What is LCL shipment?

January 02 , 2023 | CATEGORY : SERVICES

If you must send small shipments to various locations quite frequently, then LCL shipment is an ideal service. However, managing the delivery process single handed can be tedious.  

Also, shipping large consignments is relatively easier than small consignments. The whole process of sending small shipments across countries can be expensive as well.
 
Under such circumstances, you can find a reliable logistics partner who offers LCL shipment services, with customized, end-to-end solutions. Let us decode the importance of LCL shipping and how a reliable logistics partner can cater to all your business needs with ease.
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  • What is LCL shipment?
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LCL stands for "Less Than Container Load." It is a method of transporting large cargo in small packages. It is often used for shipments that are too big for standard containers but not large enough to require air freight container services.
 
In case you want to send a small shipment and cannot afford to send it in a large container as you will have to spend more. Here LCL shipments come into play. 
 
Therefore, to ship small shipments, all the items are put together with several other items to be shipped inside another large box or pallet. This way, the large container gets filled up and gets ready to be shipped.
 
Also, LCL shipping becomes handy when you cannot fill up the whole container which is called less than a container load. That's why we often send such small shipments by clubbing them together with other items. 
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  • Benefits of LCL shipment
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LCL shipment helps you save time and money and allows using space in the container. Moreover, there's no extra cost associated with having a space between two items instead of having just one big package.
 
It is an excellent option if you want to ship something quickly or if the goods are heavy. Moreover, with LCL shipment you would be able to accommodate even high-value items easily without posing any risk or damage to the items, and without causing any delay due to their less weight relative to standard shipping methods. 
 
While some companies may hesitate to accept the idea of shipping anything larger than an iPad mini or even a smartphone (which are considered "small" by most standards), there's no need to fear when it comes to sending something via an LCL freight carrier. The weight limit on these carriers is usually equal to 100 pounds per package—and many times; equipment weighs over 100 pounds.
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  • How to choose a good LCL shipment?
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With so many options available, choosing the right LCL shipment service can be challenging. Here are some viable steps to guide you through. 
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  • Step 1 - Choose an LCL Carrier
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Picking a trustworthy LCL shipment carrier becomes imperative if you want to save time and money. To pick the right one, consider the following factors:
 
Location of the LCL shipment provider: Find out the exact location of the LCL carrier in your city. If you are sending items to New York, it would be better if your LCL shipment carrier had offices in New York to deliver them faster and more efficiently.
 
Services offered by the provider: Some carriers offer free shipping, while others charge extra fees for a speedy delivery. They also offer other services like insurance coverage on damaged goods during transit. 
 
Reputation and Experience: Before giving them the responsibility, ensure they align with all your requirements. Also, conduct thorough research to understand their reputation in the logistics market. You can also check reviews online about how satisfied customers were with certain companies. 
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  • Step 2 - Choose an LCL shipment mode
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Choose an ideal shipping mode to find the best shipping option for your LCL shipment. 
 
The containers are generally less than 20 feet in length and can include any number of items like boxes or pallets. LCL shipment is a common practice for international freight, as it allows businesses to ship small or partial shipments of goods without the cost of an entire container. 
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  • Step 3 - Arrange for a pick up
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Arrange for a pick up of your LCL Shipment. If you are unable to arrange for a pick up location, it is recommended that you contact the sender and ask them if they can do so.
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  • Step 4 - Packing and labelling
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Packaging and labeling is the key step in ensuring that your products arrive safely at the decided destination. Here are some tips for packing and labeling:
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  •  Make sure your package is secure and cannot be opened by the carrier. This will prevent them from opening it without your permission or causing damage to its contents.
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  • Label all sides of your package with the necessary information
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  • It would be best if you did not pack anything that can be damaged by the temperature of other items or by mishandling, such as fragile or perishable items like food.
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  • Conclusion
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Considering all the benefits an LCL shipment provides you with, it's no wonder why different businesses would prefer to choose it. If you are looking for a partner who excels in rendering LCL shipment service, then you are at the right place. Allcargo Logistics offers LCL shipment services at an affordable price. So, connect with us if you wish to save cost and time and deliver items without hassle.