Export and Import (FCL)

Are you going to make a shipping charge and you're not sure if you should choose a FCL or LCL? Don't worry, here we tell you the differences between FCL and LCL, and what are the advantages of each of these modes of transport maritime.

What is FCL and LCL transport maritime

The terms FCL and LCL refer to the two main methods of shipping: shipments FCL full container and shipping LCL or groupage maritime.

A FCL or shipping of full container, as its name indicates, is a delivery in which the merchandise to a shipper travels inside a container without sharing space with other loads. In a FCL, the entire container is at the disposal of the importer or exporter.

In contrast, a LCL or groupage maritime, is a type of delivery in which the charge moves in a container along with loads of other shippers. That is why it is also known that this modality as a ‘container shared’.

In logistics, tend to use the acronym FCL and LCL by their names in English:

FCL: Full Container Load
LCL: Less than Container Load

To decide which option is best for your shipment —FCL or LCL— there are four key aspects that you, as a shipper, you should be clear about before you book: volume, safety, cost and urgency.