The difference between full container load (FCL) and consolidated container load (LCL) in sea transportation lies in two aspects:
firstly, the billing method is different, and secondly, the customs clearance procedures for FCL cargo in sea transportation are different.
1、 Definition
1) LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipping is the full name for sea freight consolidation. It refers to a small shipment of goods that the shipper consigns and is less than a full container. The agent (or carrier) classifies and organizes the goods, and consolidates a certain number of goods to the same destination into a container.
2) FCL (Full Container Load) shipping, also known as FCL (Full Container Load) for sea freight. It refers to the fact that a full container of goods is transported to the destination port by only one shipper, which is relatively easier than LCL. The whole container is a shipment that is packed, counted, stacked, and sealed by the shipper. The unpacking of full container goods is generally handled by the consignee.
2、 Different billing methods
1. LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping
The LCL shipping cost is only based on the basic shipping cost, which can be calculated in two ways based on volume and weight:
(1) Calculated by volume, X1=Unit Basic Freight (MTQ) × Total volume
(2) Calculated by weight, X2=Unit Basic Freight (TNE) × Total gross weight
Take the larger one of X1 and X2
2. Full box
The full container shipping cost is divided into three parts, and the total shipping cost is the sum of the three parts.
(1) Basic freight=Unit basic freight × Total number of boxes
(2) Port Surcharge=Unit Port Surcharge × Total number of boxes
(3) Fuel surcharge=unit fuel surcharge × Total number of boxes
3、 Different customs clearance procedures for ocean freight LCL(less than container load) shipping
1. A full box of goods exactly meets the minimum unit for customs inspection, sealing, and release in the exporting and importing countries. As long as the documents submitted by the exporter and importer are reasonable, legal, and complete, and after the export customs and import customs complete the relevant procedures and collect relevant taxes, they will be cleared and released quickly.
Ocean freight LCL(less than container load) shipments would not be so simple and fast. As long as there is an error in the documentation of one shipment of goods in the container, the export customs will not release the goods. In the same container, if any goods do not pass customs, it will inevitably affect the timely export and transportation of other goods.
2. LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo is far less versatile and flexible than FCL (Full Container Load) cargo. It requires transportation companies to recruit and reasonably match various conditions such as loading port, destination port, delivery time, variety, volume, weight of goods, etc., which are all suitable for matching into the same container for export cargo.
3. In general, full container load (FCL) goods can be directly shipped at mainland ports, while LCL goods are only suitable for delivery at developed coastal ports due to the relatively limited supply of goods from mainland China and the large number of coastal sources.
