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Less-than-container load (LCL)

Less-than-container loads (LCL) are a cost-effective and reliable solution for transporting smaller shipments. Our LCL services reduce costs while giving you the flexibility, efficiency and reliability you need. Our tailor-made solutions guarantee a smooth and hassle-free process.

Discover our LCL services

LCL enables you to scale your business without the limitations of full-container loads. Whether you are a small, mid-sized or multinational company, LCL lets you sell and ship smaller quantities and adjust to market demand. We also offer convenient goods collection and delivery through our Rhenus road network, along with warehousing services all managed seamlessly without relying on third-party providers.

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Benefits

Reliability

Reliable transit times and punctual delivery to any location worldwide thanks to optimized processes and stable schedules.

We maintain control over the entire supply chain with available space, pickups and schedules.

We offer full transparency about our service with no hidden costs and visibility of your shipment across the supply chain. Through our web portal, you can track deliveries in real time and reduce the risk of potential issues.

Whether you ship regularly or need extra services to meet your unique needs, we’ve got you covered with personalized products and customized transport solutions.

Why choose Rhenus for LCL shipping

  • Competitive prices and worldwide service
  • Fixed departures and reliable transport times
  • Services reaching 32,000 port pairs
  • Shipment visibility through our Control Tower operations
  • Efficient and time-saving communication with one contact person
  • Unique mix of global orientation and local focus through Rhenus gateway services

Optimized logistics for both parties through efficient coordination of cargo from multiple sellers to a single buyer via buyer’s consolidation.

Value-added services

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Handling

We offer a wide range of solutions, including smart storage, repacking, neutralizing, sorting, smart monitoring, labeling, shipment inspection and palletizing. We handle your cargo with care at every stage, giving you peace of mind and greater efficiency in your supply chain management.

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E-solutions

Our e-solutions include electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities and a dedicated dashboard that ensure smooth integration and real-time visibility of your shipments.

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Document solutions

From traditional paper proof of delivery (POD) and paper invoicing to modern document delivery by courier and detailed reporting, we ensure all your documentation needs are met seamlessly. We optimize your document management process to improve transparency and accuracy throughout your supply chain.

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Express solutions

Benefit from express pickup and delivery options, faster transit times and the convenience of 24/7 deliveries. We handle your urgent shipping needs with efficiency and precision.

Worker in a warehouse operating a wrapping machine, securing large stacks of goods on pallets with plastic wrap.

Customs Clearance

We offer a wide range of services including customs clearance and meticulous handling of all required documents to ensure smooth and hassle-free processing for your ocean freight shipments.

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Insurance

Rhenus provides comprehensive insurance coverage and professional survey services to assess and mitigate potential damage or losses, ensuring your shipments are protected from unforeseen risks.

Lower-emission solution for LCL between Europe and Asia

Our LCL consolidation service enables you to lower your emissions by up to 50 percent compared to diesel vehicles on routes between Europe and China, without any additional cost. Rhenus provides special rates and support for every sustainable journey.

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Are you looking for a reliable and cost-effective partner for your LCL shipment?

Get in touch with our experts for comprehensive advice.

Frequently asked questions

LCL stands for “less-than-container load” and refers to sea freight shipments that do not completely fill a container. Several shipments from different customers are combined into one load, creating cost benefits. This enables shippers with smaller freight volumes to take advantage of container shipments without needing to fill a full container.

In contrast to LCL, FCL stands for “full-container load” and means the shipper has enough freight to fill an entire container and use it exclusively. The shipper rents the full container for its own goods, ensuring exclusive use regardless of how much cargo space is used.

LCL prioritizes direct transport and optimal routing with as few stops as possible. Transit times can be affected by factors such as crowded ports, container shortages, truck driver shortages or detours caused by unforeseen events. Nevertheless, LCL shipping is regarded as highly reliable due to its preferential handling by transport companies.

There is no size limit for general cargo as long as it fits into a standard container. FCL may, however, be the cheaper option if your shipment exceeds a certain volume. Not all goods can be shipped via LCL, such as perishable goods, live animals and plants, valuables like jewelry or raw materials such as gold or platinum, personal items, foreign exchange and securities, tobacco and cigarettes, vehicles, weapons, ammunition and specific classes of dangerous goods. If you are unsure which option is right for you, please contact us for further clarification.

The state-of-the-art gateway includes 13,000 square meters of warehouse space for container and truck handling, complete with full CCTV surveillance and geo-tracking, and offers more than 60 direct and indirect services to 27 EU countries, ensuring full transparency for you. Located in the heart of European industry, it provides faster transit times from exporters to importers and easy access to industrial regions in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, connecting seamlessly with our extensive European trucking network. We aim to meet your requirements as efficiently as possible.