LCL

LCL (less than container load) describes cargo too small to justify a full container, which is consolidated with other shippers’ goods into one box. The shipper pays by volume or weight, whichever yields more revenue, plus consolidation and deconsolidation handling at origin and destination container freight stations. LCL trades reliability and price against FCL’s speed and lower handling, and it exposes each consignment to the customs and damage risk of everything else stuffed in the same box.