Cost structure / standard tiers
FCL is priced per container regardless of fill level, while LCL is priced per cubic meter or per ton (whichever is greater), making the breakeven point a function of cargo volume.
| Factor | FCL (40ft) | LCL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing basis | Flat rate per container | Per CBM or per ton, whichever greater |
| Typical breakeven volume | Above ~12-15 CBM, FCL often cheaper | Below ~12-15 CBM, LCL often cheaper |
| CFS handling fees (both ends) | None | $10-25/CBM each end, $35-75 minimum |
| Additional transit time vs. FCL | Baseline | +3-7 days for consolidation/deconsolidation |
| Damage/handling risk | Lower (single shipper's cargo) | Higher (shared handling, more touchpoints) |
The exact breakeven volume shifts with current ocean freight rates and CFS fee levels, so it's worth recalculating per shipment rather than assuming a fixed threshold.
Risk mitigation / operational guidance
Calculate the per-CBM cost of LCL (freight + CFS fees both ends) against the equivalent FCL rate divided by actual cargo volume before booking — the per-cubic-meter LCL rate is almost always higher than the FCL-equivalent rate, so the gap narrows as volume grows. For LCL cargo, confirm the destination CFS location relative to the final delivery point, since a CFS far from the consignee adds inland trucking cost. If cargo is fragile or high-value, weigh LCL's added handling-damage risk from multiple touchpoints against the cost savings — FCL's single-shipper handling reduces that exposure. For shippers with growing volume, monitor when shipment sizes consistently cross the FCL breakeven threshold and transition proactively rather than continuing with LCL out of habit.