LCL (less than container load) is usually cheaper when your shipment is under about 13–15 CBM. Above that, a full 20ft container (FCL) usually costs less in total, arrives faster and is handled less. The exact break-even depends on your quotes, so work it out with the formula below rather than guessing.
Compare your own quotes: use the free FCL vs LCL calculator to find your break-even volume.
Not sure how many CBM you have? Use our guide on how to calculate CBM first.
Key facts
- FCL: you rent the whole container and pay a flat price per box, however full it is.
- LCL: you share a container and pay per CBM, with a minimum of 1 CBM.
- Typical break-even: around 13–15 CBM, but it moves with every quote.
- Time: LCL usually adds 5–10 days for consolidation and unpacking.
- Usable space: about 25–28 CBM in a 20ft, 55–60 CBM in a 40ft and 65–70 CBM in a 40ft high cube.
How is FCL priced?
With FCL you pay one ocean freight rate per container, plus origin and destination charges per container (terminal handling, documentation, delivery). It costs the same whether the box is half empty or packed to the roof. The more you fill it, the cheaper each unit becomes.
How is LCL priced?
LCL is charged per revenue ton (W/M): 1 CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. A shipment of 4 CBM weighing 1,500 kg is charged as 4 revenue tons. Most forwarders charge a minimum of 1 CBM.
The ocean rate is only part of an LCL bill. At destination you also pay container freight station (CFS) charges for unpacking, plus handling, documentation and delivery order fees. These are often charged per CBM too, and they are where LCL quotes look cheap and invoices do not.
How do I find my break-even point?
Divide the all-in cost of a 20ft container by the all-in LCL cost per CBM:
Break-even CBM = FCL all-in price ÷ LCL all-in price per CBM
Example with illustrative numbers. A 20ft costs USD 2,400 door to door. LCL costs USD 95 per CBM ocean plus USD 75 per CBM in destination charges, so USD 170 per CBM all-in.
USD 2,400 ÷ USD 170 = 14.1 CBM. Below 14 CBM, LCL wins. Above it, book the container.
| Shipment size | LCL cost (USD 170/CBM) | 20ft FCL cost | Cheaper option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 CBM | USD 850 | USD 2,400 | LCL |
| 10 CBM | USD 1,700 | USD 2,400 | LCL |
| 15 CBM | USD 2,550 | USD 2,400 | FCL |
| 20 CBM | USD 3,400 | USD 2,400 | FCL |
Rates change weekly and vary a lot by route, so use your own quotes. Always compare all-in prices, never the ocean rate alone.
Which one is faster?
FCL. Your container is loaded at the factory and goes straight to the port. LCL cargo has to wait at a consolidation warehouse until the container is full, then be unpacked at a CFS at destination before you can collect it. That usually adds 5–10 days end to end. See how long shipping from China takes for typical transit times.
Which is safer for my goods?
FCL. Your goods are sealed in the container from origin to destination. LCL cargo is handled several times and shares space with other shippers’ goods, which raises the risk of damage. If you have one problem shipment in the same LCL container, customs may hold the whole box, including your cargo.
When should I choose LCL anyway?
- Your shipment is small, roughly under 10 CBM
- You are testing a new product or supplier
- You want to keep stock low and order more often
- Your goods are not fragile and pack well on pallets
When should I choose FCL?
- You have more than about 13–15 CBM
- Your goods are fragile, high value or easy to steal
- You need the shipment fast or on a fixed date
- You want fewer handling points and fewer surprise fees
What to do next
- Calculate your total CBM and gross weight from the supplier’s packing list.
- Ask your forwarder for an all-in, door-to-door quote for both LCL and a 20ft FCL.
- Divide the FCL price by the LCL price per CBM to find your break-even.
- If you are near the break-even, choose FCL. It is faster and safer for little extra money.
- For LCL, ask for the destination CFS charges in writing before booking.
Common mistakes
- Comparing the LCL ocean rate with the FCL all-in price
- Forgetting that LCL charges by weight when cargo is heavy (more than 1,000 kg per CBM)
- Booking LCL for fragile goods to save a small amount
- Ignoring the free time on an FCL container, which can lead to demurrage charges
Related questions
- How do I calculate CBM for a shipment?
- How do I make sure my China freight quote has no hidden charges?
- What is the difference between demurrage and detention?
Sources: Container dimensions from carrier specifications (Maersk container types and sizes). Rates in the examples are illustrative, not quotes. Last reviewed October 2026.