Full and Less than Container Load Services
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.
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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
about our FCL&LCL services
Full Container Load (FCL) Services:
FCL (Full Container Load) service refers to a shipping arrangement where an entire container is exclusively used to transport the cargo of a single shipper.
The most common FCL container sizes are 20 foot and 40 foot.
The advantages of FCL services include reduced risk of cargo damage, better cargo security, and fewer handling points as the container remains sealed throughout the journey.
FCL is ideal when a shipper has a sufficient volume of cargo to fill an entire container and wants to protect their goods from potential damage caused by mixing with other cargo.
FCL shipping costs are typically based on a flat rate per container, regardless of the container's weight or volume. Additional charges may apply for special services or destination-related fees.
Yes, a shipper can still use FCL services for partial container loads, but they will need to pay for the entire container space even if it's not fully utilized.
Shippers must ensure that the cargo is properly secured and braced within the container to prevent shifting during transit. Compliance with weight restrictions and hazardous material regulations is also essential. Shipper must provide the appropiate facilites to load the container, same request would be for the receiver when offloading.
FCL involves one shipper using the entire container, while LCL combines shipments from multiple shippers into one container. FCL offers more control and security over the cargo but may be less cost-effective for smaller shipments.
Common documents for FCL shipments include the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any specific documentation required by the destination country or port.
FCL can handle a wide range of cargo types, including general goods, perishable items, and hazardous materials. However, certain restrictions and regulations may apply depending on the nature of the cargo and the destination country's regulations.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Services:
LCL (Less than Container Load) service is a shipping option where multiple shippers' goods are consolidated and loaded into a single container for transportation.
LCL is a cost-effective choice for shippers with smaller cargo volumes that do not fill an entire container, as it allows them to share container space and reduce shipping costs.
LCL shipments use standard container sizes, such as 20 feet and 40 feet, but the container is divided internally to accommodate goods from different shippers.
The advantages of LCL services include cost savings for smaller shipments, access to container shipping without needing a full container load, and the ability to ship goods even if they don't fill a whole container.
LCL shipping costs are calculated based on the volume or weight of the cargo and the space it occupies within the shared container. Shippers pay for their portion of the container space.
While there is a slight risk of damage due to mixing with other cargo, freight forwarders and carriers take measures to properly segregate and secure goods within the container to minimize such risks.
Proper packaging and labelling are crucial in LCL shipments to ensure goods are protected during consolidation and deconsolidation. Each shipper's cargo must be marked and identifiable.
LCL involves combining shipments from multiple shippers into one container, while FCL dedicates the entire container to the cargo of a single shipper. LCL is suitable for smaller shipments, while FCL is used for larger volumes.
Yes, LCL services can handle hazardous materials, but specific regulations and documentation must be followed to comply with safety standards and international shipping regulations.
CL shipments may have slightly longer transit times compared to FCL shipments due to the consolidation and deconsolidation process at various ports.
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
