FCL vs LCL: Which Sea Freight Option Is Right for You?
When shipping goods internationally via sea freight, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to book a Full Container Load (FCL) or opt for Less than Container Load (LCL).
At first glance, it may seem like a decision based solely on volume, but there’s more to it than just how much space your cargo occupies. At Navia, we’ve supported businesses of all sizes through this decision-making process, and we know it comes down to more than just the numbers.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between FCL and LCL, what to consider beyond price, and how to choose the option that’s best aligned with your business goals.
What Is FCL (Full Container Load)?
FCL stands for Full Container Load, which means your goods occupy the entire container, either a 20ft or 40ft unit. You don’t necessarily need to fill the container to its maximum capacity, but when you book FCL, you are paying for exclusive use of the container.
Common scenarios for FCL:
- You’re shipping high volumes of goods.
- Your cargo is fragile or high value and you want to reduce handling.
- You want faster transit times with minimal consolidation delays.
- You require more control over packing, loading, or labelling.
At Navia, many of our customers move to FCL when their shipments exceed 10–12 CBM (cubic metres). At this point, the cost-per-unit of FCL often becomes more favourable than LCL.
What Is LCL (Less Than Container Load)?
LCL stands for Less than Container Load, meaning your goods share space with other shippers’ cargo in the same container. Your shipment is consolidated at origin and deconsolidated at destination, making it ideal for smaller or infrequent shipments.
Common scenarios for LCL
- You’re shipping smaller quantities (typically under 10 CBM).
- You need to ship more frequently but don’t yet have full container volumes.
- You want to test new markets or products without committing to larger stock levels.
- You require flexibility in timing and volume.
Navia offers frequent LCL consolidation services to and from key global trade lanes, giving you the agility to scale up or down as needed, without paying for space you don’t use.
Key Differences Between LCL and FCL
Let’s look at how these two sea freight methods stack up across a few important considerations:
1. Cost
- FCL: More cost-effective for larger volumes. You pay a flat rate for the entire container, regardless of whether it’s full.
- LCL: Billed by CBM. Great for smaller shipments but can become more expensive as volume increases due to per-CBM charges and handling fees.
2. Transit Time
- FCL: Generally faster. Since your container doesn’t need to be consolidated or deconsolidated, it avoids delays at both ends.
- LCL: Typically adds a few extra days to the journey due to consolidation at origin and unpacking at destination.
At Navia, we factor this into our quoting and tracking timelines via NaviaHub, so you’re never caught off guard.
3. Handling & Risk
- FCL: Reduced handling. Your cargo is loaded once and unloaded once, which lowers the risk of damage or misplacement.
- LCL: Involves multiple touchpoints as cargo is handled with that of other shippers, increasing the chance of damage or delay.
If your goods are fragile, highly sensitive, or require strict labelling, FCL provides an extra layer of protection.
4. Customs & Documentation
- FCL: A single consignee simplifies customs clearance. Faster processing and fewer surprises.
- LCL: Shared container means delays can be caused if another consignee’s documentation is incorrect or flagged.
At Navia, we take care of all customs brokerage in-house and help mitigate this risk through pre-clearance checks, particularly for LCL cargo.
5. Sustainability
- FCL: Fewer stops and touchpoints means less energy expended per shipment.
- LCL: Slightly higher carbon footprint due to consolidation and added warehousing steps.
Navia helps offset this with carbon reporting and voluntary offsetting through our sustainability partner, Lune.
When Should You Choose FCL?
Choose FCL if:
- You’re shipping 12 CBM or more.
- You require faster delivery windows and more predictability.
- Your cargo is fragile, high value, or must remain sealed.
- You want to reduce the risk of delays due to shared container issues.
When Is LCL the Better Fit?
Choose LCL if:
- You’re shipping less than 12 CBM.
- You’re testing new markets or managing seasonal spikes.
- You need to ship frequently in smaller batches.
- You don’t want to commit to the cost of filling a container.
Choosing the Right Option with Navia
At Navia, we don’t just quote freight. We help guide the decision-making process with transparency and data.
We’ll assess your:
- Shipping volume
- Frequency
- Transit time requirements
- Handling needs
- Compliance and customs considerations
All of this is then reflected in our NaviaHub platform, where you can track your shipment down to the SKU level, generate real-time reports, and integrate directly with your ERP system via our API.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All
While FCL offers simplicity and control, LCL provides flexibility and scalability. Your choice depends on your cargo size, budget, urgency, and risk tolerance.
What matters most is choosing a partner who understands both and knows when to recommend one over the other.
At Navia, we’ll always steer you in the right direction based on data, experience, and your unique supply chain goals.
Ready to optimise your sea freight strategy?
"*" indicates required fields
