Understanding Sea Freight Costs: LCL vs FCL Explained

Shipping from Bali often brings a common question: “Should I ship LCL or FCL?”The answer depends on cost, volume, and how much control you need over your shipment. This guide breaks down the differences in simple terms so you can choose confidently.

1. What Is LCL?

LCL (Less than Container Load) means your goods share space in a container with cargo from other shippers.You pay only for the volume your cargo occupies—usually measured in CBM (cubic meters) or Length times Width times Height of the package divided by 1,000,000.

LCL is ideal when:

• Your shipment is small

• You don’t mind sharing container space

• You prefer a lower upfront cost

LCL Crate being loaded to consolidated Container

2. What Is FCL?

FCL (Full Container Load) means the entire container (20ft or 40ft) is used just for your shipment.You pay a fixed rate for the whole container, regardless of how full it is.

FCL is ideal when:

1. Your shipment is large

2. You want maximum control and safety

3. You prefer fixed, predictable pricing

Depending on the shape of the product, FCL can fit the following volume:

1. 20feet fit around 23-33 cbm

2. 40feet fit around 55-65 cbm

3. 40 feet High cube fit around 65-75 cbm

Container being loaded

3. Key Cost Differences

a. Cost Structure

• LCL has multiple fees—origin charges, consolidation, deconsolidation, handling, and CBM-based charges.

  These can add up. At small volumes it’s cheaper, but costs rise quickly as volume increases. One thing to note, Destination Local Charges (DLC) can be higher than the shipping price at origin due to labor costs at destination, this costs will be issued once the goods has been cleared and delivered to the consignee. Be wary to ask and thoroughly calculate the estimates of all costs

• FCL is a flat price for the container.

  Whether you fill it 20% or 100%, you pay the same freight cost.

b. The “Break-Even Volume”

In Bali exports (especially handicrafts), the break-even point usually sits around:

• 12–15 CBM for a 20ft

• 25–28 CBM for a 40ft

Below that, LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, FCL becomes more cost-effective.

c. Packing Efficiency

For LCL, every CBM is charged and the must be secured in a crate due to sharing and multiple movement at each port, warehouse or depot.

If your goods are oddly shaped (common with Bali furniture or décor), you may get higher volume than expected.

For FCL, you can pack creatively without affecting cost.

d. Safety and Handling

LCL involves:

• more touchpoints

• more loading/unloading

• higher risk of dents or scratches

• longer handling time

FCL involves:

• one sealed container

• reduced breakbulk handling

• more control

• better suitability for fragile or high-value items

4. Transit Time Differences

LCL consolidation often adds:

• 3–7 extra days at origin

• 2–5 days extra at destination

• possible waiting time until enough cargo is collected for the container

FCL ships faster because your container goes directly to the port and is loaded immediately.

5. Which One Should You Choose?

Choose LCL if:

• You have a small order (under 10 CBM)

• You prioritize cost savings

• Time is flexible

Choose FCL if:

• You’re buying from many shops

• You have fragile or bulky items

• You want the safest and fastest process

• Your volume approaches the break-even range

6. Our Recommendation for Bali Buyers

For mixed handicraft shipments involving multiple vendors, FCL is often the more stable and safer option once your volume grows.

For new customers or trial orders, LCL is perfectly suitable.

Our team can help calculate your volume and compare the total LCL vs FCL cost so you know exactly which is the better choice before shipping.