Which is cheaper between LCL and FCL

There are two main ways of shipping cargo overseas: Less than Container Loads (LCL) and Full Container Loads (FCL). So, which is cheaper between the two? To answer this fundamental question, we need to understand how pricing works for both LCL and FCL. Pricing for LCL is based on the shipment’s cubic meters (CBM), while pricing for FCL is based on the container size.

Generally speaking, an LCL shipment will be cheaper if you ship a smaller amount of goods because you are only paying for the space your goods occupy in the container rather than the entire container.

However, FCL can be more cost-effective if you ship a more significant amount of goods because you pay for the entire container, giving you more space to fill with goods. In addition, FCL can be more efficient as it minimizes the handling of your goods, which can lead to damage.

Another critical factor to consider is the type of goods you are shipping. If you are shipping perishable goods or goods sensitive to temperature, FCL may be a better option as it allows you to control the environment in which your goods are shipped more thoroughly.

What are the main benefits of using containers for international shipments?

Containers offer several benefits for international shipments:

• They provide security for your goods as they are locked and sealed.
• They protect your goods from the elements and damage.
• They are efficient as they can be loaded directly onto ships, trains and trucks.
• They are cost-effective as you only pay for the space your goods occupy.

What are the disadvantages of using containers for international shipments?

There are a few disadvantages to using containers for international shipments. Firstly, if you are shipping a small number of goods, you may pay more per unit of cargo than if you were shipping LCL.

Secondly, if you are shipping perishable or temperature-sensitive goods, you will need to ensure that the container is temperature-controlled, which can add to the shipping cost. Finally, if your goods are damaged in transit, you may have difficulty claiming insurance as the container will have been sealed.

Find the best international shipping company

You should keep a few things in mind when looking for an international shipping company. Firstly, you should check that the company is registered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

It would help if you asked about their experience shipping to your destination country. Thirdly, you should ask for quotes from a few different companies so that you can compare prices. 

It would help if you read online reviews of the company before deciding. Nowadays, many people use social media to connect with friends and family who live overseas, which has made it so much easier to stay in touch with loved ones no matter where they are in the world. However, sending gifts and packages can also be expensive to friends and family who live overseas can also be expensive. 

If you want a cost-effective way to send gifts and packages overseas, you should consider using an international shipping company. These shipping companies offer various services to help you save money on your shipments. For example, many international shipping companies offer discounts for bulk shipments. In addition, they may also offer discounts for shipping to certain countries or shipping during off-peak periods.

When choosing an international shipping company, you should compare prices and services before deciding. You can find a list of international shipping companies on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website. The website of the IATA provides a list of registered international shipping companies, and you can use this list to compare prices and services before deciding.

The bottom line

So, which is cheaper between LCL and FCL? Ultimately, it depends on the number of goods you are shipping and the type of goods you are shipping. If you are unsure, it is always best to speak to a freight forwarder to get the best advice for your situation.