Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping

The cost comparison between LCL and FCL shipping hinges on the nature of your cargo. Opting for LCL becomes the economical choice when shipping smaller items or palletized cargo. Conversely, if your goods occupy a substantial portion of a container, FCL emerges as the more cost-effective solution for your shipping needs.

Both LCL and FCL can be great shipping options. The choice between LCL and FCL ultimately boils down to the specifics of your shipment and any unique requirements you have. While LCL shines for smaller shipments, FCL can prove advantageous even when the container isn't fully loaded. Once your shipment surpasses a certain size threshold, an entire container may be the right choice as it can offer more space at a potentially faster transit time despite a slightly higher investment.

The limit for a single package is 3,000 kg. and 29 CBM.
The limit for an entire LCL booking is 20,000 kg. and 60 CBM.

Yes. You can include both export and import customs clearances with your LCL bookings.

The choice between LCL and air freight hinges on the urgency of your shipment. While air freight offers speed, LCL becomes increasingly efficient as the size and weight of your cargo grow. Not only is airfreight cost-intensive, potentially costing several times more than LCL, but choosing LCL provides a viable alternative that reduces both your logistics expenses and carbon footprint. Rest assured, with LCL, your pickup, delivery, and visibility processes remain unchanged.

With C.H. Robinson you can expect a simple process managed by dedicated people to coordinate every step of the journey.

• Pickup: C.H. Robinson picks up or receives the shipment at a C.H. Robinson container freight station (CFS) location before the cut-off time.
• Ship: The freight moves through the customs clearance process and is consolidated with other shipments into an LCL container.
• Delivery: Upon arrival at the destination port, your cargo is transferred to the CFS, where it is safely unloaded, cleared through customs, and delivered.

On average, C.H. Robinson moves LCL shipments across more than 600 lanes and more than 10,000 point-to-point services each week. We are consistently expanding our operational capacity by incorporating new shipping lanes and sailings into our business model.

Yes. Typically, LCL shipping can help reduce carbon emissions in two ways:

• Optimizing containers: LCL service optimally utilizes container space, reducing emissions per transported unit.
• Avoiding air freight: Choosing LCL over air freight minimizes carbon emissions by avoiding the high CO2 output associated with aircraft transportation.