Less Container Load (FCL) Ocean Freight Shipping
Less container load shipping from China can seem like an ideal option. By sharing container space with other shippers, businesses can avoid the expense of booking an entire container for smaller shipments.
LCL shipping is best when your cargo is under 10-15 cubic meters. It usually takes longer than FCL. Your cargo needs to be consolidated and deconsolidated, which adds time.
LCL Shipping Services We Provide
LCL shipping is a method of shipment where your cargo doesn’t fill a full container – in other words, it takes up ‘less than a container load’. LCL shipping allows your goods to share container space with other small shipments to make up a full container between them. This way, you only pay for the space you use.
LCL (Less Than Container Load) - 25+ Years of Consolidation Expertise
When to Choose LCL:
✓ Smaller shipments not requiring full container
✓ Testing new markets or products with lower volumes
✓ Seasonal or irregular shipping patterns
✓ When you’re building toward FCL volumes
How Our Team Manages Your LCL Shipment
Expert Consolidation: Our experienced operations specialists expertly consolidate your freight at the origin with professional care and attention to detail
Careful Deconsolidation: Our partner teams handle the complex process of carefully deconsolidating your freight at the destination port, with direct oversight from your account manager
Unified Tracking: Even in a shared container, you get the same full visibility and milestone updates on our platform as an FCL shipment, plus personalized communication from your dedicated team
Our Global Carrier Network
Partnering with the world’s leading shipping carriers to deliver reliable global logistics solutions.
Global Coverage
Comprehensive network spanning major ports and trade routes worldwide.
Fast Transit
Optimized routes and schedules for timely delivery across all destinations.
Reliable Service
Trusted partnerships ensuring consistent and dependable shipping solutions.
How Much Does LCL Shipping Cost?
Less-than-container load (LCL) shipping is billed by cubic meter (CBM), so you don’t have to pay for an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container—you only pay for the actual volume your cargo occupies.
| Trade Lane | Rate per CBM (USD) | Transit Time (CFS-to-CFS) | Peak Season Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| China → US West Coast | $85 – $165 | 28-38 days | 15-25% |
| China → US East Coast | $110 – $195 | 35-46 days | 18-28% |
| China → Europe (North Sea) | $75 – $155 | 30-42 days | 12-20% |
| China → Europe (Mediterranean) | $80 – $160 | 32-45 days | 15-22% |
| India → US West Coast | $95 – $180 | 32-42 days | 20-30% |
| India → Europe | $70 – $150 | 25-36 days | 15-25% |
| India → Middle East | $45 – $95 | 12-18 days | 10-15% |
| Southeast Asia → US | $90 – $175 | 30-46 days | 18-28% |
| Southeast Asia → Europe | $75 – $155 | 28-40 days | 15-22% |
| Vietnam → US West Coast | $88 – $168 | 29-40 days | 16-26% |
| Bangladesh → US | $100 – $185 | 32-45 days | 20-30% |
| Europe → US East Coast | $65 – $140 | 18-27 days | 10-18% |
| US → Europe | $60 – $130 | 16-25 days | 8-15% |
| Brazil → US East Coast | $70 – $145 | 20-28 days | 12-18% |
Tips:
LCL Cost Breakdown
Ocean freight is the largest single component of your LCL cost, but it’s not just a flat per-CBM rate. Carriers add multiple surcharges that fluctuate monthly. Understanding each one helps you predict cost swings and negotiate smarter.
| Cost Component | Typical Range per CBM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight (base rate) | $40 – $180 | Varies by route, season, and demand. This is the carrier’s rate for space. |
| Origin CFS charges | $15 – $40 | Handling, documentation, storage at origin Container Freight Station. Per-CBM or minimum. |
| Origin pickup/delivery | $50 – $200 (per shipment) | Local drayage from supplier to origin CFS. Usually not per-CBM but fixed shipment cost. |
| Documentation & filing | $50 – $150 (per shipment) | Bill of lading, Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI), export documentation processing. |
| Ocean surcharges (BAF/CAF/PSS) | $5 – $40 per CBM | Bunker Adjustment Factor (fuel), Currency Adjustment Factor, Peak Season Surcharge. Variable and updated monthly. |
| Destination CFS charges | $15 – $40 | Handling, storage, deconsolidation at destination. Per-CBM or minimum charge. |
| Customs clearance & brokerage | $100 – $350 (per shipment) | Broker fees for customs filing. Usually fixed per shipment, not per-CBM. |
| Destination drayage/delivery | $100 – $500 (per shipment) | Local delivery from destination CFS to final address. Depends on destination city. |
| Cargo insurance | $0.8 – $2 per CBM | Optional. Covers loss/damage. Usually 0.8-1.5% of cargo value. |
Tips:
LCL Shipping Step-by-step Process
From quote to delivery, our expert team ensures your shipment moves smoothly through every step.
1
Booking the LCL Shipment
Shipper shipment details, such as cargo type, weight, volume, destination, and delivery timelines, are shared. Based on this information, the forwarder confirms space availability and provides a shipping schedule.
2
Cargo Pickup or Delivery to the Warehouse
Once the booking is confirmed, the cargo is either picked up from the shipper’s location or delivered by the shipper to a designated consolidation warehouse.
3
Sorting and Grouping of Cargo
In this stage of the process of LCL consolidation, shipments are sorted based on destination, shipping route, and vessel schedule. Cargo heading to the same destination or region is grouped together.
4
Consolidation into a Container
5
Container Loading and Sea Transit
6
Arrival at Destination Port
When the vessel reaches the destination port, the container is unloaded and moved to a designated deconsolidation warehouse.
7
Deconsolidation and Separation
Warehouse staff open the container and separate each shipper’s cargo. They inspect for damage, verify seals, and confirm all items match the documentation. Each shipment is now isolated.
8
Final Delivery
Your cargo is released for delivery. You pick it up from the destination CFS or arrange final-mile delivery to your address.