a few pieces or a number requiring extensive planning – let us say you do not have to worry about it.

Our mission is to provide quick and uncomplicated, inexpensive, LCL shipping service. You pass the logistics to us, save your time, and work towards your goals.