What LCL Means

LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers’ goods. You pay only for the space you use, which makes it the standard option for shipments below roughly 15 CBM. Above that volume, a dedicated FCL container is usually cheaper per cubic metre.

LCL vs Express vs FCL

	LCL	Express / Air	FCL
Best volume	1-15 CBM	Under ~2 CBM or urgent	15 CBM and above
Cost per CBM	Low to medium	Highest	Lowest at scale
Transit	Slower – consolidation adds days	Fastest	Direct sailing
Handling	Extra loading/unloading at CFS	Door-to-door courier	Sealed container, less handling

How LCL Freight Is Calculated

LCL is charged on the revenue ton – the greater of the volume in CBM and the weight in tonnes (1 CBM = 1,000 kg). A shipment of 3.2 CBM weighing 4,100 kg is billed as 4.1 revenue tons, not 3.2. On top of the ocean freight there are origin charges (CFS handling, documentation) and destination charges (deconsolidation, delivery), which we quote together so the total is visible upfront.

Weekly Consolidation From Nansha

Because we consolidate in our own warehouse, your cargo does not wait for an external co-loader’s schedule. Goods are received, checked and loaded on the next scheduled consolidation, with photos and measurement reports shared before dispatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cargo do I need for LCL?
LCL makes sense from about 1 CBM up to roughly 15 CBM. Below 1 CBM, express or air is often simpler; above 15 CBM, compare an FCL rate before booking.

How is LCL freight calculated?
On revenue tons – the greater of CBM and weight in tonnes (1 CBM = 1,000 kg). Origin and destination charges are quoted separately so you see the full landed cost.

Is LCL safe for fragile cargo?
Your cargo shares a container, so packing quality matters. We inspect cartons at the warehouse and can reinforce or repack fragile goods before loading.