Less than Container Load (LCL) service – The best option for your small business!

Less than Container Load (LCL) service – The best option for your small business!

Top Benefits of LCL Shipping for Small Businesses

International cargo shipping might seem frightening and out of reach when one thinks of the humongous cargo vessels that move millions of containers every year, all year round. The intimidating appearance of these gargantuan ships will make most outside observers think exclusively of big business, as in the case of the automotive industry or other sectors of the economy that rely on vast supply chains to function properly. And that surely leaves some wondering: “But what if I only need to ship a couple of pallets? Does that mean that I will have to pay for a whole container?”. Of course not! K International Transport offers you the possibility to share a container and the relative costs with other shippers like you! We provide international shipping services to numerous countries for the most disparate types of customers, from private individuals and small businesses to multinational enterprises.

File:Modern warehouse with pallet rack storage system.jpg
Axisadman, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If you don’t have enough cargo to fill up a whole container, but neither you want to pay extra for the luxury of air freight, Less than Container Load (LCL) service is probably what you are looking for. When you choose this option, your cargo is loaded into a container together with items from other people, meaning that the charges for handling and transportation via ocean will be shared among all the shippers. This is a very cost-effective solution, and it also rids you of the headache of loading and unloading your cargo into the container, as this is done by professionals in our warehouses. For example, a small online retailer based in New York shipping products to customers in Europe benefits from the shared container system by reducing transit costs and avoiding delays associated with consolidating full loads. But that’s not all! If you cannot bring your cargo to our closest warehouse, we can come and pick it up directly from your location, and, thanks to our wide network of overseas agents, we can also assist you with the import formalities in the country of destination. In certain cases, we can even palletize your cargo, if you cannot do it yourself.

File:Forklift.JPG
Marketing Team, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As an international transport company, we have handled hundreds of LCL shipments, from industrial supplies such as glue, ink, tiles, agricultural and forestry machinery spare parts, sporting goods and gym equipment, cleaning and maintenance machinery, chemicals, printing and decorative paper, PVC foil, cable reels, building materials, hospital and medical equipment, plastic molds, threading dies, pump hoses, printing machinery parts, toys, sample products, etc. to personal effects and household goods.

File:Line3174 - Shipping Containers at the terminal at Port Elizabeth, New Jersey - NOAA.jpg
Captain Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps (ret.), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Give us a call at +1 (212) 267-6400, send us an email at inquiries@kinternational.com, or fill out the LCL form available on our website at https://www.kinternational.com/rate-request/less-than-container-load/ to find out how we can assist you. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

FAQ

Q: How is LCL shipping different from FCL?
A: LCL shipping allows businesses to share container space with other
shipments, paying only for the space they use. FCL shipping, on the other
hand, requires a full container, making it less cost-effective for smaller loads.

Q: What kind of businesses benefit most from LCL shipping?
A: Small and medium-sized businesses, especially those in e-commerce,
retail, and manufacturing, often find LCL shipping ideal for international
shipments with low cargo volumes.
Q: Is LCL shipping reliable for fragile items?
A: Yes, LCL shipments are carefully packed and handled to minimize
damage. However, using professional packaging and labeling can further
ensure the safety of your fragile goods.