There is one early decision that needs to be considered when shipping goods internationally by sea: do you book a full container, or share space with other cargo? Get FCL vs LCL right and you can cut costs and protect your delivery timeline. Get it wrong, and a 'cheaper' option can end up costing more once delays and handling fees are added in.
We are going to discuss the methods so you can weigh them against your own shipment volume, budget and timeline. We will also explain where a freight forwarder in the UK fits into that decision.
What Is FCL Shipping?
Full container load means your goods have an entire container to themselves. This will be sealed at origin and only opened at the destination. As this space isn’t shared by anybody else, there is less risk of damage and fewer opportunities for delay.
This option suits businesses with enough volume to fill (or nearly fill) a 20ft or 40ft container. It is also a suitable choice for anyone shipping high-value or fragile stock where minimising handling is more important than saving on space.
What Is LCL Shipping?
Less than container load means your cargo will share the container with other businesses' shipments; you will only pay for the space that you use. This is often well suited to smaller or growing businesses exploring international shipping options without committing to a full container.
The downside to this option is time: LCL cargo must be consolidated with other shipments before departure and separated again on arrival, which tends to add delays to the journey that you wouldn’t experience with FCL.
How Do The Costs Actually Compare?
LCL tends to be cheaper if you have a small shipment, as you aren’t paying for the unused space. But once your cargo starts approaching 12-15 CBM, a FCL then becomes the most cost-effective option per cubic metre. This is especially the case when you factor in the additional handling and documentation charges that come with LCL’s.
When it comes to shipping, there is no universal cheapest answer. The best answer for you depends on:
Your shipment volume
How time-sensitive the delivery is
Whether the goods are fragile or high-value
How predictable your shipping schedule needs to be
Is Sea Freight Always the Right Call, or Should You Consider Air?
FCL and LCL are both sea freight methods, but it is important to consider whether this is the right method for you. Air freight vs sea freight normally comes down to speed versus cost. In the UK, air freight services can move goods in days compared to the weeks it takes with other methods. However, air freight has a significantly higher price per kilo. If you are bulk shipping or have non-urgent cargo, sea freight services remain the most economical choice. FCL or LCL will determine how that container space is used.
Do You Need a Freight Forwarder to Make This Decision?
There is more than just container size that needs to be considered when choosing between FCL and LCL. You must also consider customs documentation, port congestion and consolidation schedules; these will all change route by route. A freight forwarder will handle this complexity for you. At Origin Global Logistics, we will compare international shipping options across sea and air as well as recommend whichever method actually suits your cargo.
If you are new to importing and exporting, explore our ultimate guide to freight forwarding and our guide on freight forwarding mistakes that cost businesses money before you book anything.
So, Which Is Best For Your Business?
If your shipment is small, occasional, or you are still in the testing stage, LCL is the best option to keep costs down while you scale. Whereas if you are regularly shipping or sending items in bulk, FCL is usually the best for speed, cost-per-unit and security. The right answer is dependent on your volume, timeline and how much handling risk you’re comfortable with.
Talk to our team about your next shipment, and we’ll help you work out whether FCL, LCL, air freight or road freight is the most suitable option for your business.
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