Less than container load / LCL

The abbreviation LCL stands for “Less than Container Load” and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are therefore combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. The opposite of this is FCL – ‘Full Container Load’ .

Loading and unloading via CFS

The grouping takes place via special container freight stations – English: Container Freight Station (CFS) – which are usually located in the vicinity of terminal facilities or in the vicinity of large warehouses. A CFS collects smaller loads and brings them together in a container. She is also responsible for unloading consolidated containers. A separate sea waybill (B/L = bill of lading) or a bill of lading is issued for each LCL, to which the general cargo can be assigned without a doubt.

Inexpensive, but not fast

Above all, LCL transports offer senders cost advantages and some advantages in terms of practical handling and stowage. Only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the general cargo for the respective use of the container volume. Stowage on a wooden pallet or packing in wooden crates is often sufficient to transport LCL. The main disadvantage is the time it takes. Handling is more time-consuming and LCL transports are usually longer on the road than FCL transports, as several intermediate stations may have to be called at. LCL transports therefore make little sense for time-critical and fast transport.