LCL is an international ISO standard referring to cargo owned by different consignees that are grouped together in one and the same container.LCL shipping enables importers to ship smaller amounts of cargo that’s not of a large enough volume to make FCL a viable option. At the same time it almost always more cost effective than Air freight.Advantages of LCL shipment:
1. Offers a very affordable middle way for cargo too heavy, but insufficient in volume or weight to make an FCL shipment a non-viable option.
2. More convenient for Cargo Inspections & lower packaging material costs in case a repacking is necessary.
Disadvantages of LCL shipment:
1. Higher price per cubic meter compared to FCL shipments
2. Often a non-viable shipping option for cargo volumes above 15 cbm (cubic meters) due to higher loading, unloading, handling & freight costs per cubic meter compared to FCL shipping.
Why LCL shipping is more risky and requires better packing
It should be obvious to the suppliers that cargo for thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars need protection during the long journey from the factory floor to the importers warehouse. However, many suppliers don’t understand this and provide the buyer with low quality export packing that can result in damaging the cargo.
When transport LCL your cargo shares container space with cargo from other buyers. You have no control over the nature of the cargo which is loaded into the same container. LCL cargo must be prepared to withstand liquids, heavy weight, chemical fumes and sharp objects.