Question 1

What is the difference between LCL and FCL?

Accepted Answer

LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers' goods. You only pay for the space your cargo occupies, calculated in CBM (cubic metres) or metric tons. FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container exclusively for your cargo, even if it is not completely full. The main trade-off: LCL is cheaper for small shipments but slower (consolidation and deconsolidation at CFS takes extra time), while FCL is faster, more secure, and cost-effective for large shipments.

Question 2

When should I use LCL instead of FCL?

Accepted Answer

Use LCL when your cargo is less than approximately 15 CBM. Below this volume, LCL is typically more cost-effective than booking a full 20-foot container (which has a capacity of around 25–28 CBM). LCL is also preferred when your cargo is time-flexible, when you ship small orders frequently, or when you want to avoid the expense of a full container that isn't full. Use FCL when your cargo exceeds 15–20 CBM, when you have time-sensitive cargo, when you are shipping fragile or high-value goods that shouldn't be co-loaded with others, or when you need direct port-to-port without CFS handling.

Question 3

How is LCL freight charged in India?

Accepted Answer

LCL freight is charged per CBM (cubic metre) or per metric ton (W/M - weight or measurement, whichever is greater). The rate is typically quoted as "₹X per CBM" or "USD X per CBM" depending on the trade lane. For LCL, you also pay additional charges: CFS charges (Container Freight Station handling), consolidation charges, deconsolidation charges at destination, and documentation fees. When quoting LCL, FreightSetu lets you add each charge per CBM basis and calculates the total based on the actual cargo dimensions.

Question 4

What is a CFS (Container Freight Station)?

Accepted Answer

A Container Freight Station (CFS) is a warehouse facility near the port where LCL cargo is consolidated (stuffed into a container with other cargo) before export, and deconsolidated (stripped from the container) after import. CFS handling is an additional cost for LCL shipments. In India, major CFS facilities are located near Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Chennai, and other ports. FCL shipments typically don't use CFS and go directly from the factory to the port terminal.

Question 5

What are standard container sizes for FCL?

Accepted Answer

The most common container sizes are: 20-foot standard (20'GP) - approximately 25–28 CBM / 21 metric tons payload; 40-foot standard (40'GP) - approximately 56–60 CBM / 26 metric tons payload; 40-foot high cube (40'HC) - approximately 68–72 CBM / 26 metric tons payload, with extra height; 20-foot high cube (20'HC) - similar to 20'GP but with extra height. For heavy cargo like machinery or steel, the 20' is preferred due to weight limits. For light but bulky cargo, the 40'HC maximises volume.

Factor	LCL	FCL
Minimum cargo size	No minimum (even 0.5 CBM)	Any (you pay for the full container)
Cost for small cargo	✅ Lower	❌ Higher (paying for unused space)
Cost for large cargo	❌ Higher	✅ Lower per CBM
Transit time	⚠️ Slower (CFS handling)	✅ Faster (direct)
Cargo security	⚠️ Mixed with other goods	✅ Exclusive container
Best for	Cargo < 15 CBM	Cargo > 15 CBM
CFS handling	✅ Required	❌ Not needed
Typical charges	Per CBM / W/M	Per container (flat rate)

LCL vs FCL: What's the Difference?

How to calculate CBM for LCL?

LCL vs FCL - FAQ