FCL vs LCL: Which is Right for You?
Full Container Load vs Less than Container Load — understand the differences, costs, and when to use each shipping method.
You book an entire container (20ft or 40ft) exclusively for your cargo. The container is sealed at origin and opened only at destination.
Container Sizes:
- • 20ft: ~33 CBM capacity
- • 40ft: ~67 CBM capacity
Your cargo shares a container with other shippers' goods. You pay only for the space your shipment occupies (charged per CBM).
Typical Minimum:
1 CBM (cubic meter)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | FCL | LCL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per unit | Lower (fixed container cost) | Higher (pay for space used) |
| Minimum shipment size | Full container (20ft or 40ft) | Any size (1 CBM minimum) |
| Transit time | Faster (direct loading) | Slower (consolidation delays) |
| Cargo security | Higher (sealed container) | Lower (shared container) |
| Flexibility | Less flexible | More flexible |
| Customs clearance | Simpler (single consignment) | More complex (multiple consignments) |
When to Use Each Method
- Shipment volume ≥ 15 CBM (20ft container) or ≥ 30 CBM (40ft container)
- High-value or sensitive cargo requiring exclusive container
- Regular large shipments with predictable volume
- Need for faster transit times
- Prefer simpler logistics and customs clearance
- Shipment volume < 15 CBM
- Smaller businesses or occasional shippers
- Testing new markets with smaller quantities
- Need flexibility without committing to full container
- Budget constraints make FCL cost-prohibitive
FCL Costs:
- • Fixed container rate (regardless of how full)
- • Lower cost per CBM for large volumes
- • Additional charges: terminal handling, documentation
LCL Costs:
- • Charged per CBM (cubic meter)
- • Higher cost per CBM compared to FCL
- • Additional charges: consolidation/deconsolidation, CFS fees
💡 Tip:
If your shipment is close to 15 CBM, compare FCL vs LCL costs. Sometimes FCL can be more economical even if you don't fill the container.
FCL Transit:
Generally faster because your container is loaded directly onto the vessel without waiting for consolidation. Typical transit: 15-30 days depending on route.
LCL Transit:
Slower due to consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination. Additional 3-7 days compared to FCL. Typical transit: 20-35 days depending on route.
Quick Decision Guide
Measure Your Volume
Calculate total CBM: Length × Width × Height (in meters) × quantity
Compare Costs
Get quotes for both FCL and LCL from your freight forwarder
Consider Your Needs
Factor in transit time requirements, cargo security needs, and shipment frequency
Make the Decision
Choose FCL for large volumes and faster transit, LCL for smaller shipments and flexibility