The first question most first-time ocean freight shippers face is "FCL or LCL?" The right answer depends on your cargo's volume, budget, and how much schedule flexibility you have. Here's how to think it through.
Start with volume
| Total volume | Typical choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 CBM | LCL (consolidated) | Too little to fill a container, so sharing space with other shippers is more economical |
| 15–28 CBM | 20ft FCL | The point where FCL often beats the per-CBM LCL rate |
| 28–58 CBM | 40ft FCL | Too much for a 20ft, so using a full 40ft is more efficient |
| 58 CBM and up | Multiple 40ft / 40ft HQ | Exceeds a single container's capacity |
This table is a rough guide. The exact break-even point shifts with route and market conditions. Use the calculator on our Tools page to plug in your own CBM and get an instant recommendation.
Lead time matters as much as volume
- LCL consolidates multiple shippers' cargo into one container, so you often wait for other shippers' freight to arrive before departure. Lead times run longer than FCL as a result.
- FCL gives you the whole container, so scheduling is predictable and the risk of damage or loss from co-mingled cargo is lower.
Check weight, not just volume
Low-volume, high-density cargo can hit a 20ft container's weight limit (roughly 28 tonnes) before it runs out of space. Always calculate total weight alongside CBM when choosing a container size.
How Capra helps
Capra Logistics handles ocean FCL, LCL, and air freight, and we recommend the most efficient mode for your cargo right at the quoting stage. From there, we carry that plan through customs, warehousing, and inland trucking under one roof.