A full container load (FCL) is a container for your cargo alone. A less-than-container load (LCL) shares a container with other shippers, and you pay for the cubic metres you use.

The break-even

LCL is priced per cubic metre, FCL per container. On most lanes from Asia the two lines cross somewhere between 13 and 15 cubic metres, about half of a 20-foot container.

Below that, LCL is almost always cheaper. Above it, a 20-foot container usually wins, even if it travels partly empty.

What the price does not show

• Time. LCL cargo is consolidated before departure and separated after arrival, which adds three to seven days.

• Handling. Every time cargo is moved, it can be damaged. FCL is loaded once and opened once.

• Fees. LCL carries destination charges per shipment that can be large on small consignments.

A rule of thumb

If you are above 10 cubic metres, ask for both prices. If the cargo is fragile or urgent, lean towards FCL. If you ship small volumes often, LCL lets you hold less stock.