LCL (Less than Container Load) freight involves shipping cargo in boxes and crates from the USA. Use the online LCL freight price calculator to estimate international shipping costs.

Shipping freight LCL Vs. Other Modes of International Cargo Transportation

Shipping goods from the USA with LCL freight is a cost-effective way to deliver relatively large cargo from the United States to different countries worldwide.

If you're shipping a relatively large cargo from the USA that is too small to fill an entire 40-foot sea freight container and too big to ship with a parcel service, Less than Container Load is what you need.

• Shipping sea freight is much cheaper than air freight.
• Shipping LCL, you can ship relatively large loads that cannot be shipped with parcel services.
• When shipping LCL, you do not pay for the whole 20 or 40-foot container but just for the space you use in it.

LCL best suits small and midsize businesses and e-commerce. Unlike airfreight or parcel services, you can ship sizable loads from the United States, sharply decreasing operational expenses on international cargo transportation.

LCL (Less than Container Load) is the most cost-effective option for shipping household goods and personal items from the USA to international destinations. By packing your items in regular cardboard boxes or crates and choosing LCL for shipping, you can save significantly on international shipping costs compared to using an international moving company.

If you deal with large enough cargo and must deliver the load from the USA abroad, you should always consider LCL freight.

LCL Shipping vs. FCL, Parcel Services, and Air Freight

Which is the best choice for your international cargo transportation from the USA?

LCL vs. FCL Shipping

FCL (Full Container Load) is recommended when your shipment is large enough to justify booking an entire container.

When FCL Excels:

• You need exclusive container use
• You’re shipping bulk commercial goods
• Your cargo exceeds 15–18 CBM

LCL vs. Parcel Services

Parcel shipping (UPS, DHL, FedEx) is perfect for sending small boxes, samples, or e-commerce orders internationally.

• Weight is under 150 lbs
• Delivery speed is critical
• You need door-to-door service
• You're shipping single or dual boxes

Once your shipment exceeds 3+ boxes or 0.5 cubic meters in volume or is too heavy for parcels, LCL becomes a more economical way to ship internationally than with parcel services.

LCL vs. Air Freight

Air freight offers unmatched speed. It’s ideal for time-sensitive or high-value cargo.

When Air Freight Wins:

• You need same-week international delivery
• You’re shipping electronics, samples, or perishables
• You value tight delivery windows
• Weight is low relative to value

Use air freight for urgent deliveries, and LCL when deadlines are flexible.

Which Option Fits Your Shipment?

• LCL Freight: Moderate shipments (0.5–18 CBM) not needing a full container
• FCL Freight: Bulk cargo that fills or nearly fills a sea freight container
• Parcel Service: Lightweight boxes or small packages under 150 lbs
• Air Freight: Urgent or high-value cargo where speed outweighs cost

Ready to Ship From the USA?

Whether you send goods to Europe, Latin America, Asia, or Africa, LCL international shipping is your entry point into global logistics. It combines value, reach, and scalability.

Start with our Online Freight Calculator to get an instant international shipping quote
Have questions? Contact Us for expert guidance on your shipping mode
New to international freight? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to LCL Shipping