Less than container load (LCL) shipping is rapidly becoming a go-to service option for businesses seeking help in a complex global logistics industry. From transit uncertainty, consolidation of service providers, trade war complexity, inconsistent visibility, and even global pandemics, LCL shipping provides solutions to navigate these choppy waters.
As COVID-19 affected businesses around the world, the need for expedited LCL shipping grew significantly. This was especially true for personal protective equipment (PPE) shipping, which has skyrocketed in recent months.
The right level of LCL shipping expertise
If you’re like many other organizations worldwide, you’re trying to adjust how your business operates and adjust for logistics at the same time. Trusting supply chain experts to help can bring experience and expertise to your strategy that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Keep in mind that service providers that handle their LCL products often provide more dependable and flexible service options.
Our team of experts at C.H. Robinson has been at the forefront of these market changes—helping our customers adapt as quickly as possible. In the early weeks of March alone, we handled dozens of expedited LCL shipments out of Asia, working across 22 origin ports from 10 origin countries to get our customers everything they needed.
What freight qualifies for LCL shipping
Typically, the minimum quantity of goods that can cost-effectively be moved via LCL service is 500kg or 2 CBM. As is to be expected, expedited LCL service is substantially faster than traditional ocean service, yet it still takes longer than air transit. Only freight that can account for added transport time is a good fit for expedited LCL shipping.
LCL shipping vs. full container load (FCL) or air freight
These are the top benefits to consider when investigating if LCL shipping is right for your organization.