.svg)
What do FTL, LTL, FCL and LCL stand for?
In the world of international transportation and logistics, FTL, LTL, FCL and LCL are fundamental terms that determine how your merchandise is shipped and how much you'll pay for the service. These acronyms define whether you'll be using a full truck or container for your cargo, or if you'll be sharing space with other shippers.
The right choice between these modalities can mean significant savings and greater efficiency in your supply chain. Each option has its advantages depending on the volume, urgency and nature of your load.
Ground Transportation: FTL and LTL
What is FTL (Full Truck Load)?
FTL stands for full truck load. In this modality, your company hires a complete truck exclusively for your merchandise, without sharing space with other shippers. The vehicle travels directly from the point of origin to the final destination.
Practical example: A furniture factory needs to send 26 pallets of products to a distribution center. Hire a complete truck that will transport only your merchandise, leaving the factory directly to the destination without intermediate stops.
When to choose FTL? Opt for FTL when your cargo occupies more than 50% of the truck's capacity (generally more than 10 pallets), when you need urgent deliveries without delays, or when you're handling high-value products that require additional security.
What is LTL (Less Than Truckload)?
LTL means less than full truck load. Your merchandise shares truck space with shipments from other companies. The carrier consolidates several partial loads to optimize vehicle capacity.
Practical example: A company needs to ship 3 pallets of electronic products. Instead of paying for an entire truck, your cargo is consolidated with other shipments going in the same direction, paying only for the space used.
When to choose LTL? LTL is ideal when your cargo occupies less than 50% of the truck (typically between 1 and 6 pallets), when the delivery time is flexible and when you are looking to reduce transport costs in regular small shipments.
Shipping: FCL and LCL
What is FCL (Full Container Load)?
FCL stands for full container. You hire a full maritime container (20, 40 or 45 feet) exclusively for your merchandise. The container is sealed at the source and is not opened until it reaches the final destination.
Practical example: A textile importer hires a 40-foot container to bring 20,000 garments from Asia. The container is loaded at the factory, sealed and travels directly to the importer's warehouse without intermediate handling.
When to choose FCL? Choose FCL when your load exceeds 15 cubic meters, when you handle products that should not be mixed with others, when you need greater safety and less handling, or when the cost per cubic meter is cheaper than LCL.
What is LCL (Less than Container Load)?
LCL stands for less than full container, also known as grouping or consolidation. Your cargo shares the container with goods from other importers or exporters. The consolidator groups several small shipments into a single container.
Practical example: A small importer needs to bring 5 cubic meters of accessories from China. Your cargo is consolidated into a container along with shipments from other companies, paying only for the space occupied.
When to choose LCL? LCL is convenient when your cargo is less than 15 cubic meters, when you are importing test or samples, when you don't have enough volume to justify a full container, or when you need to maintain inventory flow with frequent small shipments.
Key factors for choosing between full and partial load
Volume and weight of the goods
Volume is the main factor. As a general rule: less than 15 m³ suggests LCL/LTL, while more than 15 m³ justifies FCL/FTL. However, also consider the weight and density of your load.
Urgency of the shipment
Full loads (FTL/FCL) are faster because they don't require consolidation or deconsolidation. Partial uploads can take an additional 5 to 10 days due to these processes.
Total shipping cost
Compare not only the freight, but all the associated costs. LCL/LTL includes consolidation and deconsolidation costs that can make medium shipments more expensive. Calculate the break-even point where FCL/FTL becomes more economical.
Type of merchandise
Fragile, high-value products or products that require special conditions benefit from full loads. Standard and sturdy goods are suitable for consolidation.
Other important terms in cargo consolidation
Grouping: Alternative term for LCL, common in the Spanish-speaking market. It refers to the same process of consolidating small loads.
Cross-docking: Direct transfer of merchandise between vehicles without intermediate storage, common in LTL operations.
Break bulk: Cargo that cannot be containerized due to its size or nature, requiring special handling.
Consolidator: Company specialized in bundling LCL/LTL loads from several clients to optimize transportation costs.
How to calculate which option is right for you?
To make the best decision, evaluate these points: calculate the actual volume of your cargo in cubic meters, request quotes for both modalities including all charges, consider transit times and your urgency, and evaluate the risks and requirements for handling your product.
A load of 12-15 m³ is at the equilibrium point where you must carefully compare both options. Remember that the cost per cubic meter in FCL decreases significantly when using the full capacity of the container.
Conclusion: Optimize your logistics by choosing correctly
Understanding the differences between FTL, LTL, FCL and LCL allows you to make informed decisions that directly impact your costs and logistics efficiency. There is no universally better option; the right choice depends on your cargo volume, shipping frequency, urgency and budget.
Analyze each shipment individually and consider establishing mixed strategies: LCL/LTL for maintaining regular inventory and FCL/FTL for large restocks or product launches.
Do you need help determining the best charging option for your shipments? At ACONISA we analyze your operation and advise you to optimize costs and times in your international logistics. Request a free consultation with our experts.
.svg)