One of the first decisions in ocean freight is whether to ship a full container (FCL) or share space in one (LCL). The right choice depends on volume, budget, timing and how fragile your cargo is.
What is FCL?
Full Container Load means you book an entire container — 20ft or 40ft — for your cargo alone, even if it isn’t completely full. Your goods stay sealed from origin to destination.
What is LCL?
Less-than-Container Load means your shipment shares a container with other companies’ cargo. You pay only for the space you use, measured in cubic meters (CBM).
Cost
LCL is usually cheaper for small volumes. As your volume grows — roughly past 13–15 CBM — FCL often becomes the better value, and you avoid per-CBM handling fees.
Speed and risk
- FCL — typically faster (no consolidation/deconsolidation) and lower handling risk, since the box stays sealed.
- LCL — more touchpoints and slightly longer transit, but ideal when you don’t have enough to fill a container.
Which should you choose?
- Small or test orders, under ~13 CBM → LCL.
- Larger, regular volume or fragile/high-value goods → FCL.
- Not sure? Ask for both quotes and compare landed cost.
Prime Cargo People quotes FCL and LCL across all major trade lanes — get pricing in 15 minutes.