LCL Cargo (Less Than Container Load)

LCL shipping is a shipping method used for smaller cargo when the overall size of the goods for export is not big enough to fill a 20’ container. When LCL shipping is used, the goods are still loaded inside a 20’ shipping container and transported the exact same way but the goods are loaded inside a shared shipping container along with other party’s cargo to fill the container (a consolidated container). The freight cost is charged out depending on the overall product size or weight, the shipping rate will be charged out per cubic meter of cargo (m3) or per Metric Tonne (1,000kg) in weight, whichever is greater. There are more handling costs involved when shipping LCL cargo as pallets have to be loaded and unloaded more often, incurring more handling charges.