Factors Determining The Best Less Than Container Load (LCL) company

Ocean freight has been a robust and reliable option for transporting goods to other parts of the world since ancient times. The only difference today is that now it has become more secure, technologically advanced and has many options for businesses to choose from.

In this article, we will discuss one such option – less than container load (LCL) shipment. Keep reading to find out what it is, when you should get this one over FCL shipments, and what factors you should keep in mind before selecting an LCL shipment.

An overview of Less than container load (LCL) shipments?

Less than container load shipments are the types of shipments where you don’t have to book the entire container for your products. A single container is filled with orders from different shipping company customers. This shipment is more economical and faster than FCL, where a single customer books an entire container.

Under what contexts should you choose an LCL shipment?

Transit time: If you want a shorter transit time and to deliver goods faster, you should choose LCL as these shipments always go with the fastest route and usually have a full one-stop throughout the journey.

Order size: Due to intrigue, the PLCs have become shorter, and the customers too want goods delivered fast, which means there is no sense in hoarding goods and shipping them in a big container. Small orders, on the other hand, are frequently the preferred way of shipment, especially when the goods are perishable in nature.

Cost-effectiveness: When you choose LCL, you pay only for the space taken up by your goods, unlike FCL, where you pay for the entire container. So, if you’re shipping a small quantity, LCL is suitable for saving costs.

Multiple shipments: If you’re shipping a small number of goods to different parts of the world at regular intervals, then delivering them via LCL containers on different ships is better than booking one FCL to ship goods to different areas.

Now you know under what circumstances you can choose an LCL shipment, but what factors should you keep in mind while selecting an LCL shipment? That’s what we are going to talk about next.

Things to take into account when selecting an LCL shipment

Industry experience and reliability

An established shipping company will have better experience and reputation, and it will also be better at handling your delivery requirements. In cases of uncertainties, you can trust these companies to show better understanding than newcomers. In simple words, you can rely on experienced companies with all your delivery requirements. Also, the reputation and quality of services of the selected company will add to your image too.

Pricing 

LCL is more economical than FCL, but still, there are differences in prices quoted by different shipping companies. Before selecting a company:

1. Do your research and compare the prices of different service providers.
2. See which one provides the best combination of quality and secured and timely delivery at minimum costs.
3. Get the best value for the amount you are paying.

Technological advancement

Everything in the world is done using technology. Every business is using digital methods for almost all of their operations, and they want someone who can keep up with the rapidly changing digital environment as their partners. The company you choose as your shipping partner should be technically advanced. You should be able to book spaces in containers, make inquiries and payments, and track your shipments online. The warehouses should be equipped with modern machinery to manage the stock, and there should be proper IT systems for storing and transportation.

Timely delivery

According to research done by Statista, 80% of people wish for faster delivery while shopping online. This number alone is enough to tell you how important, timely delivery is. Many people do not hesitate to pay more for faster delivery. To keep up with these demands of faster delivery, you too have to partner up with a shipping company that can ensure delivery on time.

The process of choosing the right shipping partner that can match your level of operations and your quality standards can be tough. To select the right partner, you have to compare many alternatives and choose the one that suits your requirements best at reasonable prices.

Your search for the best shipping partner ends with ECU360, one of the leading logistics companies dedicated to catering to all your catering-related needs. We incorporate technology, quality, and customer satisfaction into our project. You can ship any product, anywhere in the world with just one click and also trace your order in real time. We believe in complete transparency. Check out the website to know more!