What is FCL LCL? Does FBA choose LCL or FCL for shipping?
Large quantities of goods exported by foreign trade are basically shipped by sea. Sea freight is the cheapest compared to other shipping methods. The most common carrier in shipping is the container container. Two common practices for containerized containers are LCL and FCL.
LCL means that the goods consigned by the consignor are less than full containers, and the agent (or carrier) sorts the goods, and assembles the goods destined for the same destination into the same container. Because the goods of different owners are assembled together in a box, it is called LCL.
FCL is just the opposite of LCL. Only one consignor will deliver the FCL to the destination port, so the whole transportation process is relatively easier than LCL. For the whole container of goods, the consignor is responsible for packing, counting, stowage and lead-sealed freight. The unpacking of the FCL after transported to the destination port is generally handled by the consignee.
1. Different forms
There are three main forms of LCL: ① One consignor corresponds to multiple consignees; ② Multiple consignors corresponds to one consignee; ③ Multiple consignees correspond to multiple consignees.
The FCL export is mainly divided into two situations, one is the same factory (one consignor) - one consignee at the same port of destination; the other is goods from multiple factories - one consignee at the same port of destination .
2. The process is different
LCL cargo: After receiving this kind of cargo, the carrier classifies it according to its nature and destination, and assembles the cargo of the same destination and nature into the same container for transportation. Shipping by sea
FCL: The consignor is responsible for packing, counting, filling in the shipping order, and the goods that are sealed by the customs. The unpacking of the full container of goods is generally handled by the consignee, and the carrier can also be entrusted to unpack the container at the freight station, but the carrier is not responsible for the damage or shortage of the goods in the box, unless the cargo party proves that it is the damage caused by the carrier's responsibility accident. The carrier is responsible for compensation. Shipping by sea
3. Different procedures
Since the whole container of goods just meets the smallest unit of customs inspection, customs seal and release of the import and export countries, as long as the goods documents submitted by the importer and exporter are legal and complete, the import and export customs will complete the relevant procedures and collect relevant taxes and fees. It will be cleared and released soon. The customs clearance of LCL cargo is more cumbersome. As long as there is a problem with the documents of one shipment of goods in the container, the export customs will not release the goods.
4. Different fees
The cost of LCL is higher than that of FCL. The cost of FCL mainly includes freight, transportation surcharges and port miscellaneous charges. The cost is fixed; for LCL, there are also assembly at the port of shipment and unpacking at the port of destination. In terms of expenses, there may be LCL, unpacking fees and storage fees. Moreover, if the goods cannot be stored and transported in time, there will be a loss of cargo.
On the issue of LCL or FCL, it is necessary to consider all aspects, think twice, and consider both the cost and the hidden risks.
Remarks: The above content is only an internal opinion and is for reference only.