# Less Than Container Load (LCL) Shipments

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> When cargo falls short of filling a full container, LCL is the standard solution: a freight forwarder or consolidator groups the shipment with other shippers' cargo into a single shared box.

When cargo falls short of filling a full container, LCL is the standard solution: a freight forwarder or consolidator groups the shipment with other shippers' cargo into a single shared box. Less Than Container Load (LCL) is the direct counterpart to Full Container Load (FCL) and the go-to option for smaller consignments in international ocean freight. The consolidator handles cargo grouping at the origin Container Freight Station (CFS), manages documentation, and coordinates customs clearance at destination. Shippers pay only for the space they occupy plus handling fees, keeping costs proportional to cargo volume. The trade-off is additional handling at both CFS points, which typically extends transit times and carries a marginally higher risk of damage compared to FCL.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Less-than-container_load](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Less-than-container_load)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Less Than Container Load (LCL) Shipments |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 118 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Less-than-container_load |

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