Trade and customs
FCL and LCL
Definition
Full container load, where one shipper uses a whole container, and less than container load, where cargo shares a container.
FCL shipments are booked per container, typically 20 foot or 40 foot, and move directly from the shipper to the consignee. LCL cargo is consolidated with other shippers' goods at a freight station and charged by volume or weight.
LCL suits small orders but involves more handling and longer transit times, and many consolidators restrict or refuse dangerous goods.