What does a container to the USA cost?

The cost for a container from Europe to the USA (East Coast) ranges from approximately USD 1,500–3,500 for a 20ft container depending on season and carrier. THC at origin and destination ports (USD 200–400 each), documentation fees (USD 50–150) and customs clearance are additional. West Coast prices are usually slightly higher due to increased demand.

FCL vs. LCL: Which is cheaper?

As a rule of thumb: a 20ft FCL container becomes economically worthwhile compared to LCL from about 13–15 CBM. For larger shipments from about 28 CBM, a 40ft FCL is usually cheaper. However, current market prices for the specific route are always decisive. Use our FCL vs LCL calculator for an individual calculation.

How long does sea freight from Germany to China take?

Transit time for sea freight from Germany (e.g. Hamburg) to China (e.g. Shanghai) is typically 25–35 days via the Suez Canal. Via the Cape of Good Hope (more common since the Red Sea crisis 2024), transit extends to 35–45 days. Pre-carriage (2–5 days) and destination customs clearance add additional time.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL (Full Container Load): One shipper occupies the entire container exclusively. The container is loaded at the shipper's premises, sealed and only opened at the consignee's location. Ideal from about 14 CBM. LCL (Less than Container Load): Multiple shippers share a container. Each pays only for the space used (per CBM/ton). Ideal for shipments below about 14 CBM.

What documents do I need for sea freight?

The key documents for international sea freight are: 1) Bill of Lading (B/L) – proof of ownership, 2) Commercial Invoice, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration (EX1/AES), 5) Import Customs Declaration, 6) Certificate of Origin/EUR.1 if preference duties apply. For letter of credit transactions, an original B/L is also required.

What does THC mean in sea freight?

THC stands for Terminal Handling Charge. It is a fee charged by the port terminal to the shipping line for container handling services (loading, unloading, storage) – which is usually passed on to the shipper or consignee. THC applies at both the port of loading (origin THC) and the port of discharge (destination THC).

What is a B/L (Bill of Lading)?

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the most important document in sea freight. It serves simultaneously as: 1) Contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, 2) Document of title to the goods, 3) Receipt for the goods handed over. An original B/L is required to release the cargo at the destination port. Modern alternatives: Telex Release and Sea Waybill.

How does sea freight work with customs clearance?

International sea freight typically requires two customs clearances: 1) Export customs in the country of origin: export customs declaration (EX1 in the EU via ATLAS), export certificate. 2) Import customs in the destination country: import customs declaration, examination of cargo value (commercial invoice), HS code and origin. Customs duties and import VAT are calculated and must be paid before release.

What is LCL (Less than Container Load)?

LCL stands for Less than Container Load and refers to groupage shipments. Multiple shippers share one container and each pays only for the space used (per CBM or ton). The opposite is FCL, where one shipper exclusively occupies the entire container.

When is LCL more economical than FCL?

LCL is cheaper than FCL for shipments below approx. 13–15 CBM (20ft container). Above this threshold FCL becomes more economical. Additional factors: when you cannot reach a minimum quantity, when more frequent departures are important, or when the shipment is not time-critical (LCL takes 4–5 days longer).

How much does LCL cost?

LCL costs: ocean freight (USD 30–80/CBM depending on route), origin CFS charge, destination CFS charge, House B/L fee, customs clearance and pre/on-carriage. CBM × USD/CBM vs. weight/1000 × USD/ton applies – the higher value is charged.

What is a CFS (Container Freight Station)?

A CFS is a warehouse near the port where LCL shipments from various shippers are consolidated into one full container load. At the destination CFS, shipments are deconsolidated and sorted by consignee.

What is the difference between House B/L and Master B/L?

Master B/L (MBL): Issued by the carrier to the NVOCC/forwarder for the entire container. House B/L (HBL): Issued by the NVOCC/forwarder to each individual LCL shipper. The shipper has no direct contract with the carrier, only with the forwarder.

How long does LCL sea freight take?

LCL typically takes 4–5 days longer than FCL. Typical total times: Asia–Europe 28–38 days, Asia–US West Coast 18–25 days, Asia–US East Coast 32–40 days. Extra time comes from CFS consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination.

How do I pack goods correctly for LCL?

Goods must be stackable and forklift-accessible, preferably on Euro pallets. Label each package with complete shipping marks. Cushion sensitive goods adequately. State weight and dimensions exactly in the packing list – the CFS will re-measure and re-weigh.

Can I ship dangerous goods as LCL?

Yes, but with restrictions. Dangerous goods (IMDG classes) must be declared before booking. Not all CFS stations and carriers accept dangerous goods in LCL containers. Certain classes (e.g. Class 1 explosives) are generally not LCL-eligible.

Sea Freight · LCLLess than Container Load

LCL – Less than Container Load

Everything about groupage container shipping: definition, process, costs, CBM calculator, LCL vs FCL and packaging guidelines – the complete LCL guide.

Last updated: 1 February 2026

Groupage container at CFS warehouse – LCL sea freight

Container ship in port – LCL sea freight

shared

multiple shippers per container (LCL)

4–5 days

longer than FCL (CFS processing)

from 1 CBM

no minimum volume required

What is LCL?

LCL (Less than Container Load) means multiple shippers share container space. Each shipper pays only for the space used (per CBM or ton). Shipments are consolidated at the origin CFS and deconsolidated at the destination CFS. Ideal for shipments below approx. 14 CBM.

LCL Advantages

No minimum volume – bookable from 1 CBM
Pay only for space used (per CBM/ton)
Cost-effective for shipments under ~14 CBM
More frequent departures than FCL on many routes
More CO₂-efficient through shared container utilization

View FCL Guide

LCL CBM Cost Calculator

Enter your shipment volume and instantly see whether LCL or FCL is cheaper.

From

To

Volume: 8 CBM

130 CBM

Weight: 4,000 kg

10020 000 kg

Recommended

LCL

~USD 1,700

8.0 chargeable CBM

37–50 days

incl. CFS handling

FCL

~USD 3,800

20ft · 40ft ≈ 4,700

32–42 days

direct transport possible

* Market indication – not a binding quote. Variations possible based on timing, carrier and cargo type.

Methodology: Port-to-port FAK/spot band (Drewry WCI anchors) · As of 2026-07-30 · Confidence: Estimate.

LCL Process – 8 Steps

From booking to delivery – this is how an LCL shipment works.

Container terminal aerial view – LCL process

LCL Cost Components

LCL prices consist of several components. Unlike FCL, everything is calculated per CBM/ton.

Ocean Freight (per CBM)40%

Main cost driver – calculated per CBM or ton (whichever is higher). Typical USD 30–80/CBM depending on route and season.

Origin CFS Charge15%

Consolidation fee at origin CFS: goods receipt, measuring, weighing, photographing, loading and sealing.

Destination CFS Charge15%

Deconsolidation fee at destination CFS: unloading, sorting, checking and making shipment available for consignee.

House B/L & Documentation8%

Costs for issuing the House B/L by the NVOCC/forwarder and other documentation fees.

Customs Clearance12%

Customs duties per shipment, import VAT and customs broker fee. For LCL per shipment, not per container.

Pre-/On-Carriage (Truck)10%

Transport from shipper to origin CFS and from destination CFS to consignee.

LCL Packaging Guidelines

Correct packaging protects your goods and prevents damage costs – especially important for LCL.

LCL vs. FCL – Direct Comparison

The key differences at a glance – so you can make the right choice.

Container Freight Station – LCL consolidation

Criterion	LCL	FCL
Minimum volume	from 1 CBM	approx. 14–30 CBM
Cost below 14 CBM	Cheaper	More expensive (empty space)
Transit time	4–5 days longer (CFS)	Faster
Security / Damage risk	Higher risk (handling)	Sealed, less handling
Container type	Shared container (groupage)	Exclusive container
Documentation	House B/L + Master B/L	Bill of Lading (B/L)
CO₂ efficiency	Better (shared utilization)	Better at full utilization

LCL Documents Checklist

These documents are required for an LCL sea freight shipment.

LCL – Less than Container Load

What is LCL?

LCL Advantages

LCL CBM Cost Calculator

LCL Process – 8 Steps

LCL Cost Components

LCL Packaging Guidelines

LCL vs. FCL – Direct Comparison

LCL Documents Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions about LCL

Key Terms in Glossary

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