What is Less than container load (LCL)?

Less than container load (LCL) is a shipping method where goods from multiple shippers are consolidated into a single container for transportation. This approach allows exporters or importers with smaller cargo volumes to share space in a container, making shipping more cost-effective and efficient.

LCL shipping Process

Book an LCL shipment
Initiate your LCL shipment by contacting Express Freight Management, a reputable logistics provider, and providing them with the dimensions and weight of your cargo. They will then prepare and submit the necessary documents, such as the bill of lading, invoice, and packing list. Depending on the cargo type and destination port, additional documents may be required.

Shipping Goods to Warehouse
Express Freight Management will organize the pickup of your goods from your location and transport them to the consolidation warehouse, where they’ll be grouped with other shipments. Alternatively, you can transport them to the warehouse yourself, ensuring they are properly wrapped and ready for loading.

Transport the LCL container to the port
Once packed and prepared, the LCL container is transported to the departure port by Express Freight Management, where it is transferred to the shipping line for transport to the destination.

TransShipment
For shipments to secondary ports, goods may undergo offloading at a transshipment point and transfer to another container. Alternatively, additional cargo may be loaded onto the container before shipping to the final destination port.

Arrival at destination port
Upon arrival at the destination port, Express Freight Management retrieves the container and transports it to a warehouse. Here, the goods are unpacked and distributed to various destinations.

Receiving Your Goods
Conclude the process by receiving your goods at the designated location. Express Freight Management typically arranges last-mile delivery via trucking, or you may choose to collect your goods from the warehouse.

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when should i use LCL shipping?

Deciding whether to opt for LCL shipping hinges on four primary factors: volume, type of cargo, routes, and time.

volume

LCL shipments are typically charged based on the volume of cargo in cubic feet (CBF), where 1 CBF is equivalent to the volume of a standard shipping pallet. If your shipment volume ranges from 1 to 15 CBF, LCL shipping may be a cost-effective option compared to Full Container Load (FCL) shipping. However, if your shipment volume exceeds 15 CBF, FCL shipping might be more suitable to avoid additional handling and consolidation costs.

Type of Cargo

Certain types of cargo may not be suitable for LCL shipping due to compatibility issues or safety regulations. Hazardous materials, for example, often require specialized handling and may need to be shipped separately from non-hazardous goods. It’s essential to ensure that your cargo is compatible with LCL shipping requirements to avoid delays or complications.

Shipping Routes

Availability of LCL shipping routes can vary depending on the shipping company and destination. While major trade routes often have robust LCL services, less common routes or remote locations may have limited options for LCL shipping.

Time Sensitivity

LCL shipping typically involves consolidation of multiple shipments to fill a container, which can extend the overall transit time. If your shipment is time-sensitive and requires expedited delivery, LCL shipping may not be the most suitable option. In such cases, FCL shipping or air freight services may offer faster transit times to meet your delivery deadlines.

LCL Shipping Charges

LCL shipping rates can vary widely depending on multiple factors such as the shipping route, origin and destination, volume of cargo, type of goods, and current market conditions. While rates between $25 to $140 per cubic meter (CBM) may be within the realm of possibility for certain shipments, it’s essential to recognize that these figures are approximate and may not universally apply to all shipments or routes. For accurate pricing, it’s advisable to request a customized quote from Express Freight Management, as they can provide tailored rates based on specific shipment details and prevailing market conditions.

benefits of LCL shipping

Cost-Effective: LCL shipping allows businesses to save on transportation costs by sharing container space with other shippers, making it an economical choice for small to medium-sized shipments.Flexibility: LCL shipping offers flexibility in managing inventory levels and shipping smaller quantities of goods as needed, without the requirement to fill an entire container.

Reduced Inventory Holding Costs: By shipping smaller, more frequent shipments via LCL, businesses can minimize inventory holding costs and free up capital that would otherwise be tied up in inventory.

Global Reach: LCL shipping provides access to a wide range of destinations worldwide, allowing businesses to expand their reach and access new markets without the need for full container loads.

Reduced Risk: With LCL shipping, the risk is spread among multiple shipments within the container, reducing the impact of any potential damage or loss compared to a single, full container load.

Environmental Benefits: By maximizing container space and reducing the number of partially filled containers, LCL shipping can contribute to lower carbon emissions and a more sustainable supply chain.

Overall, LCL shipping offers businesses a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient solution for transporting smaller shipments globally, making it an attractive option for companies looking to optimize their logistics operations.

Express Freight Management

Express Freight Management is your one-stop shipping solutions provider. With a global reach and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure smooth and efficient shipping from start to finish.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your complete satisfaction with our shipping solutions. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to address your needs, resolve any issues promptly, and ensure a smooth shipping experience from start to finish.

Ensuring your satisfaction every step

Global Reach

By being located in one of the world’s busiest port-of-call with free-trade zone benefits, we have served a multitude of clients from around the world. To do so, we have partnered with many companies worldwide such as sea carriers like NVOCCs and VOCCs. This ensures that you get the most efficient routes at the most competitive prices.

Efficient routes, competitive prices

Personalized Experience

We understand that each of our clients needs is unique. Hence, you will be assigned a personal consultant who will assist you with all your shipping enquiries. The consultant will keep you up to date on the status of your shipments and ensure that your goods arrive at your destination safely and promptly.

Dedicated consultant for your needs

FAQs About LCL Logistics Services

How long does LCL shipping take?

LCL shipping typically takes between 6 to 10 weeks to arrive at the destination port, depending on factors such as the origin location and destination. The duration includes time needed for consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo.

LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping involves grouping multiple shipments from different customers into a single container, while FCL (Full Container Load) shipping dedicates an entire container to a single customer’s cargo. In LCL shipping, customers pay only for the space they use, whereas in FCL shipping, they pay for the entire container.

When deciding between LCL and FCL shipping, factors to consider include the volume of cargo, type of cargo, shipping routes available, and urgency of delivery. LCL is suitable for smaller shipments, while FCL is preferable for larger volumes. The type of cargo may also dictate the choice, as hazardous materials often require FCL shipping. Additionally, LCL shipping may take longer than FCL due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes.