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Less Than Container Load

If you’re new to less than container load shipments, you may find it beneficial for your land, ocean, or air freight business. LCL shipping can be a useful option for customers who need to transport smaller shipments of goods but do not require an entire shipping container.

By working with a freight forwarder that specializes in LCL shipping, customers can ensure that their shipments are consolidated with other shipments in a way that is cost-effective, secure, and efficient. You can learn more about less than container load shipment details below.

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What is less than container load?

In the freight forwarding business, a less than container load (LCL) refers to a shipment that does not require an entire container to transport. Instead, LCL shipments are consolidated with other smaller shipments to fill a container, which can help reduce shipping costs for customers who do not need to transport a large volume of goods.

LCL shipments are typically used for smaller shipments that do not require a full container but are still too large to be shipped as parcel post. This can include anything from a few pallets of goods to a few hundred cubic feet of cargo. LCL shipments are usually transported in specially designed containers that are divided into sections to accommodate multiple shipments.

Also, LCL shipping can be more cost-effective than a full container load or other shipping methods. Since multiple shipments are consolidated into a single container, the cost of transportation is shared between multiple customers, which can help lower shipping costs for everyone involved. Additionally, LCL shipping can be more flexible than other methods, since customers can book space for their shipments as needed and do not need to worry about filling an entire container.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Above and beyond

They are constantly going above and beyond to make sure I am happy and getting personal attention. I am confident that we will be importing our bicycles with Dedola for a long time to come.

Michael Fishman Co-Founder & President, Pure Fix Cycles

Competitive pricing

Dedola has been our trusted import broker since 2013. Their technology and shipment visibility rivals any large brokerage company, but their real strength is the personal attention from their great administrative team. I doubt there is a better combination of competitive pricing and outstanding service available in the industry.

Peter P & P Imports, Irvine, CA, USA

Trustworthy

We have been working with Dedola Global Logistics for almost a decade now and their customer service and pricing has always been exceptional. The team at Dedola are all first class trustworthy individuals. Never once have they steered us in the wrong direction. Their knowledge in each area of the industry has helped our company in many ways. From LCL shipments, to importing 20ft/40ft containers, and processing triangle shipments, Dedola made every shipment as seamless as possible. This allows us to focus our time and energy where it is needed most which is our client base. We look forward to building even a stronger relationship over the next few decades!

Owner - Vin C. SCS Performance, LLC, Livermore, California

Handles the entire process

As a small business owner there are countless obstacles to overcome every day. Dedola works for me and handles the entire process so I can stay focused on growing my business.

Gabriel Matrix Mirrors

Always takes care of us

Dedola has always provided above and beyond customer service for our company in many ways. When we needed a new 3PL warehouse they helped us with negotiating rates with a warehouse they recommended and made sure we were always taken care of. Dedola is a forwarder we as a company would highly recommend.

Amanda SJ Creations

Excellent customer service

The Dedola team has been a great partner right from the beginning. They offered flexible terms, great rates and the customer service is excellent. They have been open to many of my suggestions on how to improve the overall customer experience.

Bob Precision, CPG, LLC., California

Peace of Mind

Dedola has been incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. Their sales team spent an hour on the phone with me carefully answering my many questions and my Logistic Coordinator, Crystal, patiently walked me through the process of my first order every step of the way. I started shipping during the pandemic, and I was amazed at how smoothly everything went! I am incredibly grateful that I chose Dedola and I highly recommend them for all of your shipping needs!

Karen T. Griff Goods Amazon Company

A Pleasure to Work With!

We’ve been working with DGL for a year and a half. Their responsiveness, attentiveness, reliable delivery, and competitive pricing has made it a pleasure working with them. Unlike our last forwarder, we’re now in the loop with everything from status of deliveries to changes in pricing.

Name upon Request Matcha Importer

What is the difference between FCL & LCL?

The main difference between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL shipments is the amount of cargo being shipped. In an FCL shipment, the cargo fills an entire container, usually a 20-foot or 40-foot container. FCL shipments are typically used when the shipper has enough cargo to fill a container or wants to avoid sharing space with other shippers. Since the shipper is paying for the entire container, FCL shipments are generally more cost-effective than LCL shipments for larger shipments.

On the other hand, LCL shipments are used when the cargo does not fill an entire container. In an LCL shipment, the cargo is consolidated with other shippers’ cargo in the same container. LCL shipments are ideal for smaller shipments or when the cargo is not enough to fill an entire container. The shipper only pays for the space they occupy in the container, which makes LCL shipments a more cost-effective option for smaller shipments.

While FCL and LCL shipments differ in terms of cargo volume, they have some similarities. Both modes of shipping use ocean freight to transport goods and may involve multiple modes of transportation, such as trucking or rail, to move the cargo to and from the port. The clearest difference between FCL and LCL shipments is the amount of cargo being shipped. FCL shipments are used for larger shipments that fill an entire container, while LCL shipments are used for smaller shipments that do not fill an entire container.

Is LCL cheaper than FCL?

Less than container load shipments are typically cheaper than full container load shipments because they allow multiple shippers to share space using a single container. With LCL shipments, the cost is usually calculated based on the volume of goods being shipped, while FCL shipments are priced based on the entire container’s capacity, regardless of how much space is used. The exact price difference between LCL and FCL shipments can vary depending on various factors, such as the distance of the shipment, the shipping company used, and the specific goods being shipped. In general, you can assume that LCL shipments will be more affordable to ship than FCL shipments, especially for smaller delivery shipments.

When estimating fair market prices for LCL and FCL shipments, there are a few things you will notice. It’s important to compare prices from different shipping companies and providers, as they may offer different rates and discounts. Additionally, the type and volume of goods being shipped can impact the final price, as can the origin and destination of the shipment.

Other factors that can impact the cost of LCL and FCL shipments include any special handling or packaging requirements, the mode of transportation used, and any customs fees or taxes that may apply. You should only work with a reputable shipping company that can provide transparent pricing and helps you understand all the costs associated with your shipment. Do your research and compare prices to ensure you’re getting a fair market price for your shipment.

What are the benefits of an LCL shipment?

LCL shipments offer a number of benefits over FCL shipments, including the following:

Cost savings

Cost savings are one of the most significant benefits of LCL shipments. The LCL price allows multiple shippers to share space in a single container, which means that you only pay for the space you need. This can be a much more cost-effective option than FCL shipping, which requires you to pay for an entire container even if you don’t need all that space.

Reduction Of Risk

LCL solutions can also help reduce the risk of damage or loss during transit. Because your cargo will be consolidated with other shipments, it is less likely to shift around during transport and suffer damage. Additionally, most LCL shipments are packaged and palletized for transport, which can help protect your goods from damage.

More Environmentally Friendly

LCL freight forwarder shipping is more environmentally friendly than FCL shipping. By consolidating multiple container loads into a single container, LCL can help reduce the number of containers required to transport goods, which can help reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

Flexibility

LCL shipments offer a high degree of flexibility, as they allow you to ship smaller volumes of goods without having to wait for a full container load. This can be especially useful if you need to ship goods on short notice or don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire container.

Better Shipping Options

LCL shipments are typically available on more shipping routes than FCL shipments, which means you have more options when it comes to choosing a carrier or route. This can help you find a shipping solution that meets your specific needs and budget.

Businesses can use the LCL shipping option when sending goods overseas, rather than having to pay the full price for space they don’t need. Talk to Dedola today to learn about how to get started on your less than container load shipments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

About our Ocean Freight Forwarding Services

We know how critical your shipment is to your business. Here are some of the questions that we’ve heard in our over four decades in the industry:

Can you calculate my pricing for a shipment?

Yes. If you have the information about the weight and bulk of your items, you can ask for a quote.

What ports/countries do you serve?