What is LCL? Why choose consolidated shipping?
LCL (Less-than-Container Load), also called consolidated cargo, is a shipping method for shipments that do not fill a full container (FCL).
Small shipments from multiple shippers are consolidated at a CFS (Container Freight Station) by Five Star Logistics and loaded together into a container, allowing customers to share costs and optimize budgets.
Maximum cost savings
Pay by volume (CBM) or actual weight — no need to book a full container.
Flexible volumes
Suitable for shipments from a few CBM up to several dozen CBM, no minimum requirement.
High departure frequency
Frequent sailings — no need to wait for a full container load.
LCL Service Performance
LCL vs FCL – Which is right for you?
Understand the differences to choose the optimal shipping method for your business.
| Characteristic | Less-than-Container (LCL) Cost-effective | Full Container (FCL) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small shipments that don't fill a container | Large shipments that fill a container |
| Packing responsibility | Five Star handles stuffing/unstuffing at CFS | Shipper is responsible for packing and unpacking |
| Pricing basis | Charged by CBM (m³) or metric ton (Revenue Ton) | Charged per container (20' / 40') |
| Documentation | House Bill of Lading (HBL) | Master Bill or House Bill |
| Cost | Lower for small shipments Advantage | More economical when shipment fills a container |
| Transit time | Usually 3–5 days longer than FCL (due to consolidation) | Faster — no CFS handling |
Four reasons to choose Five Star for LCL
Superior speed
Frequent departures ensure your cargo isn't held in storage for long.
Reliability & safety
Strict CFS packing and control procedures to prevent damage and loss.
Competitive pricing
Market-leading rates backed by a network of 500+ global partners.
Modern technology
Transparent tracking systems keep you in control of your supply chain.
Dedicated CFS warehouse
Cargo is inspected and packed to international standards
200+ Countries
Extensive global LCL network
24/7 Tracking
Monitor shipments anytime, anywhere
Transparent pricing
All costs disclosed before invoicing
Comprehensive LCL solutions
A wide range of LCL services to meet needs from export/import to last-mile delivery.
Export LCL Sea Freight
Consolidation and shipping to 200+ countries with frequent sailings and competitive rates.
Import LCL Sea Freight
Receive LCL from international ports to Vietnam with fast customs clearance handling.
Door-to-Door LCL
End-to-end service from shipper's warehouse to consignee, including customs formalities.
LCL for Production Inputs
Specialized handling for raw materials to ensure production schedules are met.
Special Cargo LCL
Handling IMO hazardous goods, refrigerated cargo and items requiring special storage.
LCL Consulting & Quotes
Our experts provide route advice and transparent CBM/MT pricing to optimize costs.
Five-step LCL handling process
Your cargo moves through five professional and transparent steps from origin to destination.
Intake & Consultation
Assess needs, measure dimensions and provide the most competitive LCL quotation.
Consolidation at CFS
Cargo is brought to the CFS and inspected to international safety standards before consolidation.
Operation & Tracking
Items are loaded into the container and dispatched. Customers track shipments 24/7.
Customs Clearance
Our specialists handle customs procedures quickly to minimize document-related risks.
Door-to-Door Delivery
Delivered to consignee with transparent acknowledgement and photo proof on delivery.
Three unbreakable promises you can trust
Not just slogans — this is what you receive with every LCL shipment and every voyage.
Trustworthiness
Transparent procedures, customer data protection and full cost disclosure.
Speed
Frequent sailings and optimized routes to shorten transit times.
Care
Our skilled team is ready to support customers and handle situations professionally.
Savings
We commit to competitive LCL rates and no hidden charges.
Everything you need to know about LCL shipping.
Still have questions? Our advisory team is available 24/7 — no weekends, no holidays.
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