FCL vs. LCL Shipping: Which is the Ideal Choice?

It is an abbreviation for Full Container Load, representing one of two primary shipping methods to deliver cargo across the sea. The shipper can sign a container for their shipment only, ensuring they don’t have to share it with other businesses’ cargo.

So, during the process, a dray age carrier will deliver your exclusive container to the port. Upon reaching its destination, another conveyor will transport it to the receiver. As a result, this method of shipping offers shippers enhanced security, peace of mind, and seamless freight logistics.

Pros

• Flat price for an entire container
• Limit the risk of damaged and stolen goods
• Access quicker and more effective transit times
• Unlock the convenience of international transportation for fragile and oversized cargo

It is Less than Container Load, indicating that the shipper’s cargo does not require an entire container. So, exporters share a container with other businesses.

During the international shipping process, the service provider transports your shipment to a unique warehouse referred to as CFS. The Container Freight Station consolidator loads your cargo with multiple others, reducing costs and offering flexibility.

Pros 

• Pay only for the area you book in a container
• Ship fewer goods to save overheads and meet customer demand
• Use it to transport lightweight goods at lower than air freight rates

Despite their differences, these two methods of shipping require the same primary documents. To ensure a smooth, trouble-free process, you should gather the following records:

1. Certificate of Origin
2. Commercial Invoice
3. Ocean Bill of Lading
4. Fumigation and Inspection Certificates
5. Marine (Ocean Freight) Insurance
6. Up-to-date Packing List

Remember that the required documents may vary based on your receiver’s and shipper’s country and the nature of the goods.

By now, we’ve covered the primary differences between these shipping methods. But to choose the ideal ocean freight arrangement, you must go beyond the chief differences. Here’s a deeper dive:

Cargo Cost

FCL containers do not require you to fill the entire space; however, you’ll have to pay the total price when moving your cargo. On the contrary, LCL involves payment for the area your goods cover.

Although most people believe LCL is more budget-friendly, the shipping method may exceed your budget when transporting bulk products. Why? Your cost for ocean freight arrangement depends on the Cubic per Meter (CBM) you occupy.

Service provider will calculate the CBM of your cargo by multiplying the width, length, and height of your entire package. As a result, if you’re shipping a product that requires excess space or is far too fragile for stacking, you’ll have to pay for the area other shippers can’t utilize.

Besides this, LCL and FCL shipping involves handling and chassis fees. Here per unit costs of LCL goods exceed FCL because of logistics and management charges. You might also have less clarity about the handling documentation charges due to multiple goods and consignees.

Cargo Speed

LCL shipments require longer transit times than FCL. The primary reason is that service provider will not move the container until it receives and loads shipments from all the shippers sharing your container.

In addition, multiple container bookings go to differing trans-shipment ports, disrupting your shipment’s arrival times. Your cargo might take extra days to reach the port due to the time spent processing, loading, unloading, and deconsolidating the goods.

So, shippers must check a container’s stuffing date, itinerary, trans-shipment dates, and expected arrival schedules before booking. On the other hand, FCL allows you to save time by delivering the entire cargo to the receiver.

Customs Clearance and Exams

The customs clearance and exams for LCL shipment are similar to FCL. But the primary difference is that any suspicious product in your shared container will undergo a lengthy examination.

In addition, additional examinations, whether an X-ray or a CET, will create costs for all the consignees of a container. Contrarily, FCL involves random customs inspections that are less likely to lead to time-consuming examinations.

But if your shipment gets flagged, you’ll have to shoulder the costs of the customs examination alone. So, it’s best to gauge the risks and costs of customs examinations beforehand.

Cargo Volume

LCL and FCL shipping have different inner dimensions and maximum weights, which makes them ideal for varying purposes. It’s best to choose LCL as your ocean freight arrangement when your shipment volume falls between 1 to 13 m³(70 or 459 ft³).

Conversely, if your shipment exceeds 13 m³ (459 ft³) or you’re shipping oversized cargo, select FCL. You can save costs and time by paying the price of a full container instead of renting unused space.

Cargo Security

Regarding safety, FCL is a better option since it undergoes less handling when moving from one area to another. On the contrary, LCL involves multiple ports, loading and unloading docks, and cargo separation points.

So, LCL poses a higher risk of goods theft, damage, and loss than FCL. Remember that cargo safety is a crucial factor when delivering products.

Container Availability

FCL booking can be tricky, particularly during peak and holiday seasons. However since LCL does not require waiting for a full container, it offers better convenience and speed.

In addition, container availability in exceptional cases can lead to inflation in FCL ocean freight costs.

Flexibility

Unlike Full Container Load shipping, LCL is flexible and adaptable. The shipping method allows you to create a unique itinerary, dividing cargo over multiple ports.

On the contrary, if you want to add numerous containers loading and unloading in FCL, you must include additional costs for sorting, deconsolidation, transportation, and storage.

When deciding between FCL and LCL is impossible, it’s time to contact a logistics partner with expertise in ocean freight. That’s where Atlantic Project Cargo comes into the picture!

Our highly trained and experienced shipping service providers help you gauge the pros and cons of LCL and FCL to make the perfect picture. You can enjoy convenient, cost-effective, and on-time sea transportation by discussing your needs with our dedicated team.
Find an ocean freight solution tailored to your needs by contacting our expert logistics team today!

Comparing the features, advantages, and differences between FCL and LCL can be overwhelming. That’s why you must consider your budget, volume needs, security concerns, and time requirements before booking a container.

You can consult us to ensure you make the perfect ocean freight arrangement decision. Fill out the Form today to get a free LCL or FCL shipping quote!