FCL vs LCL: Which Sea Freight Option Is Right for Your Import?
When you import by sea, one of the first decisions is whether to book a full container (FCL) or share one with other importers (LCL). The right choice can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so it’s worth understanding how each works.
What is FCL?
FCL (full container load) means you book a whole 20ft or 40ft container for your goods only. The container is packed and sealed at your supplier, shipped, and only opened again when it reaches you or is inspected in Australia.
- 20ft container: roughly 28–33 cubic metres of usable space
- 40ft container: roughly 58–67 cubic metres
- 40ft high cube: about 30cm taller, for light, bulky goods
What is LCL?
LCL (less than container load) means your goods share a container with other shipments. Your cargo is delivered to a consolidation warehouse at origin, packed with other freight, shipped, then unpacked at a depot in Australia before delivery.
LCL is charged on weight or measure, whichever is greater, with 1 cubic metre treated as 1,000kg. So a pallet that measures 1.2 cubic metres and weighs 300kg is charged as 1.2 “revenue tonnes”.
Cost: where’s the break-even point?
As a rough guide, LCL is usually cheaper for shipments under about 13–15 cubic metres. Above that, a 20ft container often costs the same or less, and gives you a few other advantages. The exact point depends on the route, the season and local charges, so it’s always worth getting both quotes.
| FCL | LCL | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Larger shipments, from about 13–15 m³ | Smaller shipments |
| How you pay | A flat rate per container | Per cubic metre or tonne |
| Handling | Sealed at origin, less handling | Packed and unpacked at depots |
| Transit time | Usually faster | Extra time for consolidation and unpacking |
| Risk of delay | Only your goods are inspected | Another shipper’s cargo can hold up the container |
Other things to consider
Delivery and unpacking
FCL containers can be delivered on a side-loader for you to unpack on site, or unpacked at a depot and delivered on pallets. If you don’t have a forklift or dock, depot unpacking is often easier. With FCL you also need to return the container within the shipping line’s free days to avoid detention charges.
Fragile or high-value goods
Because FCL cargo is handled less, it’s often the better choice for fragile, valuable or awkwardly shaped goods, even if the shipment is a little under the break-even point.
Biosecurity
FCL and FCX containers need a packing declaration for Australian biosecurity. You can download our packing declaration form. In an LCL container, if any one shipment needs inspection, the whole container can be delayed.
Our advice
Send us your cargo’s dimensions, weight, origin and Incoterms, and we’ll quote both options so you can compare. Learn more about our sea freight services, or see our country guides, starting with shipping from China.
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