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An LCL shipment is the ideal solution when you need to move smaller cargo volumes without paying for a full container. Flexible, reliable and cost-efficient options adapted to your timelines and budget. Reduce costs, streamline your logistics, and rely on Rhenus’ global network and local expertise to ensure a smooth, end-to-end experience for every shipment.
Grow your business in the U.S. with a flexible ocean freight solution designed for smaller cargo volumes. Move goods in the quantities you need and stay responsive to market demand with complete confidence. With Rhenus as your FMC-certified Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI), you will receive a reliable and seamless service tailored to your business.
With Rhenus’ proven less-than-container-load shipping services, you benefit from reliable transit times, consistent on-time delivery, optimized consolidation processes and stable sailing schedules, ensuring efficient ocean freight operations.
Keep your LCL shipment secure and on schedule with our dedicated services, providing dependable pickups, protected cargo space, and a seamless experience throughout your cargo journey.
Enjoy full transparency with less-than-container-load, supported by our global reach and local expertise. Track your deliveries in real time and manage every stage of your shipping process with complete visibility and no hidden costs.
Whether you ship regularly or only from time to time, you receive personalized support and tailored solutions designed to meet your specific requirements and ensure a seamless service.
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Make your shipments more sustainable by optimizing consolidation and routing to reduce environmental impact, while still maintaining reliable, efficient transport from start to finish.
Connect with our experts for tailored less-than-container-load shipping solutions.
LCL stands for “less-than-container load” and describes sea freight shipments that do not completely fill a container. Several shipments from different customers are consolidated into one load, which enables cost advantages. This allows shippers with smaller volumes of freight to take advantage of container shipments without having to fill an entire container.
In contrast to LCL, FCL stands for “full-container load”, when a shipper has enough freight to fill an entire container and use it exclusively. The shipper rents the entire space in the container for its own goods, which means exclusive use of the container regardless of the cargo space used.
LCL prioritizes direct transport and an optimal route with as few stops as possible. The estimated transit time is influenced by various factors such as overcrowded ports, container shortages, truck driver shortages or detours due to unforeseen events. Nevertheless, LCL shipping is considered very reliable thanks to preferential treatment by transport companies.
There is no size limit for general cargo as long as it fits into a standard container. FCL may, however, prove to be the cheaper option if the shipment exceeds a certain freight volume. In addition, not all goods can be shipped via LCL, e.g. perishable goods, live animals and plants, valuables (jewelry and raw materials such as gold or platinum) as well as personal items, foreign exchange and securities, tobacco and cigarettes, vehicles, weapons, ammunition and specific classes of dangerous goods. If you are uncertain what your best option is, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further clarification.
