What is LCL?
LCL: Less than Container Load
LCL, also known as consolidation, refers to sea freight shipments where multiple shipments are combined into one container with other shippers’ cargo by sharing container space.
Benefits of LCL
- Compare thousands of LCL rates and choose the most competitive option for low-volume shipments.
- Pay only for the space your cargo occupies.
- LCL rates are less volatile than FCL rates.
When to Choose LCL Containers
- When your shipment is less than 13 cubic meters: LCL rates are based on weight and volume. It is cheaper to ship via LCL when your shipment is less than 13 cubic meters.
- When you want to book last-minute shipments during peak shipping seasons: During busy periods, it is easier to secure space with LCL rather than FCL.
- When the volume of goods is too high for a full container but too low to fill two containers: The cheapest option is to fill an FCL container and ship the remainder via LCL.
- When the shipment is not urgent: While low-volume shipments can be transported by air, LCL shipping is a much cheaper alternative.
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The Two Most Popular LCL Shipping Methods:
- LCL
- This is the most commonly used option as it ensures your shipment is transported safely via pallets and allows for easy handling.
- → Place your cargo on the pallet to protect your LCL shipment.
- Stacked LCL Cargo
- Your goods are transported in stacked boxes.
- This is a common choice for LCL shipping in Asia, but it makes your shipment more susceptible to damage.
- → This option can compromise the security of your goods and others’ shipments.
Tips for Your LCL Shipment
- Use high-quality packaging materials as the shipment will be subjected to sudden and rough movements during handling and transport.
- When shipping fragile goods, use appropriate warning labels and ensure they are visible and placed on all sides of the box.