Less-Than-Containerload (LCL)

LCL is a term used when goods do not completely occupy an entire container. When many shipper goods occupy a single container, each shipper’s shipment is considered to be LCL. LCL transportation is generally door-to-door, meaning that the carrier will pick up the shipment at the shipper’s facility and deliver it to the consignee’s facility.

There are two main types of LCL service:

  1. Port-to-port. Port-to-port service is when the carrier picks up the shipment at the port and delivers it to the port.
  2. Door-to-door. Door-to-door service is when the carrier picks up the shipment at the shipper’s facility and delivers it to the consignee’s facility.

LCL service is generally less expensive than shipping an entire container because the shipper only pays for the space that their goods occupy in the container. LCL service is also generally slower than shipping an entire container because the ship has to make multiple stops to pick up and drop off shipments from different consignees.

Related Links

LCL Definition – Less Than Container Load
Container (FCL and LCL)

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