What is LCL?

LCL (Less-than-Container Load) transportation is an ocean freight option when you don't want to pay the cost of a full container for a quantity of cargo that is not enough to fill the entire container. This means that your shipment will share container space with one or more other shippers' shipments.

How does LCL work for me?

Your shipment is delivered to a warehouse or containerized freight station (CFS) where it is loaded into a container with other shippers' shipments. This loading process must be secure and for a higher degree of protection, the container should be operated by your freight forwarder. Once filled, the container is handed over to the ocean carrier for international transportation. At the other end of the spectrum, when the vessel arrives at the destination port, your freight forwarder will collect the container and take it to the destination warehouse or CFS. At this point the container will be unpacked, and your shipment will be separated from the other shippers' shipments. At this stage, it's especially important to make sure that your cargo isn't damaged or lost. This is why it is important to use your NVOCC bill of lading - this document confirms the safe receipt of the inspected cargo entrusted for transportation. Now your freight forwarder can deliver your goods directly to your customer.