FCL vs LCL: Full Container or Shared Container — Which Is Right for You?
Full Container Load and Less than Container Load each have their place. Compare cost, speed and risk to choose the right option for your cargo.
When you ship by sea, one of the first decisions is whether to book a whole container (FCL) or share container space with other shippers (LCL).
FCL — Full Container Load
With FCL, the container is yours. It is loaded at origin, sealed and opened only at destination (or by customs).
- Usually more economical once your cargo fills most of a container.
- Less handling, lower risk of damage.
- Faster at origin and destination — no consolidation or deconsolidation.
LCL — Less than Container Load
With LCL, your cargo travels together with other shipments in a consolidated container. You pay for the space you use, typically by cubic metre or weight.
- Cost-effective for smaller shipments.
- Flexible — ship when you need, without waiting to fill a container.
- Extra handling at consolidation hubs and slightly longer transit times.
Container types to know
Standard 20′ and 40′ containers, 40′ high cube, open top, flat rack and refrigerated containers cover most cargo — from general goods to machinery and temperature-sensitive products.
How to decide
- Compare the LCL price for your volume with an FCL rate.
- Consider fragility and value — fewer handlings may justify FCL.
- Check deadlines: LCL depends on consolidation schedules.
Viking Group transports all types of goods in all types of containers, and offers LCL for all classes of freight — standard, refrigerated or dangerous. See our Sea Freight services.