Less than Container Load Shipping Simplified: The Power of LCL

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Less than Container Load Shipping Simplified: The Power of LCL

14/08/2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Less than container load shipping offers increased flexibility for smaller shipments making it ideal for companies with smaller or irregular shipment volumes.
  • Business can ship smaller batches more frequently with LCL helping to make supply chains more agile.
  • The required cargo consolidation and additional handling with less than container load shipping can result in longer transit times and limited packing risks.


Whether you're a start-up importing raw materials, a fashion retailer launching a new collection, or a tech company restocking urgently, you may sometimes need to ship cargo in smaller batches than usual.

At times like these, less than container load shipping (LCL) is a huge advantage. Allowing multiple shippers to transport their goods within a single container, LCL shipping ensures you can still ship your cargo around the world- even if you don’t have enough to fill an entire container by yourself!

LCL vs. FCL: When Less is More

Unlike LCL shipping, FCL (full container load) shipping is when a business uses and pays for an entire shipping container, regardless of whether they fill it or not. While there are certain situations where this is needed, there are other cases when LCL container shipping can be more appropriate. For example.

  • If your cargo is occupying less than 15 cubic metres, less than container load shipping may be more economical as you’re only paying for the space occupied rather than the whole container.
  • When it comes to inventory, LCL freight methods can make it easier to maintain your inventory levels by encouraging you to import cargo in smaller batches more frequently.

Less than Container Load Shipping: Overcoming Challenges

However, there are some challenges with LCL shipping which you should be aware of when evaluating LCL as an option. These include:

Longer transit times

The need to consolidate and separate cargo can add extra days onto your supply chain, so if time is of the essence, it might be worth considering FCL shipping.

Limited Packing Control

Because your cargo is handled by third-party consolidators, when using less than container load shipping methods there is a risk that your cargo may not be packed optimally. For delicate cargo in particular, this may be worth considering ahead of organizing an LCL shipment.

Potential Delays

Unlike FCL, less than container load shipping relies on all cargo clearing customs for your goods to proceed to the next stage of your supply chain. Any issues with another business’s documentation or customs clearance will impact your cargo release so in cases where your cargo is time sensitive, this might be a factor you need to consider.

LCL Shipping:
The Benefits of a Shared Space

Despite its challenges, there are some significant advantages for businesses that utilize LCL shipping effectively.

Aside from the cost savings, which can be particularly beneficial for businesses transporting smaller quantities of cargo, or those with a limited shipping budget, other advantages include:

Reduced Inventory Holding Costs

As your business can ship smaller quantities of cargo more frequently, the need to invest in large storage spaces is reduced. Equally, this approach enables just-in-time delivery and inventory management, helping to prevent overstocking and enhance your business’s overall shipping costs.

Increased Flexibility in Cargo Volumes

Rather than needing to fill an entire container, with LCL shipping (which can vary from a few boxes to several pallets), it’s easy to scale your shipments up or down based on customer demand. This again helps optimize your overall organizational operations and prevents unnecessary spending.

Frequent Shipping Opportunities

Rather than waiting for enough cargo for an FCL shipment, as a business, less than container load shipping means you can ship smaller quantities of goods more regularly. This is particularly beneficial for e-commerce businesses, retailers, or manufacturers where seasonal fluctuations impact demand, or where smaller orders are placed more frequently.

Ask MSC

At MSC, we understand that every business has unique shipping requirements. Whether you need a certain container size or type or dedicated intermodal solutions our team will work to offer you bespoke solutions to help you at every stage of your supply chain. Contact us today to find out more.

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FAQs

What is LCL Shipping?

LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping is a shipping method where multiple businesses share space in a single container, each paying only for the volume their goods occupy.

When Should I use LCL Instead of FCL?

LCL is ideal when your cargo is less than 15 cubic metres or if you're shipping smaller loads.

What are the Advantages of LCL Shipping?

Some of the advantages of less than container load shipping include:

  • Cost-effective for small shipments
  • Reduced need for storage space
  • Supports just-in-time inventory
  • Environmentally friendly through optimized space usage

What are Some of the Riks of LCL Shipping?

It’s important to be aware of some of the challenges that come with less than container load shipping, including:

  • Longer transit times due to consolidation
  • Higher risk of damage or loss from increased handling
  • Less control over packing methods used
  • Delays if another shipper’s goods get held at customs
  • Possible weight-based surcharges increasing overall shipping costs