Logistics & shipping
LCL (Less than Container Load)
A shipment too small to fill a container, consolidated with other cargo and charged by volume or weight.In LCL shipping a forwarder consolidates several shippers' cargo into one container and deconsolidates it at destination, so each shipper pays only for the space used, typically per cubic metre. It suits smaller volumes but adds handling and time compared with FCL, and each consignment is still declared to customs separately.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I use LCL instead of FCL?
- Use LCL when your cargo does not fill a container — usually below about 15 cubic metres — so you share the box and pay for volume used.
- How is LCL freight priced?
- Usually by chargeable volume in cubic metres (or chargeable weight, whichever is greater), plus consolidation and handling fees.