In international transportation, the methods preferred according to the amount of cargo volume play a critical role in terms of cost management and efficiency of logistics processes. Especially in small and medium-sized shipments, when there is not enough cargo to fill the entire container, alternative solutions come into play. At this point, partial transportation stands out as an important logistics model. In maritime transportation, this method is divided into two, FCL and LCL. "What is LCL?The answer to the question “It is a system that facilitates the participation of small-scale cargo owners in the transportation process.”
These models, which vary according to transportation volume, shipping time and budget, provide solutions to different commercial needs. This distinction is a strategic decision, especially for companies that export and import. Choosing the right type of transportation provides both cost advantage and enables the cargo to arrive on time and safely.
What is LCL? In Which Situations Is It Preferred?
The LCL model, which is one of the most economical options for shipping small-volume loads today, has an important place in logistics processes. In this system, which stands for “Less than Container Load,” a container is shared with loads from different companies. This provides a great cost advantage, especially for businesses with limited load volume. Logistics companies combine loads to go on the same route and make shipments. Paying the transportation fee only for the space used keeps the total cost under control. In this way, companies can benefit from maritime transportation in accordance with their budgets. It also offers flexible shipping opportunities because, like FCL, shipments can be made without waiting for the entire container to be full.
LCL container, is formed by bringing together loads from different senders in the same container. This process is carried out in special storage and consolidation centers of logistics companies. Each load is labeled and separated appropriately, then delivered to the ports and delivered to the recipients on the same route. Logistics companies carry out these processes meticulously, ensuring that the shipments are delivered undamaged and on time. LCL loading, is usually done with fixed scheduled exits. Therefore, the loads must be delivered to the consolidation center by a certain date. This process creates a regular shipping rhythm, which is one of the advantages of the LCL model. However, it may not be suitable for very urgent shipments in terms of time; because the consolidation time should be taken into account in the loading process.
What are the differences between FCL and LCL?
When choosing the type of transportation, the volume of the cargo and the cost balance should be taken into account. While FCL refers to full container loading, LCL covers smaller volume shipments. In FCL, the entire container is allocated to a single shipper and the loading-delivery processes are carried out directly. This provides a faster and safer transportation process. It is an ideal solution especially for large volume cargo. On the other hand, the LCL method aims to reduce transportation costs by combining the cargo of different companies in a single container. Therefore, it is preferred for small volume, non-urgent and flexible-term shipments. At the same time, the operational process can be more complicated in LCL; because the cargoes need to be separated and directed appropriately. This can also affect the transportation time.
Seaway partial Both methods can be preferred in transportation. However, details such as loading and unloading times, port procedures and customs processes play a decisive role in choosing FCL and LCL. Since handling (loading-unloading) operations are more in LCL shipments, packaging must be done sturdily against the risk of damage. In FCL shipments, external intervention is at a minimum level since the cargo is loaded directly into the container.
Which Sectors Are Suitable for Partial Sea Transportation?
Partial sea transportation It is especially preferred by sectors that ship small volumes but regularly, such as retail, automotive spare parts, textiles and electronics. These sectors usually ship a large number of small-sized products. This makes partial transportation systems more logical than FCL. Keeping costs low and delivering loads on time is a great advantage for these sectors.
For companies with a lot of low volume shipments sea partial transportation, offers a sustainable logistics solution. Thanks to this method, companies do not have to bear the cost of the entire container. At the same time, they can make continuous shipments without disrupting their export processes. This provides flexibility and continuity in the supply chain.
Logistics companies make these processes more efficient by offering special consolidation solutions to their customers. Small and medium-sized businesses, especially those doing international trade, can reach global markets more easily in this way. In addition, sharing freight costs provides a budgetary advantage.
