Numerous enterprises that import shipments from China or other countries are stuck in the dilemma of whether to choose FCL or LCL. Both FCL and LCL have some pros and cons. Companies must consider which transport and logistics providers in Sydney, Auckland, or any other cities of the world they must consider for their shipment requirements.
There is no perfect answer to which container load a company should choose. But usually, to select between FCL and LCL, one must consider the size and volume of the shipment. As a rule, FCL or Full Container Load is chosen when the weight of the shipment is above 20 tonnes, and the volume of the load is higher than 15 cubic metres.
FCL rents the entire ship, even if the consignment does not occupy every inch of the space available. The ship carries the load from one company exclusively.
LCL is used when the container load is within 2 to 20 tonnes in weight and less than 15 cubic metres in volume. This is when partial space is bifurcated, and containers of different companies are placed in one ship.
Many other factors are involved in choosing between a Full Container Load and Less Than Container Load.
Shipment Delivery Port
In Full Container Load, you can expect the cargo to ship your goods to the exact location of your desired port. Direct transportation cannot be expected in Less Than Container Load. The shipment has to be loaded from a standard port to your desired location, thus adding to the cost.
Delivery Time
The Full Container Load delivery time is less than LCL by at least four days. The LCL can get held up by customs and delayed even if a different consignment is under inspection. Also, the deconsolidation and sorting of separate shipments are to be done. With FCL, even if there are inspections, they are quickly resolved as it takes much less time.
Splitting of Shipments
LCL is very convenient when the shipment has to be delivered to multiple addresses. The warehousing of the cargo saves inventory costs, and the shipment reaches its intended port at less cost.
In the case of FCL, the shipment can be split into different sections to deliver to varied locations, but it can be counterproductive. Warehousing will be an extra step in FCL. Additional costs will be incurred, such as labelling, loading and unloading, sorting, delivering to different locations, etc. In such a case, you must consult your transport and logistics provider in Sydney, Mumbai or New York.
Security
LCL has a higher chance of misplacing or losing a shipment, theft, etc., as multiple shipments are available. FCL is safer this way; nevertheless, the enterprise can opt for freight insurance for an extra layer of security in both cases.
The shipment needs of companies can vary from time to time, and so could their choice between FCL or LCL. In any case, you can get in touch with WSI for your freight needs, such as container transport, under bond warehousing in Sydney, etc.
Contact us today for more information.
