Less Than Container Load (LCL) and International Shipping

Less Than Container Load (LCL) and International Shipping

Less Than Container Load (LCL) and International Shipping

LCL is an acronym that stands for “Less than Container-Load”. That just refers to transportation options set up for goods that do not fill an entire container. If you are always on the lookout for a reliable and cost-effective way to transport smaller numbers of goods to the UK, this may be the perfect solution. LCL solutions are the right choice when it comes to businesses that might not be able to fill an entire container entirely by themselves.

In recent years, trends have shown LCL solutions are gaining a particularly strong headway in the field of international shipping, finding momentum as a solution amongst importers, exporters and logistics professionals throughout India, China and the UK. As it turns out, no one wants to pay for empty space they are simply not using.

See LCL Goods from India to UK for more information.

ADVANTAGES OF LCL

Shipping a limited number of goods in this way usually means spending less on inventory space – LCL is well positioned as notably cheaper than the alternatives available on the market right now, especially for smaller importers. At the end of the day, it is often more effective to combine your delivery with the orders of others. This process can theoretically get messy, but thankfully the specific details are thankfully handled for you if you are using any reliable LCL service. 

This is a comprehensive solution when it comes to transporting smaller quantities of goods to the UK, though the specific process may suit some local businesses better than others. When it comes to any established LCL service, every precaution is taken to ensure that your goods are handled with care and safety at every stop. Your cargo can be delivered to any location quickly and efficiently, with monitoring and protection at every point.

In essence, that means:

  • You won’t need to pay for unused container space, leading to lower overall costs.
  • The LCL service provider handles all the little details.

DISADVANTAGES OF LCL

LCL is not flawless. At the end of the day, you won’t be paying for the full container, and that comes with some reasonable compromises. Specifically trained professionals are assigned to handle the specifics of cargo management. They keep track of what cargo is whose, where it is and how it all needs to fit together seamlessly — without any delays. In the end, this often means LCL is more expensive per cubic meter than traditional shipping methods. It also seems like the container is also more likely to meet issues with customs due to the complex mixture of goods being transported. In the worst-case scenario, the increased level of handling could increase the risk of damage. 

Thankfully, these issues can be minimised if you go with a trusted LCL provider that is affordable, efficient and diligent in their work. 

If you are considering using LCL services, consider that:

  • You might end up paying more on a meter-by-meter basis.
  • There’s no real advantage if you are already importing enough stock to fill a container.

CLOSING THOUGHTS ON LESS THAN CONTAINER LOAD (LCL)

The shipping world is always shifting and changing, so make sure to keep ahead of the curve with all the latest information. LCL is, practically speaking, a simple concept and nothing strictly new. When it comes to making a decision, remember that you do not have to bind yourself to any strict binary. LCL services offer the kind of flexibility that has become more important than ever when it comes to international shipping in recent years. 

If you do decide to use LCL services, make sure to use a reliable and established service. Take a look at the Uneek Group website.

ABOUT UNEEK GROUP

Wondering where all this leaves you? Thankfully, Uneek Group has got you covered. At Uneek Group, we have unprecedented experience in importing and freight forwarding. 

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 20 8984 0425 

Uneek Forwarding is part of the Uneek Group Ltd.