LCL vs FCL

What you can expect with LCL & FCL

When shipping via sea-freight, you can either fill a container (FCL) or share a container (LCL). But what is the difference and what is best for your shipment? That depends on a few factors outlined below.

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What is FCL?

FCL (full container load) is when you use an entire container to transport your goods. When shipping FCL, there is a flat rate for the container, and you fill it entirely with your own shipment.

What is LCL?

LCL (less than container load) consolidates multiple supplier shipments into a shared container. This allows businesses to move smaller stock quantities and pay for the space they use instead of for an entire container.

LCL and FCL Pros and Cons

Neither method is superior; it just depends on which is more suitable for your needs. What is more appropriate depends on the size and volume of your shipment. There are advantages and disadvantages for each depending on your situation and budget. We have made a list of pros and cons for each below to help you decide which method is best for your business and freight requirements.

FCL Shipments

PROS

Flexibility

FCL is straightforward and direct with the transport operator and is entirely customised to your individual needs.

Safety

FCL is less likely to damage goods as the container is packed with just your goods and not opened until it reaches its destination.

Speed

FCL has a faster delivery typically when compared to LCL because customs and inspections processes are more straightforward when all the goods belong to a single supplier.

CONS

High Costs

You pay for the entire container usage, which often is more expensive than LCL

Unfit for small shipments

FCL is not suitable for exporters with smaller cargo volumes.

LCL Shipments

PROS

Low Costs

By shipping your goods LCL, costs are shared with other suppliers shipping in the same container.

Inventory holding minimized

Due to the possibility of shipping smaller volumes, LCL helps reduce the cost of keeping a high inventory of goods.

CONS

Higher likelihood of damages

There may be a higher chance of damaged goods as you have no say over what else is shipped in the same container. The container may be opened, unloaded, and loaded again at various port locations, increasing the possibility of damage to goods.

Delivery speed

Once an LCL shipment arrives in port, the different parcels inspected and documents matched. For this reason, LCL shipments usually take longer to pass customs.

Considerations

Financial considerations will heavily influence the choice of shipping method, however, suppliers must also consider security. With grouped shipment, loading and unloading operations at possibly various ports may give more opportunity for damage, loss, or theft of goods. Clients who need secure transport prefer to use FCL as the container is sealed after loading and will not be opened again until it arrives at its destination.

For more information about our FCL/ LCL services or if you have an unusual load request, reach out to our sales team on 01268 525 444 or email sales@barringtonfreight.co.uk.

     Excellent  
     Based on 163 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Joe Archer 
 2024-06-08
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service all round!
  
 
       
   David Smith 
 2024-05-20
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Needed Help getting an odd piece of machinery from the EU and got all the help I needed.
  
 
       
   Kay Sherry 
 2024-04-23
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Simon Pool from Barrington freight was very helpful and door to door service  to S.Korea was excellent,  pick up and delivery services on time. I highly recommend Barrington Freight for air cargo services.
Thank you Simon and the team!

Kay
  
 
       
   Daniel Gardner 
 2024-04-03
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Barrington where incredible at delivering our goods on-time despite the new Brexit regulations on goods being imported. We even didn't pay tax on the returning shipment coming back to German.
  
 
       
   Drewit Studio 
 2024-03-25
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant service. Extremely helpful, and they supported us all the way through the process of transporting goods to mainland Europe, which for anyone who hasn't done that before can seem quite daunting.
Would definitely recommend using this company.
  
 
       
   Jason Scott 
 2024-03-22
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Barrington was brilliant. They really looked out for us, tackling our tough shipping/freight requirements keeping us informed at every stage of the process. Thank you
  
 
       
   James Ayre 
 2024-03-21
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. kept up to date with all progress, i know they had a particularly troubling time with import customs messing up paperwork but sorted all that out for me. highly reccomend will use again
  
 
       
   Peter Seal 
 2024-03-08
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent company, very efficient and great communication.
Competitive , quick quotes!
  
 
       
   LOFT&VINTAGE Kft. 
 2024-03-02
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are very satisfied, we would like to thank the team for this with an awesome rating! They handled the delivery of a very sensitive, valuable, gigantic pallet for us at a fair price and without any problems. I mean, out of 4 companies, only they were able to undertake it. Nothing is damaged! We recommend the company to everyone :)