LCL Shipping – Less Than Container Load Freight from the USA
LCL (less than container load) shipping combines your cargo with other shippers' goods in one container. You pay only for the space you use, priced per cubic metre (CBM) or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater.
Part of our ocean freight forwarding service, LCL is the cost-effective way to ship a few pallets overseas without paying for a whole container.
Last updated: October 2026
How LCL Consolidation Works
LCL is also called consolidated or groupage freight. Here's the journey your cargo takes:
- Delivery to the freight station. Your cargo is delivered to a container freight station (CFS) near the origin port.
- Consolidation. It's loaded into a container with other shippers' cargo going to the same destination port.
- Ocean transit. The consolidated container sails like any other.
- Deconsolidation. At the destination CFS the container is unloaded and your cargo is separated.
- Clearance and delivery. After customs clearance, your cargo is delivered or released for pickup.
How LCL Shipping Is Priced
LCL freight is charged per cubic metre or per 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. This is called the W/M (weight or measure) rule. First, work out your volume:
CBM = length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × number of pieces
| Example | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet size | 1.2 m × 1.0 m × 1.5 m | 1.8 CBM per pallet |
| Shipment | 3 pallets × 1.8 CBM | 5.4 CBM |
| Weight | 3 pallets × 400 kg | 1,200 kg = 1.2 tonnes |
| Chargeable | Greater of 5.4 (volume) or 1.2 (weight) | Billed as 5.4 W/M |
Most LCL services also have a minimum charge, often 1 CBM. Your quote states the minimum that applies.
Origin and destination freight-station charges, documentation and any delivery are added to the ocean rate. Ask for these to be itemized when comparing quotes.
LCL vs FCL: When to Switch
- Your shipment grows past about 13–15 cubic metres
- Delivery time becomes more important than cost
- The cargo is fragile and you want to avoid extra handling
- You start shipping the same lane regularly
Compare both side by side in our FCL vs LCL comparison.
Shipping 13 or more cubic metres? FCL shipping may cost less and arrive sooner.
Preparing Your LCL Cargo
Because LCL cargo is handled with other shipments, good packing prevents damage and delays:
- Palletize and shrink-wrap cartons so they move as one unit
- Make sure pallets are stackable, or mark them clearly as non-stackable
- Label each piece on two sides with consignee, destination and piece count
- Use heat-treated (ISPM 15) wood packaging for international shipments
- Check that the commercial invoice and packing list match the cargo exactly
LCL Transit Times and Destination Charges
LCL takes longer than FCL because cargo waits at the freight station until the container is consolidated, and is unloaded again at destination. Planning around consolidation cut-off dates keeps delays to a minimum.
At destination, the consignee usually pays deconsolidation and freight-station fees, documentation and local charges, depending on the Incoterm® agreed. We explain who pays what before you book. For US imports, see our customs clearance support.
Inland Pickup and Delivery
Don't have a way to get cargo to the freight station? We arrange LTL or FTL inland trucking to the port from anywhere in the continental US, then handle the ocean leg.
Request an LCL Shipping Quote
Choose ocean freight, then LCL, and add your piece count, dimensions and weight. The form calculates volume for you. Prefer to talk? Call +1 (888) 310-1917, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm ET.
LCL Shipping FAQs
What's the minimum shipment size for LCL?
Most LCL services charge a minimum, commonly 1 cubic metre, even for smaller cargo. Your quote shows the minimum that applies to your route.
How is LCL shipping cost calculated?
Multiply length × width × height in metres for each piece to get cubic metres (CBM). The carrier charges whichever is greater: total CBM or total weight in tonnes. Freight-station, documentation and delivery charges are added.
Why is LCL slower than FCL?
LCL cargo waits at a freight station until the container is consolidated, and is unloaded and separated again at destination. Those extra steps add time compared with a sealed full container.
Is my cargo safe in a shared container?
Yes, when it's packed well. Palletized, shrink-wrapped and clearly labeled cargo travels safely. Cargo insurance is also available for extra protection.
What are LCL destination charges?
Fees at the destination freight station for unloading and separating cargo, plus documentation and local port charges. Who pays depends on the Incoterm® agreed between buyer and seller.
When should I switch from LCL to FCL?
Once your shipment reaches about 13 to 15 cubic metres, a full container is often similar in cost and faster. See FCL shipping.