One of the most common questions we get from new importers is whether to book a Full Container Load (FCL) or Less-than-Container Load (LCL). The right answer depends on your volume, timeline and budget.

Choose FCL if:

  • Your cargo fills, or nearly fills, a 20ft or 40ft container
  • You want the fastest possible transit, with no waiting to consolidate with other shippers
  • Your goods are high-value or sensitive, and you want the security of a sealed container all to yourself

Choose LCL if:

  • Your shipment is under roughly 15 cubic metres
  • You are testing a new supplier or product line and don't want to commit to a full container
  • Cost per unit matters more than speed

A simple rule of thumb: if your cargo would fill more than about 60% of a 20ft container, FCL is usually the more economical choice once you compare per-unit freight cost. Below that, LCL typically wins.

Not sure which applies to you? Send us your cargo dimensions and we will tell you straight, with a quote for both options where it is close.