Key takeaways
- FCL gives you a whole container; LCL shares space with other shippers.
- LCL involves consolidation and de-consolidation, which adds handling steps.
- Compare total landed cost and timing, not just the ocean rate.
FCL vs LCL at a glance
| FCL | LCL | |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Yours alone | Shared |
| Handling | Loaded and sealed at origin | Consolidated and de-consolidated at warehouses |
| Best for | Larger volumes, fragile or high-value cargo | Small volumes |
| Pricing basis | Per container | Per cubic metre / weight |
How to decide
Get both quotes including origin and destination charges, clearance and delivery. As volume grows, FCL often becomes better value, and it avoids the extra handling of shared containers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you handle both FCL and LCL?
Yes. We arrange sea freight, customs clearance and delivery for both.