LCL transport means that you don’t have to buy enough stock to fill an entire container load – and that, instead of paying for an entire container, you only pay for the space inside of the one you use. This is particularly helpful for smaller businesses, or first time importers who are just testing the waters.
What Is LCL Shipping? – LCL Definition
LCL (less than container load) shipping is a method of sea freight wherein your goods are packed into a shared container with other goods; you only pay for the amount of space that you use within a container, as opposed to renting the entire container (FCL). This means that you can cost-effectively import a smaller volume of product as you’re not paying for the entire space within a container.
When shipping LCL, a container will contain multiple shipments that each have individual importers.
We specialise in LCL shipping, so if you want to import a small volume of stock, feel free to get in contact with us for some help! (Or grab a free quote!)
LCL Process
Want the savings of Sea Freight but can’t fill a full container? Here’s our colourful guide:
- Our local overseas agent will contact your supplier
- They will decide, based on the readiness of the goods, which container ship they will catch
- The goods will be collected or delivered to a warehouse near/at the port of origin
- The warehouse will load them into a shared container with the cargo from other customers
- The container will be sealed and taken to the port
- It’s loaded onto the container ship which brings it to the UK
- In the UK the container is taken off the ship and moved to a local warehouse
- At the warehouse your goods will be unpacked from the container
- We’ll declare them to UK customs – using the invoice for the goods, your EORI number (we can help if you don’t have one) and the commodity code(s) for your goods.
- We’ll contact you to arrange delivery the goods once cleared and released
- Delivery arrives outside your premises
- You unload your goods from the truck and then use/sell/enjoy them!
Places we LCL ship from include; China i.e Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao plus Hong Kong, India, Taiwan etc.
Features of LCL
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You’re charged for volume of space used.
When shipping LCL, you are only charged depending on the volume of goods that you’re shipping. Considering that a container can hold over 20cbm (and that’s a small one!) as a start-up or small business there is a large chance that you don’t need even close to that volume of goods transported.
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Your goods have to be loaded at the outbound port and unloaded at the port in the UK
Due to the nature of LCL shipments, there is an extra step in the process for them at each side – loading and unloading. This adds on a few extra days to the process on both ends, but does come with some benefits. As there are multiple shipments in one container, the goods need to be unloaded from the container before delivery. This means that you have a variety of very convenient delivery options . . . which leads us nicely to our next point!
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Lots of convenient delivery options
Unlike FCL shipments, where delivery is literally a sealed container on the back of a truck, LCL deliveries have a vast array of options.
This gives you a lot more flexibility; your goods can be delivered to a wider range of places (a small truck can fit in areas a full container load truck can’t), your goods will be easier to unpack and you have the option of hiring a equipment to help you unload (a tail lift). -
Delivery to Amazon FBA Warehouses
Due to the variety of delivery options available for LCL shipments, it’s easy for your goods to be delivered straight to an Amazon FBA Warehouse. This cuts out a lot of unnecessary time, effort and money spent receiving your goods only to pay a courier to ship them back out again.
Things To Be Aware Of And Prepare For When Shipping LCL
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FCL offers a lower cost per cbm
With FCL shipments, you pay a flat fee for the use of the entire container. Although this flat fee is higher than you may pay for smaller LCL shipments, the cost per cbm of space is much lower.
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Large volumes may not be cost-effective
This means that larger volumes of goods may not be cost effective if you import them via LCL.
Who Should Use LCL?
Anyone importing a small enough volume of goods that FCL wouldn’t be a viable option would be better off shipping LCL. Often, small or start-up businesses are a great fit for FCL shipments. If you would like to know whether your goods would be better transported by FCL or LCL, feel free to grab a free quote.
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