LCL
Ocean freightLess than Container Load
A shipment too small for its own container, so it shares one with other shippers' cargo.
In practice
A consolidator (co-loader or NVOCC) groups several shippers' cargo into one container at a CFS, then splits it again at destination. Charged by volume or weight, whichever is greater (W/M). Transit time is longer than FCL because of consolidation and deconsolidation.
Seen in the wild
LCL 3 pallets, 2.4 CBM / 600 kg, SIN to BKK, CFS/CFS.
Watch out
Customers often expect LCL to be cheaper per CBM at all volumes. Above roughly 12 to 15 CBM an FCL 20' is usually cheaper once CFS charges are added.