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

Shipping freight LCL Vs. Other Modes of International Cargo Transportation

LCL (Less Than Container Load) shared container services involve transporting overseas consignments in boxes and crates from the United States. Use the online ocean cargo price estimator to calculate international transit costs.

Exporting goods from the USA via consolidated sea freight is a cost-effective way to deliver relatively large inventories from the United States to countries worldwide.

If you're sending a medium-sized shipment from the USA that is too small to fill an entire 40-foot container and too large to ship via courier, a Partial Container Load (LCL) is the right option.

Moving goods by sea is much cheaper than airborne logistics.

Shared container shipping enables you to export substantial loads that parcel services cannot handle. When booking LCL, you do not pay for the entire 20- or 40-foot unit; instead, you pay only for the cubic volume you use.

Sea freight consolidation is best suited for small and mid-sized businesses and e-commerce. Unlike express air or parcel services, you can move sizable shipments from the United States, which significantly decreases operational expenses associated with global logistics.

LCL (Less Than Container Load) is the most cost-effective option for relocating U.S. household goods and personal items from the United States to international destinations. By packing your items in standard cardboard boxes or crates and choosing ocean transport, you can significantly reduce overseas moving costs and avoid the high rates often charged by full-service international movers.

If you handle large enough items and need to deliver the load from the USA abroad, you should always consider maritime freight.

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

Which is the best choice for your overseas logistics strategy from the USA?

LCL vs. FCL Shipping

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

When FCL Excels:

You need an exclusive container for use
You're shipping high-volume commercial goods
Your cargo exceeds 15–18 CBM

An experienced global logistics provider can help you decide whether consolidated or full loads best suit your specific supply chain needs.

LCL vs. Parcel Services

Parcel shipping (via UPS, DHL, or FedEx) is ideal 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 couriers, shared container transit is a more cost-effective option for moving goods globally than 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 maritime shipping for shipments with flexible deadlines.

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-going vessel
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, international ocean logistics is your gateway to global commerce. It combines value, reach, and scalability. It's one of the most affordable ways to export goods for individuals and small businesses alike.

Start with our Online Freight Calculator to get an instant quote for overseas shipping.

Have questions? Contact our team for expert guidance on your transportation mode. Our freight forwarding company can help you evaluate your best option based on cost, destination, and cargo type.

New to ocean-borne logistics? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Shared Container Shipping.