In general, if all goes well, LCL shipping will not take longer than FCL shipping in terms of transit time. It might even be faster if you're lucky enough to make sure the remaining space is right for your cargo at the last minute.
Shared Containers, Shared Responsibility
However, you may experience delays while waiting for other shippers to group their shipments and have them ready. Also, in the event of any paperwork errors, delays are likely to occur as the entire container may be held by customs. While you don't want to be held back by someone else's mistakes, you should make sure your shipments are ready on time and that your documents are filled out correctly and accurately.
Auxiliary port
Another possible delay issue is if you're shipping to a lesser-known port. Most international trade routes offer frequent and fixed sailing dates. But sending your cargo to a secondary port means you may have to wait a few weeks for your next sailing date, and then have to wait even more for a local feeder to transport your cargo from the main port.
Transshipment and multimodal transport
Delays are not uncommon if your shipment is through transhipment and/or multimodal transport. As mentioned above, your cargo may need to be unloaded and transferred to another container or wait for other cargo to be loaded into your container. As for multimodal transport, more logistics are required as your cargo needs to be transferred from the deconsolidation port to the inland terminal and onwards.
Things to remember:
- LCL pricing depends on the volume of the shipment, not the weight. It only becomes a problem when weight becomes a factor when it is too heavy and is being trucked to and/or out of port. Here is a video on how to calculate LCL shipment volume to guide you.
- Motor vehicles cannot be transported by LCL.
- Depending on your item, country of origin and destination, additional documents and certificates may be required.
- Your shipment may be damaged in transit if other shipments are not properly packaged. Other factors including severe weather at sea can also cause damage to the cargo. Transshipment and intermodal transport can lead to a higher risk of damage to your cargo as it passes through more hands. That said, be sure to pack your shipment properly to prevent damage from possible rough handling.
