Pros and Cons of FCL & LCL Shipments

Transportation of goods and products to distant destinations requires the support of shipping services. Ocean freight services have been the most commonly opted shipment method. The versatility of this service has been the prime factor behind the wide acceptance of sea freight.

Companies can opt for Less than Container Load (LCL) or Full Container Load (FCL) shipments depending on the budget, urgency of shipment, the number of items to be shipped, etc. The exporters must be aware of the different shipping services, the pros and cons of FCL and LCL shipments and their criteria of selection before choosing one for their cargo.

What Are The Different Shipping Methods?

The shipping methods available are:

Ocean freight Services – Shipping products through ships. Any legally authorised cargo can be transported to any destination through ocean freight.

Air freight Services - Cargo transportation via air, using cargo aircraft. It is costly compared to ocean freight. Further, there are limitations regarding the transportation of hazardous cargo and the size of the item.

Land freight Services – Trailers and trucks are used for the land transportation of goods. It has limitations concerning distance and size.  

What is FCL?

The whole container is booked for a single consignee in a Full Container Load (FCL) shipment. In this scenario, the client can use the entire space. Consignments from no other exporter/ importer will be loaded into the container even if the space is available. The shipping company will charge a flat rate for the FCL shipment. Those looking to ship cargo of more than 20 CBM can opt for FCL shipping.

What is LCL?

You can book an LCL, or Less-than Container Load, if you don’t require a full container to ship the goods. Multiple consignments will be loaded into a single container in this case. LCL shipping is also called LCL consolidation. The cargo would be segregated at the destination and delivered to the relevant importer.

Read more to know : All you need to know about freight charges

Pros and Cons of FCL & LCL Shipments

You may need to go through the pros and cons of FCL and LCL shipments if you are a new importer or exporter and are not aware of the ocean freight options. An understanding of these factors would help you reach an informed decision. Alternatively, you can drop us a message or call us to obtain expert guidance in this regard. We were able to advise exporters and importers on the most cost-effective transportation methods based on the type of cargo, destination, volume of goods, and budget available.

Pros of FCL Shipment

• Cheaper than airfreight
• The cargo would be safer than any other ocean freight option. As it would be touched only by the exporter and the shipping company (customs team as well, if there are any inspections)
• Agile shipping method, since the cargo would be transported at the earliest

Cons of FCL Shipment

• Cost is higher than LCL
• Not suitable for small packages or limited cargo
• Restricted delivery options
• Loading and unloading may require heavy labour
• The volume of stock required to be much higher than LCL

Pros of LCL Shipment

• It is one of the most affordable methods for importing as well as exporting small volumes of cargo
• Multiple delivery options are available for the client to choose
• Flexibility of shipping
• No need to ship a large volume of cargo

Cons of LCL Shipment

• The cargo may get damaged if not handled properly by the shipping company. Since shipments from multiple clients would be loaded in the same container
• Longer delivery time than FCL and other methods
• Per unit shipment may be expensive

Interested to read: Benefits of Logistics Outsourcing

Why Choose Sohar Shipping for LCL Shipping Services in Oman?

The reliability of the shipping company is of paramount importance. The safety of the cargo, speed of delivery, seamless services, real-time tracking of the shipment, etc. are the yardsticks for identifying the best shipping company.

Sohar Shipping, established in 1983, has been serving clients tirelessly and with the utmost dedication for about four decades. Garnering widespread acceptance and cementing our credibility we became the top logistics company in Oman. Our LCL consolidation services in Oman offer shipment of goods to any part of the world.

We earned the trust of exporters and importers by providing swift, safe, and secure services from the beginning. Equipped with advanced technology, our experienced professionals have been delivering unparalleled services to clients. The competent team, well-versed with the latest developments, are at the service around the clock.

Our extensive global network, with connections to the leading organizations, ensures a seamless transportation process. Not only sea freight shipping but also land freight and air freight are also our specialities. Logistics services from Sohar Shipping in the Sultanate of Oman have been one of the most opted services by elite organizations.

Sohar Shipping represents Evergreen Marine Corporation, one of the largest shipping lines in the world. This factor itself underscores our potential in shipping cargo around the globe. Our sole aim is to render the best services to the clients and remain a trusted export/ import service provider in all their endeavours. We assure a simplified, but effective, LCL shipping solution.

To know more about our shipment services, contact us now.

Phone : +968 24955777,  96897441754

Mail id : soharmct@soharshipping.com