How LCL is priced, which extra charges it carries, where the break-even with a full container usually sits — and the cases where FCL wins even below it.
FCL (full container load) means the whole container is yours. LCL (less than container load) means your pallets share a container with other shippers' cargo. For importers buying from China, Southeast Asia or India, the choice between them is one of the biggest levers on total cost — and it is not always the obvious one.
How LCL is priced
LCL is charged per revenue ton (W/M): 1 cubic metre or 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. A shipment of 6 m³ weighing 2,000 kg is charged as 6 W/M; 3 m³ weighing 4,500 kg is charged as 4.5 W/M. On top of the ocean rate come charges that FCL does not have in the same form:
- CFS charges at origin and destination for consolidating and deconsolidating the container;
- destination handling and documentation fees per shipment;
- often a minimum charge — usually 1 W/M — so very small shipments cost more per m³.
Where the break-even usually sits
Add up the LCL cost — W/M × rate plus CFS and destination fees — and compare it with the all-in cost of a 20' container. On most Asia–Baltic lanes the crossover typically falls somewhere around 13–15 m³. Above that, a full 20' container is usually cheaper, even if it travels partly empty. A 20' DV holds up to about 33 m³; a 40' HC about 76 m³.
Check how much actually fits with our container specifications and the volume and chargeable-weight calculators.
When FCL wins even below the break-even
- Time matters. LCL adds days at both ends for consolidation and deconsolidation, and the box only sails when it is full enough.
- Fragile or high-value goods. Every extra handling in a CFS warehouse is a chance for damage.
- Customs risk. In a shared container, one other consignment held by customs can delay everyone's cargo.
- Dangerous goods. Many consolidators accept DG in LCL only with restrictions, if at all.
- Regular volumes. If you ship every few weeks, combining two LCL orders into one FCL often lowers the cost per unit.
When LCL is the right call
Small, regular orders; testing a new supplier; samples and spare parts; or stock you would rather not tie up capital in. For these, LCL keeps cash and warehouse space free and lets you order more often.
A quick decision rule
- Under ~10 m³ and not urgent: LCL.
- 10–15 m³: get both quotes — the answer depends on the lane and the fees.
- Over ~15 m³, fragile, urgent or high-value: FCL.
How Cargo 4S helps
Send us the volume, weight and route, and we quote FCL and LCL side by side with all origin and destination charges included, so you compare the real total — not just the ocean rate.
FAQ
- At what volume is FCL cheaper than LCL?
- On most Asia–Baltic lanes the crossover typically sits around 13–15 m³, but it depends on the lane and the CFS and destination fees, so compare both quotes.
- What is a revenue ton (W/M)?
- The LCL charging unit: 1 cubic metre or 1,000 kg, whichever is greater.
- Is LCL slower than FCL?
- Usually yes. Consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination add days compared with a full container.
