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What is LCL shipping charges?

Author

Mia Morrison

Updated on March 02, 2026

What is LCL shipping charges?

LCL shipping charges are generally computed based on the dimensions of the package i.e. the length, width. The standard unit for LCL shipping charges is USD per CBM (cubic meters). However, if the weight of the package exceeds 1000 kgs (1 ton), then the costs are levied based on the weight.

What is LCL and LTL?

Full Truckload (FTL), Less than Truckload (LTL), Full Container Load (FCL), and Less than Container Load (LCL) are all options you can deploy based on your shipment’s size, shape, weight or volume. In a future blog we’ll talk more about how to optimize for each mode.

What does LCL shipment means?

Less than Container Load
LCL is an ocean shipping term; an abbreviation of Less than Container Load, refers to small ocean freight shipment wherein the shipper does not contract for a full container since the quantity of shipment is not adequate to contract for a full container.

How is LCL freight calculated?

In short, freight forwarders charges LCL rate on the basis of ‘per CBM’ or per weight of 1000kgs (1 ton) which ever is higher. If the weight of the said package is 7 tons (7000kgs), the freight on LCL is calculated on the basis of weight. That is, 7 tons X USD 10.00 = USD 70.00.

What is the minimum weight for LCL shipment?

1 CBM
It can be used for shipments as little as 1 CBM, or less, although the minimum chargeable volume is 1 CBM. (Note: It is also advisable to check the air options if the shipment is less than 1 CBM and the chargeable weight is less than 200kg). LCL is ideal for shipments with a volume of less than 15 CBM.

How big is an LCL-container?

Size of Your Shipment / Cargo – LCL shipping is the best option for you when the size of your cargo is less than 33 cubic meters or 1200 cubic feet. 33 cubic meters is the approximate internal capacity of the smallest of the standard shipping containers.

What is LTL and FTL?

Businesses that need the services of a freight carrier have many options for transportation of their goods. Two popular methods of transportation are LTL shipping (less than truckload) and FTL (full truckload).

How is LCL shipping calculated?

What is LCL give example?

A term used to describe the transportation of small ocean freight shipments not requiring the full capacity of an ocean container – Usually less than 20 CBM (cubic meters). Example – Shippers often use LCL service as an economical alternative to air freight for smaller, less time-sensitive shipments.

Is LCL cheaper than FCL?

LCL costs more than FCL per unit of freight. That’s because freight agents prefer a full container load — it’s easier for them than figuring out how to bundle many LCL shipments in a full container.

How do you calculate LCL volume?

  1. Step 1: Calculate the volume of the shipment. Volume = length X width X height.
  2. Step 2: Convert the result into metric measurement in meters. To convert cubic inches into cubic meters, follow this formula: 61,024 cubic inches = 1 cbm.
  3. Step 3: Calculate the weight based volume.
  4. Step 4: Compare the weight based volume.

How is freight calculated for LCL?

If freight forwarder quote a rate of USD 10.00 per CBM, the rate will be 6.44 CBM X USD 10.00 per CBM = USD 64.40. If the weight of the said package is 7 tons (7000kgs), the freight on LCL is calculated on the basis of weight. That is, 7 tons X USD 10.00 = USD 70.00. So, weight of 1 ton (1000kgs) is treated as 1cbm.