Ocean Freight · Service enquiries
Less-Than-Container-Load Shipping
Less-than-container-load shipping combines compatible consignments in shared container space. Zenith Eclipse reviews LCL for smaller commercial shipments, considering the additional consolidation handling, destination release process and full landed service cost before recommending the shipment format.
Scope and responsibilities
Service scope and requirements
A small volume does not automatically make LCL the best option. Cargo compatibility, handling sensitivity, charge minima and destination costs affect the comparison.
| Scope item | Requirement or agreed coverage |
|---|---|
| Measured cargo | Package count, external dimensions, gross weight and pallet footprint |
| Rating unit | Consolidator’s weight-or-measure basis, minimums and applicable surcharges |
| Cargo compatibility | Odour, leakage, contamination, fragility and dangerous-goods restrictions |
| Packing suitability | Packaging strength, fork access, stacking permissions and clear marks |
| Origin facility | Consolidation warehouse, receiving cutoff and included handling |
| Routing and breakdown | Planned sailing, transshipment and destination deconsolidation point |
| Destination charges | Breakdown, documentation, storage and release-service charge basis |
| Final collection | Availability notice, authorization and pickup or delivery arrangement |
Best-fit requirements
When to use this service
Useful for pallets, crates and other eligible consignments that can tolerate shared-container handling and do not justify a dedicated container on the quoted lane.
Execution and deliverables
How the work is coordinated
The consolidation facility may remeasure or reweigh cargo, affecting the final chargeable quantity. Packages need identification that remains readable through receiving, loading and breakdown. The comparison with FCL includes both ends’ charges and expected handling, not ocean freight alone. Vessel arrival is separated from cargo availability after destination deconsolidation and release.
Prepare your enquiry
Provide dimensions for every handling unit, gross weights, cargo description, stacking restrictions and both endpoints. State whether pickup and delivery are required. Request the rating unit, minimum charge, receiving cutoff, destination charge schedule and treatment of remeasurement in the offer.
Compare related options on our ocean freight services page.
Operating reference: IMO/ILO/UNECE: Packing and handling cargo transport units.