GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Less than Container Load (LCL)
An exporter shipping three pallets to Singapore has too little cargo to justify a full container – that is exactly when LCL (Less than Container Load) comes into play.
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Source: https://www.freightos.com/terms/lcl-less-than-container-load/
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Definition & Explanation
An exporter shipping three pallets to Singapore has too little cargo to justify a full container – that is exactly when LCL (Less than Container Load) comes into play. A freight forwarder consolidates shipments from multiple shippers into one container at a Container Freight Station (CFS), with each shipper paying only for the space actually used, rated by volume or gross weight, whichever yields the higher charge. At destination, the container is deconsolidated at the receiving CFS before individual consignments move on to their final delivery points – a step that adds transit time compared to FCL (Full Container Load), where a single shipper occupies the entire box. For smaller shippers, LCL provides access to ocean carrier services without the cost commitment of a dedicated container.
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Check transit time: city-to-city index
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