In the world of international trade and shipping, two popular terms that play an important role in cargo transportation are Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL). These terms are fundamental to understanding how goods are moved across borders efficiently and cost-effectively.
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. When shipping via sea freight, you can choose between FCL and LCL depending on how large your freight is. If you have fewer than six pallets to be shipped, then the LCL service is the ideal 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 servicefor your goods. 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 pride ourselves on offering 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.
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL stands for "Full Container Load," and it is a term commonly used in the shipping and logistics industry. FCL services offer exclusive use of a shipping container for a single consignment. This means that the entire container is dedicated solely to the cargo of one customer, providing several advantages and benefits.
There are two different types of containers: the 20 ft. container, with a maximum capacity of 10 standard pallets (120cm X 100cm), or 11 euro pallets (120cm X 80cm), and the 40 ft. container. Depending on the pallet size used, a 40 ft. container can take up to 20 standard pallets, or 23/24 euro pallets. The maximum weight per pallet is 1200 kg, and the maximum allowed height per pallet is 240 cm.
One of the primary advantages of FCL services is the increased security and safety of your goods. Since the container is filled exclusively with your cargo, there is a reduced risk of damage, loss, or tampering during transit. You have full control over how your goods are packed and secured, minimizing the chances of any mishaps. For shippers with a substantial volume of goods, the FCL service is also a cost-effective option, compared to LCL services, because the fixed costs are spread across a larger quantity of goods.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
LCL (Less-than-Container Load) services are a popular shipping option that caters to businesses and individuals with smaller quantities of cargo to transport internationally. When your shipment doesn't fill an entire standard shipping container, LCL services provide a cost-effective and practical solution by consolidating multiple smaller shipments from different customers into a single container.
In general, a consignment made up of fewer than six pallets is considered to be an LCL shipment. We accept standard UK 120 x 100 cm pallets, 120 x 80 euro pallets or other pallet sizes such as 120 x 120 cm. The maximum weight per pallet is 1200 kg, and the maximum allowed height per pallet is 240 cm.
LCL services offer a budget-friendly approach for shipping smaller loads. Instead of paying for an entire container, you only pay for the space your cargo occupies within the shared container. This cost-sharing model makes LCL an economical choice for businesses with smaller shipments.
LCL services provide a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solution for shipping smaller quantities of cargo internationally. By combining shipments from multiple shippers into a single container, LCL maximizes space utilization and offers a global reach to various destinations. With modern tracking and logistics capabilities, LCL services ensure efficient, transparent, and secure transportation, making them a popular choice for businesses and individuals seeking to ship smaller loads without compromising on efficiency and quality.
Take the hassle out of international shipping and experience the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our FCL and LCL services.
Whether you have a large or small shipment, our tailored solutions ensure your cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.
Contact us now to get started on your shipping journey!
Frequently asked questions about our FCL&LCL services
Full Container Load (FCL) Services:
What is FCL (Full Container Load) service?
What are the container sizes available for FCL shipments?
What are the advantages of using FCL services?
When is it best to choose FCL over other shipping options?
How is the FCL shipping cost calculated?
Can a shipper use FCL for partial container loads?
What are the requirements for loading cargo into an FCL container?
How does FCL differ from LCL (Less than Container Load) service?
What documents are typically required for FCL shipments?
Are there any restrictions on the type of cargo that can be shipped using FCL services?
Less than Container Load (LCL) Services:
What is LCL (Less than Container Load) service?
When is it best to choose LCL over other shipping options?
What are the container sizes used for LCL shipments?
What are the advantages of using LCL services?
How is the LCL shipping cost calculated?
Is there a risk of damage to goods in LCL shipments due to mixing with other cargo?
What are the requirements for packaging in LCL shipments?
How does LCL differ from FCL (Full Container Load) service?
Can hazardous materials be shipped using LCL services?
What is the transit time for LCL shipments compared to FCL shipments?
Further reading
FCL VS LCL
What is the difference between a Full Container Load and Less than Container Load?
LCL 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.
Some of the resons to choose our great freight services are:
Real time tracking of your pallet
Speedy delivery to over 220 destinations worldwide
Book within 1 minute!
Big savings on all exports & imports
Seamless customer experience
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.
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