If you are already exporting or importing, or if you are an entrepreneur looking to internationalize your business, you need to know these two terms: FCL and LCL, since both are used daily in international trade to describe the different types of ocean freight transport.
Read today’s publication to find out more about each of these services. And if you’re still in any doubt… don’t worry! Find out more about each of these services in today’s publication. And if you’re still not sure… don’t worry!
FCL and LCL: What are the differences between them?
In order to have a clear understanding of the significance of each of these modalities, it is important to analyse them separately. Follow us :
FCL: Full Container Load
When you have enough cargo to fill an entire container. Alternatively, if you’d like to ship your goods separately from other consignees’ cargo, you can always reserve a full container, but there is a fixed value.
LCL: Less Container Load
This means that there is not enough cargo to fill the container. In this case, the transport is shared and the cargo is consolidated with other smaller loads. This avoids paying for space that is not used.
Understanding the differences between LCL and FCL
| FCL | LCL |
| Faster cargo delivery | Longer cargo delivery delays |
| Increased demurrage risk | Reduced demurrage risk |
| Best cost/benefit for high-volume importers/exporters | Best cost/benefit for low volume importers/exporters |
Do you already know the difference between LCL and FCL, but are still not sure which one to choose for the export of your goods?
Is your cargo bulky enough to fill a container?
Yes, it is big and bulky enough to fill one or more containers: FCL.
No, it is a small load. You can ship it together with loads from other consignees until the container is full: LCL.
Sources:
Fazcomex. (2023). Saiba mais sobre a diferença ente FCL e LCL. Consultado a 02 de janeiro de 2024, em: https://www.fazcomex.com.br/comex/fcl-e-lcl-qual-a-diferenca/
GS1. (2020). FCL e LCL: entenda o que significam no transporte de cargas. Consultado a 01 de janeiro de 2024, em: https://blog.gs1br.org/fcl-e-lcl-entenda-o-que-significam-no-transporte-de-cargas/
