FCL vs LCL in Sea Freight: What Is the Difference?
If your sea freight shipment fills a container, FCL is the natural choice; if it does not, LCL comes into play. Here is how the two work, the standard container sizes and how to choose between them.
What is FCL?
FCL (full container load) is the form of sea freight in which a container is reserved for the cargo of a single shipper. The container is loaded and sealed at the shipper's warehouse or factory and travels to its destination without being opened. A container can be reserved for one shipment even if the cargo does not fill it completely.
What is LCL?
LCL (less than container load) means that cargo which does not fill a container is combined with cargo from other shippers in the same container. The shipments are collected at a consolidation warehouse at the port of loading (CFS – container freight station) and loaded into the container; at the port of discharge the container is unpacked and the shipments are separated for their consignees.
This is the sea freight counterpart of the full and part load distinction in road transport, which we explain in our guide to LTL and FTL transport.
Key differences at a glance
| Criterion | LCL | FCL |
|---|---|---|
| Use of the container | Several shippers share the same container | The container is reserved for a single shipper |
| Suitable volume | From a few cartons or pallets up to volumes that do not fill a container | Cargo that fills most or all of a container |
| Handling | Cargo is handled at a warehouse at origin and destination | The container is not opened on the way |
| Cost structure | Shared, based on the volume and weight of the cargo | Per container |
| Planning | Follows the consolidation schedule | The loading plan is built around the shipment |
Standard container sizes
The approximate internal volumes of the three dry cargo containers used most often in sea freight are as follows:
| Container | Approx. internal volume | Euro pallets in one layer |
|---|---|---|
| 20' standard | 33 m³ | 11 |
| 40' standard | 67 m³ | 23–25 |
| 40' high cube | 76 m³ | 23–25 |
A high cube container has the same floor area as a standard 40' container but is about 30 centimetres taller, which is why it is preferred for light but bulky cargo. Pallet counts vary with the loading pattern and pallet size, and every container also has a maximum weight it can carry.
How is LCL freight calculated?
For LCL shipments, freight is usually calculated on a W/M (weight or measurement) basis: the volume of the cargo in cubic metres is compared with its weight in tonnes, and the higher figure is used. In common sea freight practice, 1 cubic metre is treated as equivalent to 1 tonne. That is why it is important to state the dimensions and gross weight of the cargo correctly.
When is LCL the better choice?
- When your cargo is not large enough to fill a container,
- When you want to ship in smaller batches to reduce stock costs,
- When your cargo is sturdily packed and suitable for travelling with other cargo.
When does FCL stand out?
- When your cargo fills most of a container,
- When you ship sensitive, fragile or high-value goods and want to keep handling to a minimum,
- When your cargo is not suitable for travelling with other cargo,
- When you want the container delivered sealed and unopened.
Frequently asked questions
Can cargo that does not fill a container be shipped as FCL?
Yes. A container can be reserved for a single shipper even when it is not full. In that case it is important to secure the cargo so that it cannot shift inside the container.
Will my cargo get mixed up with other cargo in LCL?
Each shipment is tracked with its own labels and documents. Sturdy packaging and clear labelling help the consolidation and separation stages run smoothly.
Does choosing FCL or LCL affect the delivery terms?
Who is responsible at each stage of the journey is decided by the delivery terms agreed between the parties. We cover this in detail in our Incoterms guide.
This article is for general information only. Regulations and practices vary by country and product and may change over time; contact our team for advice specific to your shipment.
