LCL
Less than Container Load
LCL means your cargo shares a container with cargo from other shippers. You pay only for the space your goods use.
In plain words
A forwarder (or consolidator) collects cargo from many shippers at a warehouse, called a CFS (Container Freight Station). It packs the goods into one container, ships it, and unpacks it at a CFS at destination. Each shipper gets its own House B/L.
LCL is usually priced per cubic metre or per 1,000 kg, whichever is higher (often written “W/M”). It is good for small shipments, but it takes longer than FCL because of consolidation and unpacking. If one shipment in the container has a customs problem, the others may wait too. Pack your goods well, because they are handled more times.
Example from real shipping
A small shop in Istanbul exports 4 pallets of ceramics (3.5 m³, 900 kg) to Hamburg. It does not need a whole container. The forwarder groups the pallets with other cargo in an LCL container. The shop pays for 3.5 m³, because the volume charge is higher than the weight charge.
Related terms
- FCLFCL means you book a whole container only for your cargo. Nobody else's goods are inside, even if your cargo does not fill it.
- HBL / MBLA Master B/L (MBL) is issued by the shipping line to the freight forwarder. A House B/L (HBL) is issued by the forwarder to the real shipper of the goods.
- Chargeable weightChargeable weight is the weight the carrier uses to calculate the price. It is the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
Have a shipment in mind?
Tell us about your cargo, and we will explain the documents and costs for your route.
Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.