LCL (Less than Container Load)
Consolidated ocean shipping where multiple shippers share one container, each paying per CBM or freight ton of space used.
In detail
LCL (also called groupage or consolidation) is the standard option for shipments under 10–12 CBM. A forwarder or NVOCC consolidates cargo from multiple shippers into one container, then issues a House B/L to each. The freight rate is charged per CBM (cubic meter) or freight ton — whichever is higher. Freight ton: max(actual CBM, actual tonnes). LCL transit time is longer than FCL by 3–7 days due to consolidation at the Container Freight Station (CFS) at origin and deconsolidation at destination. Risk: if any other cargo in the same container triggers a customs inspection or hold, your shipment may be delayed. LCL is ideal for: first test orders, seasonal supplementary orders, and businesses whose volumes are below the FCL break-even threshold.
Examples
- →3 CBM sample order from Shenzhen → LCL consolidated to 40HC → House B/L issued to importer
Related terms
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipment occupying an entire ocean container — 20DC, 40DC, or 40HC — booked and sealed by one shipper.
CBM (Cubic Meter)
The standard unit of volume measurement in international freight; 1 CBM = 1 m³; used to price LCL shipments.
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)
A freight intermediary that acts as a carrier to shippers (issuing House B/Ls) but books space wholesale from actual vessel operators.
Freight Forwarder
A company that arranges international cargo transportation on behalf of shippers — booking carriers, managing documentation, and coordinating the logistics chain.