FCL vs LCL
There are two main options to transport goods by sea: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). While both involve shipping goods in a container, they have different characteristics and are suited to different types of cargo, shipping volumes, and business needs.
Whatever you’re shipping, knowing the difference between FCL and LCL can help you save on costs, avoid delays, and keep your goods in good condition.
Let’s dive in:
What is FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping?
FCL shipping is a type of ocean freight where a single shipper uses the entire container exclusively. The container is typically 20 feet (TEU) or 40 feet (FEU) in length, with a 40-foot container holding approximately 67 cubic metres — ideal for bulk freight.
FCL is best suited for industries shipping large volumes of cargo (generally over 13 cubic metres), such as construction, automotive, and retail. It offers faster transit times, more control over the shipment, and reduced risk of damage, since the container is sealed from origin to destination with no intermediate handling.
Ideal for:
Large-scale manufacturers
Automotive parts
Bulk construction materials
What is LCL (Less than Container Load) Shipping?
LCL shipping allows multiple shippers to share space within one container, making it a cost-effective option for smaller shipments. You only pay for the space your cargo occupies — usually between 2 and 13 cubic metres — rather than the full container.
This method is ideal for small businesses or those with irregular shipping volumes. However, because your goods are consolidated with others, the shipment requires additional handling (consolidation and deconsolidation), which can lead to longer transit times and a slightly higher risk of minor damage. Still, for many, LCL remains a flexible and budget-friendly solution.
Ideal for:
Small-scale manufacturers
Retailers with seasonal demand
Medical equipment and electronics
FCL vs LCL: Which Option is Right for You?
FCL vs LCL: Key Differences and Benefits
| Aspect | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less than Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher upfront cost, but cheaper per cubic metre | More affordable for small shipments |
| Transit Time | Faster, no waiting for consolidation | Longer, requires consolidation and deconsolidation |
| Security | Sealed and untouched from origin to destination | Multiple handling points, higher risk of damage |
| Flexibility | Ideal for bulk shipments, less flexible in volume | Perfect for smaller loads and frequent shipments |
| Handling | Minimal handling reduces risk | More handling points increase risk of minor damage |
| Documentation | Easier and quicker documentation | Requires extra paperwork for shared cargo spaces |
Cost
LCL is usually more affordable for small shipments since you only pay for the space you use. It’s a smart way to avoid paying for unused container volume.
FCL has a higher upfront cost because you’re paying for the entire container — whether it’s full or not. But if you’re shipping in bulk, the cost per cubic metre drops significantly, often making FCL the cheaper option overall for larger loads.
Transit Times
FCL containers are packed, sealed, and shipped without waiting for other cargo. This makes them quicker to process at ports and customs, with fewer delays caused by additional handling.
Transit time: 20 to 45 days, depending on the origin, destination, and shipping route.
LCL shipments, meanwhile, are slower because your cargo must be consolidated with other shipments before leaving, and separated again at the destination. If any of the other shipments in the container are delayed or flagged, yours is delayed too. This extra coordination adds time on both ends of the journey.
Transit time: 25 to 50 days, depending on the same factors.
Handling and Risk Management
When shipping goods internationally, you’ll want your cargo to be properly packed, labelled, and documented. This ensures your items don’t fall out, break, or get lost during transit.
Since FCL shipments remain sealed until they reach their destination, your cargo is far less likely to be damaged or stolen. As a result, FCL is often preferred for fragile or high-value items that can’t be risked with frequent handling.
In contrast, LCL shipments involve cargo being handled multiple times as it is consolidated and deconsolidated at various locations during transit. This increases the risk of damage or loss, so it’s important to properly package and label goods in LCL shipments.
Flexibility
LCL shipping gives you more flexibility when it comes to volume and frequency. You don’t need to wait until you’ve filled a whole container — making it ideal for smaller shipments, managing stock levels, or responding to seasonal demand.
FCL, on the other hand, is less flexible. You pay for the full container whether it’s full or not, so most businesses wait until they have enough cargo to fill it. This can delay shipments and slow down your delivery cycle.
If you ship smaller loads more frequently, LCL is the better fit. FCL works best when you have steady volume and want full control over shipping timelin.
