Every importer shipping by sea faces the same question: book a whole container, or share one? Here's how to decide.
The quick answer
- Under about 15 cubic metres — a part load (LCL) is usually cheaper.
- Over about 15 cubic metres — a full container (FCL) usually wins, even if it isn't full.
The crossover moves with freight rates, so treat 15 as a starting point, not a rule. We'll price both when you ask for a quote.
How each is charged
Full container: one price for the box, whether it's half full or packed to the roof. A 20ft container holds around 33 cubic metres; a 40ft around 67.
Part load: priced per cubic metre (or per tonne, if the goods are heavy). There are also handling charges at both ends for consolidating and unpacking, which is why LCL gets expensive as volume grows.
Beyond price
| Full container | Part load | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster — goes straight to you | Slower — consolidated and unpacked |
| Handling | Sealed at origin, opened by you | Handled at both depots |
| Risk of delay | Only your own cargo | Held up if another shipper's cargo has a problem |
| Best for | Volume, fragile or high-value goods | Small orders, samples, new suppliers |
A tip for growing importers
If you buy from several suppliers in the same country, we can collect from each and consolidate everything into one full container at origin. You get FCL pricing and security without needing one supplier to fill the box.
Send us your volumes and we'll quote both options.