Less than Container Load (LCL)
LCL sea freight from China: ship from 0.1 CBM and share container space with other shippers — weekly consolidations from Shenzhen, Guangzhou & Shanghai to major ports worldwide, 20-30 days to the US West Coast, 30-40 days to Europe.
Service Overview
Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidates smaller shipments from multiple shippers into one container: you pay only for the cubic meters you occupy, making it the most economical ocean mode for sub-full-container volumes. De Zong Logistics operates a consolidation warehouse in Shenzhen with weekly fixed consolidations there and in Guangzhou and Shanghai, covering major destination ports worldwide. Once your cargo enters the warehouse, it books onto the next available sailing — no waiting to fill a whole box.
When LCL makes sense
- Shipments of 0.1 to ~15 CBM that won't fill a container
- Sample orders, trial replenishments and irregular small batches
- Multi-SKU, multi-destination small cargo
- Budget-driven shipments where a few extra days are worth real savings
LCL's core value is flexibility and cost control: when FCL rates spike in peak season, per-CBM LCL pricing stays manageable, and partial volumes never pay for empty container space. At destination the box is devanned and each shipment cleared and delivered individually, which adds 3-7 days over FCL. As your volume grows past 10-15 CBM, a full container usually wins on cost — we'll flag that switch for you proactively.
Key Features
Service Scope
Origin: Shenzhen consolidation warehouse (intake books immediately), with weekly fixed consolidations in Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Destinations: stable LCL channels to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America — weekly sailings to popular ports, transshipment reach to smaller ones.
Cargo types: general cargo; fragile goods need reinforced packing, and battery/liquid cargo requires separate confirmation.
Rating: per CBM, 0.1 CBM minimum.
Timing
Reference transit times (from sailing):
- Southeast Asia: 10-15 days
- US West Coast: 20-30 days
- Europe: 30-40 days
Destination devanning and individual clearance add 3-7 days over FCL. Consolidations run weekly; cargo entering the warehouse books the next sailing — exact schedules confirmed at booking.
Pricing
Charged per CBM, 0.1 CBM minimum:
- Includes: ocean freight, CFS consolidation and export customs
- Destination devanning, duties and delivery quoted separately
- Dense cargo converts by the trade lane's weight/volume ratio
- LCL rates stay steadier than FCL when peak season hits
Send commodity, volume/weight and destination port for a detailed quote within 24 hours — we'll quote the FCL alternative alongside if it's cheaper.
Process
1. Measure & book: send piece count, dimensions and weight; booking is by volume
2. Warehouse intake: deliver to our Shenzhen CFS (pickup can be arranged)
3. Consolidate & load: consolidated onto the next sailing, export customs cleared
4. On the water: B/L and container milestones shared after departure
5. Devanning: box broken down at destination, each shipment cleared individually
6. Delivery: last-mile delivery arranged (self-pickup optional), POD feedback
FAQ
Q: What volume suits LCL?
A: Anything from 0.1 to ~15 CBM. Under 1 CBM bills at the 0.1 CBM minimum; at 10-15 CBM and above, a full container usually costs less — we'll flag the switch.
Q: How much slower is LCL than FCL?
A: Devanning at destination plus individual clearance add 3-7 days over FCL. LCL space holds steadier in peak season, with fewer rolled boxes.
Q: How is LCL priced?
A: Per CBM, covering ocean freight and consolidation. Destination devanning, duties and delivery are quoted separately and can be confirmed upfront.
Q: Will my cargo get mixed up with others'?
A: Each shipment is palletized and labeled separately and handled ticket by ticket. For fragile goods, reinforce packaging and tell us in advance — we'll handle with extra care.
Q: How often do containers leave?
A: Popular destinations sail weekly — intake books the next departure. Smaller ports are reached via transshipment; exact schedules are confirmed at booking.
Q: Is door delivery available?
A: Yes. After devanning and clearance we deliver to the door, or you can collect at the warehouse. Send commodity, volume and destination for a door-to-door quote.
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