What is the difference between FCL and LCL, and when does each make sense?

**FCL (Full Container Load)** - You book an entire container (20ft, 40ft, or 40ft HC) regardless of how full it is. Capacity: - 20ft: ~28 CBM / ~25-28 MT - 40ft: ~58 CBM / ~26-28 MT (volume-limited) - 40ft HC: ~68 CBM / ~26-28 MT **LCL (Less than Container Load)** - Your goods share a container with other shippers at a CFS (container freight station). You pay per CBM or per ton, whichever is higher (W/M basis). **Cost crossover:** - Below ~3 CBM: LCL is clearly cheaper - 3-10 CBM: LCL still cheaper but the gap narrows - 10-15 CBM: Roughly equal; FCL often wins on total landed cost once handling fees are counted - Above 15 CBM: FCL is almost always cheaper per kg **Time difference:** - FCL goes straight from origin port to destination port - LCL adds 5-7 days at origin for consolidation and 5-7 days at destination for deconsolidation - so total transit is typically 10-14 days longer than FCL on the same route **Why FCL is preferred for construction materials:** - Less handling = less damage to roofing sheets, rebar bundles, glazing - Faster clearance (one B/L, one consignee) - Lower per-kg cost at typical project volumes - No risk of contamination from co-loaded cargo **When LCL makes sense:** - Samples, spares, replacement parts - Small fittings orders below 5 CBM - Buyers testing a new supplier before committing to FCL volumes For most Allied Minmetal orders, consolidating into one FCL through our multi-mill aggregation is the cheaper and faster option vs. multiple LCL shipments.