What is FCL?
With FCL, you book an entire container for your goods. It is loaded and sealed at origin and opened at destination, and you pay a price per container regardless of how full it is.
What is LCL?
With LCL, your goods are consolidated with other shipments in a shared container. You pay mainly according to the volume (in cubic meters, CBM) or weight of your cargo, usually with a minimum charge.
Comparing the two
| FCL | LCL | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Per container | Per CBM or weight, with a minimum |
| Best for | Larger volumes | Smaller shipments |
| Transit time | Usually more direct | Extra time for consolidation and deconsolidation |
| Handling | Loaded and sealed once | Handled together with other cargo |
| Control | The container is yours | Depends on consolidation schedules |
How to decide
Start by calculating the total volume of your cartons. As a general guide, shipments of a few cubic meters are usually shipped LCL, while larger volumes often become more economical as FCL. In the middle range, compare real quotations for both options — including charges at destination — before deciding.
Read more: CBM & container calculator
Container sizes at a glance
| Container | Approx. internal volume | Practical loading volume |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | ≈ 33 CBM | ≈ 25–28 CBM |
| 40ft standard | ≈ 67 CBM | ≈ 55–58 CBM |
| 40ft high cube | ≈ 76 CBM | ≈ 65–68 CBM |
Practical volume depends on carton sizes, stacking, and weight limits.
What about air freight?
For urgent, light, or high-value goods, air freight may be more suitable. Air charges are based on the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight — commonly calculated as 167 kg per CBM.
Not sure which option suits your shipment? Share your carton details, and we will compare the practical options for you.
General guidance. Requirements vary by product, route, and date, so they are confirmed for each request.