Ship with confidence. Ship with Pallet2Ship®
Whether you're moving a few pallets or filling an entire container, our Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL) sea freight services provide flexible, cost-effective options for both imports and exports.
Get clear pricing, reliable transit times, and expert support from booking to delivery — all through one platform.
What Is LCL (Less Than Container Load) Shipping?
LCL sea freight is designed for shipments that don’t require a full container. Your pallets share container space with other compatible consignments, allowing you to ship internationally without paying for unused capacity.
LCL is typically suitable if you:
- Ship up to 5–6 pallets
- Have flexible delivery timelines
- Want to reduce costs by sharing container space
- Ship lower-volume or seasonal international freight
You only pay for the space your cargo occupies, making LCL one of the most economical ways to ship pallets by sea.
What Is FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping?
FCL sea freight means booking an entire container exclusively for your shipment. Your goods are packed, sealed, and moved as a single consignment from origin to destination.
FCL is commonly chosen when you:
- Ship more than 5–6 pallets
- Move heavier or higher-volume freight
- Want maximum control and security
- Prefer fewer handling stages and more predictable port processing
Even if your load doesn’t completely fill the container, FCL can still be the most reliable option for regular or high-value shipments.
Advantages of Pallet2Ship's Services
At Pallet2Ship, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of top-quality shipping services. Our sea freight services include door-to-door, door-to-port, port-to-door, and port-to-port options, ensuring flexible and efficient shipping.
Quick Decision Guide: LCL or FCL?
Choose LCL if you:
- Ship up to 5–6 pallets
- Have flexible delivery windows
- Want to keep costs down
- Ship infrequently or seasonally
Choose FCL if you:
- Ship more than 5–6 pallets
- Move bulk or heavier goods
- Want exclusive container use
- Prefer minimal handling and greater control
Typical FCL container options:
- 20ft container: ~10–11 standard pallets
- 40ft container: ~20–24 standard pallets
- 40ft high-cube: ideal for taller or higher-volume cargo
Not sure which option fits your shipment? You can compare services instantly online or review guidance on our Sea Freight page.
Sea Freight Options Built Around Your Needs
Pallet2Ship offers flexible container shipping options to suit different supply chains and delivery models:
- Door-to-door sea freight
- Door-to-port shipping
- Port-to-door delivery
- Port-to-port container transport
This flexibility allows businesses to manage costs, timelines, and service levels without unnecessary complexity.
Why Businesses Use Pallet2Ship for FCL & LCL Shipping
- Instant online quotes for LCL sea freight
- Fast, competitive pricing for FCL containers
- Trusted global carrier network
- Flexible routing and service levels
- Clear communication and shipment tracking
- Support from experienced sea freight specialists
- Competitive Insurance options for FCL and LCL shipments
We handle the coordination so your freight moves smoothly from start to finish.
What Our LCL Sea Freight Service Supports
Our LCL container shipping service is designed to handle a wide range of palletised freight:
- Standard UK pallets (120 × 100 cm)
- Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm)
- Other pallet sizes on request
- Maximum pallet weight: 1,200 kg
- Maximum pallet height: 240 cm
- Oversized Pallets or non-standard cargo (subject to routing and handling)
Shipments are professionally consolidated, secured, and tracked throughout the journey.
Reliable Sea Freight for Imports and Exports
We support both UK exports and imports, helping businesses move goods to and from 200+ international ports worldwide, including major hubs in Europe, USA, China, UAE, Australia, and beyond.
From documentation support to carrier coordination, we reduce friction at every stage of international container shipping. Our team can also assist with Export Documentation and Customs Clearance where required.
More Than Sea Freight
Alongside FCL and LCL services, Pallet2Ship offers integrated transport options:
- European and UK movements via Road Freight
- Time-critical shipments via Air Freight
- Tracking across road, air, and sea services via Tracking
One platform. Multiple transport modes. Full control.
Whether you're shipping a few pallets by LCL or moving full containers by sea, Pallet2Ship delivers reliable, cost-effective container shipping tailored to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
about our FCL&LCL services
Full Container Load (FCL) Services:
Often yes for smaller shipments. For larger volumes, FCL can become more cost-effective.
FCL is usually better for larger volumes, heavier cargo, or when exclusive container use is preferred.
FCL means Full Container Load, where one shipper uses the entire container.
For UK exports, book 7–10 days before your preferred shipping date where possible. For imports, coordinate with your supplier to allow time for container booking and port scheduling.
CL pricing typically includes port-to-port or door-to-port transport. Container loading/unloading facilities at your premises (forklift, loading dock) are your responsibility unless additional services are arranged.
Delivery to residential locations is difficult due to container size and vehicle access requirements. Door-to-port or port-to-door options are usually more practical, with final delivery arranged separately.
You’ll need a Commercial Invoice or a Packing List, EORI number, Bill of Lading, and potentially a Certificate of Origin depending on the destination.
Common options include 20ft and 40ft containers. High-cube containers are available for taller cargo.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Services
LCL means Less Than Container Load, where your cargo shares container space with other shipments.
Yes. Most sea freight services include milestone tracking from departure to arrival.
LCL is best for shipments up to around 5–6 pallets when cost efficiency matters more than speed.
LCL typically adds 5–10 days to transit times compared to FCL due to consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination ports. Total transit varies by route and service.
Yes, but with strict documentation and packaging requirements. Hazardous materials must be declared, properly classified, and packaged according to IMDG regulations. Contact us before booking.
If actual dimensions exceed what was declared, re-rating and additional charges may apply at the port. Always measure accurately and include pallet/packaging dimensions in your quote.
Yes. For UK LCL imports, you’ll need a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, EORI number, and Bill of Lading. Our team can assist with Customs Clearance coordination.
Very difficult once the cargo is consolidated and loaded. Contact us immediately if you need to divert—port changes may incur significant fees and delays.
The maximum pallet weight is typically 1,200 kg. Heavier individual pallets may require special handling or FCL service instead.
Yes. Pallets must be shrink-wrapped, strapped, and able to withstand multiple handling stages. Fragile items need additional protection (crating, corner guards, cushioning).
We connect the UK to 200+ international ports worldwide, including all major destinations in Europe, the USA, China, UAE, Australia, Asia, and beyond. See our Sea Freight page for coverage.
Yes. We manage both UK imports and exports using FCL and LCL services.
Yes. Mixed pallet sizes can usually be consolidated, subject to handling and weight limits.
No. Quotes and bookings are available online without an account.
Further reading
FCL vs LCL
What is the difference between a Full Container Load and Less than Container Load?
Click to readLCL Service Across The World
Our sea freight services can handle both imports and exports, and you will be offered the best shipping options on the market, at the most competitive rates. There is a very wide range of goods we can transport through our sea freight services, such as car parts, hazardous goods, fragile items, non-perishable food items, tools and personal effects.
When shipping via sea freight, you can choose between FCL and LCL, depending how large your freight is:
If you have fewer than six pallets to be shipped, then the LCL service is your option, and you can receive an instant quote on our website.
If you have more than six pallets to be delivered, then the FCL would be the most suitable service.
For an FCL price, all you need to do is to complete the brief quote form on our website, and we will get back to you with the most cost-effective offer, in a very timely manner.
Here at Pallet2Ship® we have always tried to offer the largest range of top quality services to give our customers the best availability. This is evident with our sea freight services, coming in door-to-door, door-to-port, port-to-door or port-to-port options.
Regardless of the service you choose, you will be able to monitor your shipment. Once your consignment has been collected, we will send you all the tracking details you need to keep an eye on the vessel your goods are located on and track its progress across the oceans.
With experience of over 15 years, we have managed to consolidate a very strong relationship with the most reliable international carriers. Together, we aim to provide a seamless service, at the most competitive prices.
- FCL & LCL services to and from the major international ports
- Using sea freight services, we link the UK to over 200 international ports, for both exports and imports
- Tracking numbers included as standard with most of our sea freight services
- We offer assistance for all of your shipping quotes, customs, documentation, legal requirements queries and much more
- For exports, the prices generated by the website can include the UK collection or for your convenience we also offer the cheapest alternative, the port-to-port options