FCL or LCL — when to choose a full container and when to share one
Sea freight can be arranged in two ways: you book a whole container (FCL) or share a container with other shippers (LCL). The right choice depends mainly on your volume, but also on your deadline and how sensitive the goods are.
What are FCL and LCL?
- FCL (Full Container Load) — the whole container is reserved for your goods. It is loaded at the supplier, sealed and opened only at the destination.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) — your goods are consolidated at a terminal with other shippers' cargo in one container. At the destination terminal the cargo is split again, and you pay only for your own volume.
How is the price calculated?
With FCL you pay a fixed price per container, whether it is full or half empty.
With LCL the price is based on volume — usually per cubic metre (m³) or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. Terminal charges for consolidation and deconsolidation are added.
That is why LCL is clearly cheaper for small volumes, but as the volume grows a full container becomes cheaper. The break-even point is often somewhere around 10–15 m³, but it depends on current rates and the route — we will price both options for you.
Approximate container capacities
| Container | Internal volume | Practical load |
|---|---|---|
| 20' (twenty-foot) | approx. 33 m³ | approx. 25–28 m³ or up to 11 euro pallets |
| 40' (forty-foot) | approx. 67 m³ | approx. 55–58 m³ or 24–25 euro pallets |
| 40' HC (high cube) | approx. 76 m³ | approx. 65–68 m³ |
The practical load is smaller than the internal volume because packages and pallets never fill the space perfectly. For heavy cargo (stone, metal) weight rather than volume is usually the limit.
Pros and cons
FCL advantages: no handling en route, lower risk of damage, generally faster and easier to plan.
FCL drawbacks: you pay for the whole container even if it is not full.
LCL advantages: you pay only for your volume, it suits smaller and regular shipments, and you do not have to wait until you have a full container's worth of goods.
LCL drawbacks: consolidation and deconsolidation add time, the goods are handled more, and a delay with one shipper's cargo (for example at customs) can hold up the whole container.
How to decide
- Under ~10 m³, LCL is almost always cheaper.
- Over ~15 m³, compare with the price of a 20' container.
- If the goods are fragile, valuable or sensitive, consider FCL even for a smaller volume.
- If the deadline is critical, allow for LCL's extra time or consider rail or air freight.
Send us the dimensions and weight of your cargo — we will tell you which option is better for your shipment and why.
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, FCL or LCL?
Usually FCL, because the container does not need to be consolidated with other shippers' cargo at the terminal or split at the destination.
How many euro pallets fit in a 20-foot container?
Typically up to 11 euro pallets in a single layer, and 24–25 in a 40-foot container. The exact number depends on pallet sizes and whether they can be stacked.
Is LCL cargo insured?
Cargo insurance is not automatic with either FCL or LCL. We arrange cargo insurance on request.
Can I ship a single pallet by LCL?
Yes. LCL also suits single pallets and small shipments.
Read also: Sea freight