Shipping Guides
FCL or LCL: Which Fits Your Volume
Full container or shared container? The choice changes cost, handling and how predictable your delivery date is.
FCL and LCL are the two ways to book ocean freight. The right choice depends on volume, handling risk and how firm your delivery date is.
Choose FCL when
FCL gives one shipper exclusive use of a container. It suits cargo that fills roughly half a container or more, and any shipment where reduced handling matters.
Choose LCL when
LCL consolidates your cargo with other shippers and charges for the space used. It suits smaller volumes, samples and first orders.
What to compare
Compare total delivered cost, not the ocean rate. LCL adds handling at the consolidation warehouse and at destination, and transit depends on the whole group.
