What’s the difference between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less Than Container Load)

Q: Are LCL shipments trackable?

Yes. Tracking is available, although the level of detail may vary depending on the route and the consolidation process. If tracking links are available, they will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

Q: Can I ship to non-EU destinations via FCL or LCL?

Yes. Pallet2Ship arranges FCL and LCL shipping worldwide, including the USA, China, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and all major global trade lanes.

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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.

Get instant quotes - online and compare options in one place.

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.

Get an instant FCL or LCL sea freight quote and ship globally with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

about our FCL&LCL services

Understanding FCL & LCL

FCL (Full Container Load) means one container is used exclusively for your freight. Your goods are not consolidated with other shipments. The container is sealed at origin and handled as a single shipment through to destination.

LCL (Less Than Container Load) means your cargo shares container space with freight from other shippers. You pay only for the space your goods occupy, usually measured in cubic metres (CBM).

FCL gives you exclusive use of a container, fewer handling points, and more control over your shipment. LCL is more cost-effective for smaller volumes, but it involves consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination, which means more handling stages and slightly longer transit.

Choose FCL when your shipment is large enough to justify a full container, when your goods are high-value or fragile, when you want minimal handling and more predictable routing, or when your shipment exceeds approximately 13–15 CBM and FCL becomes more economical per unit.

Choose LCL when your shipment does not fill enough space to justify a full container, when you want to reduce upfront shipping costs, or when you ship smaller or irregular volumes. LCL is particularly well-suited to SMEs and businesses testing new international markets.

As a general guide, FCL often becomes more economical when your shipment exceeds approximately 13–15 CBM. The exact crossover point depends on the route, container rates, and local charges. The quote we provide will always show whether FCL or LCL is more economical for your specific route.

Quotes & Pricing

FCL pricing depends on container size (20ft, 40ft, 40ft high cube), route, port pair, cargo weight, collection and delivery requirements, and customs or documentation needs. FCL is priced per container rather than per pallet or per cubic metre.

LCL pricing is usually based on whichever is higher: the shipment’s volume in CBM or its weight. This is known as the W/M (weight or measure) rule. Route, port pair, handling requirements, and local charges also affect the final price.

The main pricing factors are container type, route, shipping line rates, collection and delivery costs (port-to-port, door-to-port, or door-to-door), customs handling, and seasonal demand on the trade lane.

The main pricing factors are CBM, weight, route, origin and destination handling, and any special cargo requirements such as dangerous goods, oversized freight, or additional packing.

No. FCL is usually more cost-effective only once the volume is high enough to justify a full container. For smaller shipments below approximately 13–15 CBM, LCL is normally cheaper.

Yes, provided your shipment details are accurate. Additional charges may apply if dimensions, weight, or cargo type are under-declared, or if customs or port charges arise due to incorrect information.

Transit Times & Routing

Transit times depend on the port pair and the service route. As a general guide, sea freight usually takes between 2 and 8 weeks depending on destination, carrier schedule, and customs clearance.

LCL often takes slightly longer than FCL because the cargo must be consolidated at the origin Container Freight Station (CFS) and deconsolidated at destination. Routing and customs clearance also affect timing.

In many cases, yes. FCL moves faster because there is no consolidation or deconsolidation, and the container is handled as a single shipment throughout.

Common causes include port congestion, vessel schedule changes, customs holds, weather disruption, missing or incorrect documents, delays in cargo consolidation or deconsolidation, and seasonal demand spikes.

Yes. Port congestion affects all sea freight regardless of load type, particularly on busy global trade lanes.

Yes. Pallet2Ship arranges FCL and LCL shipping worldwide, including Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and all major global trade lanes. Our sea freight services cover 200+ international ports.

Containers & Capacity

A 20ft container usually fits around 10–11 standard UK pallets (120 × 100 cm), depending on pallet size, loading method, and whether overhang is acceptable.

A 40ft container usually fits around 20–24 standard UK pallets, depending on pallet size and loading configuration.

A 40ft high cube container has the same general footprint as a standard 40ft container but offers approximately 30 cm of extra internal height (around 2. 70 m), making it useful for taller cargo or maximising volume.

Approximate internal dimensions are:

- 20ft: 5. 9 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × 2.39 m (H)

- 40ft: 12.03 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × 2.39 m (H)

- 40ft high cube: 12.03 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × approximately 2.70 m (H)

Dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer.

A 20ft container typically has a maximum gross weight of approximately 30,480 kg including the container’s own weight. The usable payload after deducting the container tare weight is usually around 21,000–25,000 kg depending on the container.

Yes. Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) can be loaded into containers. The exact fit depends on the loading pattern and overall cargo dimensions.

Yes, if it fits within the container’s internal dimensions and payload limits. For cargo exceeding standard container limits, flat rack, open top, or other specialist containers may be required.

In addition to standard dry containers and high cube containers, specialist options include flat rack containers (for wide or heavy cargo loaded from the side), open top containers (for tall cargo loaded from above by crane), and refrigerated containers (for temperature-controlled shipments).

Packing & Preparation

Cargo should be secured to pallets or otherwise prepared for container loading, with proper weight distribution, strapping, and internal protection. The goal is to prevent movement inside the container during sea transit. Blocking and bracing within the container is essential.

LCL cargo needs especially robust packing because it goes through more handling points than FCL — including loading at origin, consolidation at the CFS, deconsolidation at destination, and final delivery. Strong pallet bases, shrink-wrap, strapping, corner protection, and internal cushioning are important. See our Pallet Packing Guide.

Yes. Most international destinations require ISPM-15-compliant heat-treated wood packaging to prevent the spread of plant pests. This applies to both FCL and LCL shipments. Non-compliant wood packaging may be rejected at destination, causing delays and additional costs. See our ISPM-15 guide.

Yes. Palletised freight is common in LCL shipments, provided it fits within container constraints and local handling limits.

Usually yes. FCL loading typically requires forklifts, loading bays, or professional warehouse handling facilities. If you do not have these, alternative loading arrangements can sometimes be discussed before booking.

CBM means cubic metre. It is the standard volume measurement used to calculate LCL charges and to determine how much container space your shipment requires.

Multiply the loaded shipment’s length × width × height in metres. The result is the total cubic metres occupied by the cargo. Always measure the loaded pallet including all packaging.

Most LCL services accept pallets up to 1,200 kg. Very heavy individual pallets may require special handling arrangements.

Sea freight can typically handle pallets up to 220 cm in height, depending on the container type. High cube containers offer additional clearance. For comparison, air freight is limited to approximately 160 cm.

Customs & Documentation

You will usually need a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, HS / Commodity Codes, EORI number where required, consignee and consignor details, and the relevant Incoterms. For FCL, a Bill of Lading is also a key shipping document.

A Bill of Lading (BL) is the carrier’s official shipping document confirming receipt of the cargo and the contract of carriage. It is required for most sea freight movements and serves as proof of shipment.

VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is a mandatory requirement under the SOLAS convention. The total weight of a packed container — including cargo, packing materials, and the container itself — must be verified and declared to the shipping line and port terminal before the container is loaded onto a vessel. A container without a valid VGM will not be loaded. For FCL, the shipper is responsible for providing the VGM. For LCL, the consolidator typically handles VGM at the Container Freight Station.

For most commercial UK export and import shipments, yes. EORI requirements depend on the route and customs model. See our EORI guide.

HS codes classify goods for customs and determine duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements at the destination. Incorrect codes can lead to delays, reclassification, or additional charges. See our Commodity Codes guide.

Common sea freight Incoterms include FOB (Free on Board), CFR (Cost and Freight), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), DAP (Delivered at Place), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). The choice determines how costs and responsibilities are divided between buyer and seller. See our Incoterms guide.

Broadly yes. Both require the same core customs information. However, LCL involves additional handling at Container Freight Stations, so documentation must be available earlier in the process to avoid consolidation delays.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Some hazardous goods can be shipped under IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) regulations with correct documentation, compliant packing, and carrier approval. Not all carriers accept all dangerous goods, and some destinations do not accept them at all. See our Dangerous Goods guide.

No. Pallet2Ship does not handle alcohol shipments on any service.

Ambient, non-perishable food products may be accepted on some routes, but many destination countries have strict import regulations for food. Chilled or frozen goods require refrigerated containers and specialist handling. Details must appear on the commercial invoice.

Yes. Machinery can be shipped in containers if dimensions and weight allow. It must be secured properly inside the container to prevent movement during transit and declared accurately.

Yes. Engines must be fully drained of fluids, cleaned, and properly secured to the pallet. Collection for engines must usually be from a business address. Automotive parts are commonly shipped by sea freight when packed correctly.

Yes. Personal effects can be shipped by sea freight using FCL or LCL, but they require a detailed inventory list, correct customs documentation, and professional packing. For air freight and road freight personal effects, Pallet2Ship uses DHL only.

New furniture in original manufacturer packaging can be shipped as standard freight. Used furniture is treated as personal effects and must be professionally packed by a removal company — each item individually protected, corners secured, and the full consignment palletised to a professional standard. Customer-packed used furniture is not accepted.

Yes, but fragile cargo requires strong packing, internal protection, and careful pallet preparation because LCL shipments involve more handling points than FCL. Insurance is strongly recommended.

Insurance & Protection

Yes. Insurance can be added for FCL shipments for goods valued between £100 and £50,000. For higher values, contact our team for tailored cover.

Yes. Insurance can also be added for LCL shipments for goods valued between £100 and £50,000, subject to normal packing and declaration requirements.

Insurance covers loss or damage during transit when goods are correctly packed and declared accurately.

Only limited carrier liability applies under international sea freight conventions. This is usually calculated per package or per kilogram and is almost always significantly lower than the actual value of the goods.

Note any visible damage on the delivery paperwork immediately, take clear photos, retain all packing materials if possible, and notify us without delay. See our Claims Process page.

Tracking & Operations

Yes. Container tracking is usually available through shipping line and port tracking systems, with updates also available through our operations team.

Yes. Tracking is available, although the level of detail may vary depending on the route and the consolidation process. If tracking links are available, they will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

Demurrage is the charge applied when a container remains at the port beyond the agreed free time period before collection. It can be avoided by clearing and collecting containers promptly after arrival.

Detention is the charge applied when a container is kept outside the port — at your premises, for example — beyond the agreed return period. Both demurrage and detention can become expensive if containers are not returned on time.

Changes may be possible before departure, but they can cause fees, delays, or rebooking costs. Always confirm cargo details, dimensions, and weight before booking.

Sometimes yes, if the cargo has not yet been consolidated or moved too far in the booking process. Contact our team immediately if your shipment volume increases.

Booking & Practical Considerations

FCL usually requires a manual quotation because routing, container type, port selection, and inland transport vary by shipment. Submit your details via the quote form on this page or contact our team for a tailored FCL quote.

LCL is also often quoted manually depending on route and handling requirements. Submit your shipment details and our team will advise on the best option and pricing.

Depending on the route, you can choose door-to-port, port-to-door, port-to-port, or door-to-door services. The service level affects both cost and convenience.

Port-to-port means you arrange delivery of cargo to the origin port and the consignee arranges collection from the destination port. This is suitable if both parties have their own local transport arrangements.

Door-to-door sea freight includes collection from your premises, ocean freight, customs coordination, and final delivery to the consignee. It is a single end-to-end solution managed through Pallet2Ship.

As a guide, book 5–7 days before sailing for LCL and 7–10 days for FCL. During peak seasons or on high-demand trade lanes, earlier booking is recommended.

Manufacturers, wholesale distributors, industrial exporters, automotive suppliers, bulk importers, e-commerce businesses expanding internationally, and any business shipping goods by sea in volume.

Yes. LCL allows small and medium-sized businesses to ship internationally by sea without committing to a full container. You only pay for the space your cargo uses.

LCL maximises container utilisation by consolidating cargo from multiple shippers, which reduces the number of partially filled containers on shipping routes. This lowers overall emissions per unit of freight.

Yes. Pallet2Ship arranges FCL and LCL shipping worldwide, including the USA, China, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and all major global trade lanes.

The most common issues are incorrect or missing customs documentation, under-declared weight or dimensions, non-compliant wood packaging (ISPM-15), failure to submit VGM for FCL, and poor packing that leads to cargo damage during transit.

Our UK-based operations team is available Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:30, before and after booking.

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.

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

FCL & LCL Container Shipping

Get a Full Container Load (FCL) Quote:

Mini Quarter Pallet

Quarter Pallet

Half Pallet

Full Lite Pallet

Full Pallet

Oversized Pallet

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Ship with confidence. Ship with Pallet2Ship®

What Is LCL (Less Than Container Load) Shipping?

What Is FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping?

Advantages of Pallet2Ship's Services

Quick Decision Guide: LCL or FCL?

Choose LCL if you:

Choose FCL if you:

Typical FCL container options:

Sea Freight Options Built Around Your Needs

Why Businesses Use Pallet2Ship for FCL & LCL Shipping

What Our LCL Sea Freight Service Supports

Reliable Sea Freight for Imports and Exports

More Than Sea Freight

Frequently Asked Questions

about our FCL&LCL services

Understanding FCL & LCL

What is FCL shipping?

What is LCL shipping?

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

When should I choose FCL instead of LCL?

When should I choose LCL instead of FCL?

At what point does FCL usually become more economical than LCL?

Quotes & Pricing

How much does FCL shipping cost?

How much does LCL shipping cost?

What affects FCL pricing most?

What affects LCL pricing most?

Is FCL always cheaper than LCL?

Are prices final once I book?

Transit Times & Routing

How long does FCL sea freight take?

How long does LCL sea freight take?

Is FCL usually faster than LCL?

What causes delays in sea freight?

Does port congestion affect both FCL and LCL?

Do you offer worldwide FCL and LCL shipping?

Containers & Capacity

How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?

How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?

What is a 40ft high cube container?

What are the internal dimensions of standard containers?

What is the maximum weight for a 20ft container?

Can I use Euro pallets in containers?

Can oversized cargo be shipped in containers?

What specialist container types are available?

Packing & Preparation

How should I pack cargo for FCL shipping?

How should I pack cargo for LCL shipping?

Do wooden pallets need ISPM-15 treatment for sea freight?

Can I ship pallets via LCL?

Do I need a forklift for container loading?

What is CBM in sea freight?

How do I calculate CBM?

What is the maximum pallet weight for LCL?

What is the maximum pallet height for sea freight?

Customs & Documentation

What documents are required for FCL and LCL shipments?

What is a Bill of Lading?

What is VGM and why does it matter?

Do I need an EORI number for sea freight?

What are HS codes and why do they matter?

Which Incoterms are commonly used for sea freight?

Are customs documents the same for FCL and LCL?

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Can I ship hazardous goods via FCL or LCL?

Can I ship alcohol via FCL or LCL?

Can I ship food products via sea freight?

Can I ship machinery in containers?

Can I ship engines or automotive parts via sea freight?

Can I ship personal effects via FCL or LCL?

Can I ship furniture via sea freight?

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