FCL vs LCL shipping: How to choose the right one

When you’re shipping goods by sea, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to book a full container or share space with others. This decision isn’t just about volume – it affects cost, speed, cargo safety, customs clearance, and overall logistics efficiency.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between what’s commonly referred to as Full-Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container-Load (LCL), their pros and cons, and how to decide which option fits your business needs best.

What is LCL (Less-than-Container Load) shipping?

Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipping allows multiple shippers to share space in a single container. You pay only for the container space you use, measured in cubic metres (CBM). The logistics service provider (LSP) is responsible for consolidation (grouping your shipment with others to fill a container) and deconsolidation (unpacking and separating the cargo for delivery at the destination).

This type of containerised transportation service is ideal for smaller loads that don’t justify paying for an entire container.

Choose LCL shipping for:

• Small or irregular shipment volumes
• Flexible delivery needs
• Multi-destination shipments
• Businesses shipping less than 15 CBM or 2–3 pallets

Why choose Less-than-Container Load (LCL)?

• Cost-efficient for low-volume shipments
• Flexible for partial loads or multi-city distribution
• Frequent departures make it easier to ship on demand

What is FCL (Full-Container Load) shipping?

Full-Container Load (FCL) shipping is when a shipping container is fully booked and loaded by one shipper, even if the container isn’t 100% full. You pay a flat rate for exclusive use of the container space, and your goods remain sealed from origin to destination.

FCL is typically preferred for high-volume, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments that require fewer handovers and lower risk.

Choose FCL shipping for:

• High-volume shipments (typically 15+ CBM)
• Sensitive or high-value cargo
• If speed is a priority and you need shorter transit times

Why choose Full-Container Load (FCL)?

• More secure, as the cargo stays sealed throughout the journey
• Faster, direct routing with fewer touchpoints and no consolidation delays
• Economical at scale and lower cost per unit

Depending on your cargo volume, it’s sometimes more economical to use FCL – even if your goods don’t fill the entire container.

LCL vs FCL: Key differences at a glance

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you make the right decision based on your shipment size, urgency, and budget:

FCL or LCL for SMEs?

The decision between LCL and FCL is about more than business size and container space. It’s about cost, speed, flexibility, and your long-term logistics strategy. For small and mid-sized businesses, LCL can be a more accessible entry point, especially when you’re scaling up shipments gradually. It offers flexibility and lower upfront costs. But, as your volumes grow, switching to FCL may reduce unit shipping costs and improve transit times.

At Maersk, our LCL services are designed to scale as your business grows, with seamless upgrade paths to FCL when the timing is right. Whichever option works best for you at the time, we provide complete visibility, digital booking, and expert support across every leg of the journey.