How to choose the optimal
freight solution
The abbreviation FCL stands for Full Container Load and LCL stands for Less Container Load.
FCL and LCL container services - difference in volume fill and price
In the case of partial loading of goods, a container houses goods of more than one company. These services are therefore more expensive. Many companies prefer not to use LCL services, but wait until they collect enough orders to fill a container completely. On the other hand, if companies wait a long time to collect enough orders for goods for a full container, they may have to disappoint their customers who placed their orders early and will not be able to receive those goods during that time.
On the buyer side, considerations are similar when choosing between FCL and LCL container services. When buyers need to get their goods quickly, LCL services are the solution we recommend at Delamod Bulgaria. In cases where the higher price for this type of service is not the deciding factor, but rather getting the goods quickly is, FCL container services are the good choice.
The boundary between FCL and LCL container services - container volume fill rate
It is interesting to clarify what the boundary between FCL and LCL services is. It is believed that if less than 14-15 cubic meters (which is half the volume of a 20-inch container) remain unfilled, such a volume of goods is suitable for choosing LCL services.
Disadvantages of LCL container services
We have already pointed out the main disadvantage - when choosing this type of container service, companies have to wait until enough goods are collected to fill one container. In addition, the loading and unloading process itself is longer.
However, there is another reason for the delay in this type of container service. This is the risk of blocking some of the goods in the container at customs. If customs block a container because of some of the goods in it, the companies that ship the other goods will also be affected.
Not only the risk of customs blockage, but also the risk of damage to goods that can more easily be damaged, cracked, broken, etc. is high when goods of different companies are transported in one container. If heavy goods are placed in the container on top of fragile goods, which may damage them in transit, this will cause trouble for companies with goods more susceptible to damage.
For recipients, LCL container services have another drawback. They won't get an entire container delivered to their home or business. They have to send a vehicle to pick up the goods from the container's arrival point, or request that these goods be delivered to their home or business for an additional fee.
In terms of cost, LCL container services are also more expensive due to higher insurance. The difference in insurance amounts for LCL services compared to those for FCL services is not very large, but it is also a cost increase and another inconvenience.
How to choose the right type of container services
The choice of FCL or LCL container services depends on the specific needs of the company whose goods need to be transported. Criteria for the choice include not only the cost of transportation, but also the warehousing, storage and delivery of the goods in good condition, as well as the avoidance of the risks mentioned above that can occur with LCL container services
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