Why is FCL better than LCL?

1. Protection and Safety of Goods
One of the biggest advantages of full container transportation is its protection and safety of goods. In full container transportation, the goods occupy the entire container and will not be mixed with other goods. This means that the goods are not easily damaged, contaminated, or lost during transportation. In contrast, in LCL transportation, goods from multiple different suppliers may be mixed in the same container, increasing the risk of damage to the goods during transportation.
2. Controllability of transportation time
Full container transportation usually has a more controllable transportation time. Due to the fact that the entire container is served by the same shipper, the goods can be directly transported from the port of origin to the destination port, avoiding the time waste of unloading, sorting, and reloading midway. In contrast, LCL transportation requires waiting for the containers to be fully stacked before shipment, resulting in a relatively long transportation time.
3. Advantages of transportation costs
Although full container transportation may be slightly more expensive than LCL transportation in terms of unit price, it has a significant advantage in overall transportation costs. Full container transportation is more efficient, reducing intermediate loading and unloading, sorting and other processes, thereby saving labor and time costs. In addition, in full container transportation, the transportation path of goods is more direct, reducing transit and storage costs during transportation.
4. The customs clearance process is more convenient
Full container transportation, as it only involves the goods of one shipper, has a simpler customs clearance process compared to LCL transportation. During customs review and inspection, full container transportation can complete all necessary procedures more quickly, reducing the possibility of goods being detained at the port. In contrast, in LCL transportation, customs need to handle goods from different shippers one by one, resulting in longer clearance times.
5. Flexibility of inventory management
For enterprises, full container transportation provides more flexible inventory management options. Due to the independence of goods throughout the entire transportation process, enterprises can more easily grasp the inventory situation and achieve more refined supply chain management. In LCL transportation, goods may be affected by other goods, making inventory management relatively complex.
6. Environmental considerations
From an environmental perspective, full container transportation also has its advantages. In full container transportation, the goods are directly loaded into one container, reducing the use of packaging and fillers and helping to reduce the generation of packaging waste. In contrast, in LCL transportation, due to the need to separate goods from different shippers, more packaging materials may be required, which increases the environmental burden.
7. Improve transportation traceability
Full container transportation helps improve the traceability of goods transportation. Due to each container serving only one shipper, information such as the source and transportation route of the goods is easier to trace and manage. This is of great significance for ensuring product quality and addressing potential quality issues.