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Less-than-container loads (LCLs) are a cost-effective and reliable way to transport smaller quantities of goods. Our LCL services help reduce costs while providing the flexibility, cost-efficiency and reliability you need. Our tailor-made solutions guarantee a smooth and stress-free process.
LCL enables you to scale your business without the constraints of full-container loads. Whether you are a small, medium-sized or multinational company, LCL gives you the ability to ship smaller quantities and adapt to market demand. We also provide goods collection and delivery across our Rhenus road network, along with warehousing services – all seamlessly handled without the need for third-party providers.
Reliable transit times and punctual delivery to locations worldwide are achieved through optimized processes and stable schedules.
We maintain control over the entire supply chain by managing available space, pickups and schedules.
Our service offers full transparency with no hidden costs and complete visibility of your shipment throughout the supply chain. With our web portal, you can track deliveries in real time and reduce the risk of potential problems.
Whether you ship regularly or need extra services for specific requirements, we’ve got you covered with personalized products and customized transport solutions.
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Our LCL consolidation service helps you reduce your emissions by up to 50 percent compared to diesel vehicles on routes between Europe and China, with no additional cost. Rhenus offers special rates and support for every sustainable journey.
Get in touch with our experts for comprehensive advice.
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 consolidated into one load, creating cost advantages. This enables shippers with smaller volumes of freight to benefit from container transport without having to fill an entire container.
In contrast to LCL, FCL stands for “full-container load”, which applies when a shipper has enough freight to fill an entire container and uses it exclusively. The shipper rents the whole container for its own goods, ensuring exclusive use of the container regardless of how much space is occupied.
LCL prioritizes direct transport and optimal routing with as few stops as possible. Transit time can be influenced by various factors port congestion, container shortages, driver availability or detours caused by unforeseen events. Nevertheless, LCL shipping is regarded as reliable due to preferential treatment from transport companies.
There is no size limit for general cargo as long as it fits inside a standard container. FCL, however, may be the cheaper option if the shipment exceeds a certain volume. Not all goods can be shipped via LCL, such as perishable items, 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 certain categories of dangerous goods. If you are uncertain which option suits your shipment best, 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, with full CCTV surveillance and geo-tracking capabilities. It offers over 60 direct and indirect services to 27 EU countries and ensures full transparency. Located in the heart of European industry, the gateway provides faster transit times for exporters and importers and is close to the industrial regions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Rep, Slovakia, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It also connects seamlessly with our extensive European trucking network, reaching even further. We strive to meet your requirements as efficiently as possible.
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