Less than Container Load (LCL)
LCL means several shippers share one container and pay by volume (CBM) — suited to cargo too small to fill a whole container.
LCL means that when your cargo cannot fill a container, a forwarder consolidates goods from multiple shippers into one container; you pay only for the space you use, typically priced by volume (CBM), with the chargeable amount taken as the greater of volumetric and actual weight (revenue ton).
Practical notes for Chinese exporters: LCL is billed 'weight or measurement, whichever is greater,' usually with a minimum charge (often a 1 CBM floor), plus consolidation/deconsolidation and destination CFS handling fees — always clarify whether a quote is port-to-port or door-to-door. LCL suits small batches, trial orders, and replenishment. Be aware that sharing a container exposes goods to moisture, crushing, odor transfer, and customs holds caused by others; destination charges can be opaque and high on arrival; and many LCL services refuse or surcharge dangerous, battery, magnetic, or sensitive cargo.
FAQ
- Why is my LCL quote cheap but extra fees appear on arrival?
- LCL destination ports usually carry local charges — CFS deconsolidation, release/handover, documentation — and some forwarders quote only ocean freight at origin, leaving destination charges to the consignee. Before booking, insist on knowing whether the rate is all-in or excludes destination charges, and get a destination charge list to avoid being held up on arrival.
- How is LCL chargeable volume calculated?
- It is generally the actual outer-carton volume (length × width × height in metres, giving CBM), compared with weight and charged on the greater value; a 1 CBM minimum is common. The conversion ratio varies by service, so use the CBM / chargeable-weight tool with your measured dimensions rather than a fixed factor.
Sources: https://www.maersk.com/support/faqs/less-than-container-load · https://www.maersk.com/insights/integrated-logistics/2023/05/19/benefits-of-less-than-container-load