Shipping usually refers to containers. However, if you do not have enough materials to fill a 20 foot or 40 foot FCL, you can usually pack one less container (LCL).
LCL is used to combine multiple batches of goods and package them in one container. This means that freight forwarders need to do more work, not just integrate various goods into a container before the main transportation, and unload goods at the other end of the actual work.
Tracking one of many goods in a container is more difficult than tracking a complete container. Of course, there is additional paperwork and more risk of delay.
For larger LCL shipments, upgrading to 20ft containers and FCL shipping is usually more meaningful. The critical point is usually about 15m3. FCL has three advantages over LCL:
The delivery time of FCL is shorter than that of LCL. For China and the United States, LCL usually takes an additional one to two weeks.
The FCL is unlikely to be damaged, misaligned, or missing.
FCL costs less. For the average shipment volume, the main transportation cost is usually twice the FCL cost per cubic meter.
As a leading ocean freight forwarder China and non vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC No.: MOC-NV09845), we have established close cooperation with shipping companies to provide frequent and competitive services for full containers at all major ports in China, handle all conventional cargo transportation, and provide our customers with shipping services from China to the world, as well as a reliable Flexible one-stop solution for FCL and LCL.
What’s FCL and LCL transportation from China to the US
FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) are two common methods of shipping cargo from China to the United States, and they differ in how cargo is loaded and transported.
FCL (Full Container Load):
Definition: FCL refers to a shipping arrangement in which an entire container is exclusively reserved and loaded with one shipper’s cargo. The shipper pays for the use of the entire container, regardless of whether it is fully or partially loaded.
Advantages:
FCL offers greater control and security over your cargo since the container is sealed and dedicated solely to your shipment.
It is typically faster to load and unload at ports since there is no need to consolidate or deconsolidate cargo.
You are not charged based on the volume or weight of your cargo within the container, making it cost-effective for large shipments.
Suitability: FCL is ideal for businesses or individuals shipping large quantities of goods, bulky items, or products that need to remain separate from other shipments due to their nature or value.
LCL (Less than Container Load):
Definition: LCL involves consolidating cargo from multiple shippers into a single container. Each shipper pays only for the space they occupy within the container, making it cost-effective for smaller shipments that do not fill an entire container.
Advantages:
LCL allows smaller shippers to access international shipping services without the cost of reserving an entire container.
It is a flexible option for shipments of varying sizes since multiple shippers can share the same container.
Shippers can reduce shipping costs by sharing container space and consolidating cargo.
Suitability: LCL is suitable for businesses or individuals with smaller shipments or those who do not require the exclusive use of a full container. It is commonly used for goods that do not fill a container on their own or for those who want to save on shipping costs.
What’s FCL and LCL transportation from China to the US? Choosing FCL or LCL depends on your specific shipping needs, budget, and the volume of goods being shipped. Working with a Basenton logistics provider is critical, we can help you determine the most cost-effective and efficient option for your specific shipment from China to the United States.