For your any kind of shipping needs, HART Worldwide Logistics is your trustworthy shipping companion. We have FCL and LCL shipping facilities from China to worldwide or vice versa.
Along with that we can help you with door to door services. You can give us your supplier’s and your address and we will pick up and deliver your goods from origin to destination. Our available inland transportation will manage all your freight forwarding steps.
HART Worldwide Logistics has expertise in all shipping fields, e.g, customs clearance to ensure hassle-free and tension-free shipping from anywhere to anywhere around the world.
No matter what your requirements are, we can deliver you customized shipping solutions for air freight, sea freight, rail freight, express shipping, etc. We also offer LCL FCL shipping at an affordable cost.
You can get large-quantity goods delivered, get fast delivery or can even choose other options. Along with logistical support, HART can also do your customs clearance in both the ports and provide delivery straight at your doorstep.
You can give us your customs clearance responsibility or can even choose to do it yourself and leave shipping for us. You can as well give us the whole responsibility of shipping and customs.
At HART we impose maximum care on our client’s satisfaction hence our experienced team is always dedicated to learn the latest market insights and provide you the best services that you deserve.
Our customs affairs department is always there to study and keep track of the up-to-date international customs policies for less than full container load or any other cargo. Thanks to our customs compliance, we can always ensure maximum security for your cargo throughout the shipping process.
With signed agreements with the top shipping and airlines companies, HART can ensure maximum space availability at an affordable cost. Companies like OOCL, ET, Yang Ming, TK, PIL, EK, Evergreen, QR, COSCO, CX, CMA-CGM, AY, MSC, CA, Maersk, CZ, and others are in contract with us.
Our systematization and standardization are two of our biggest advantages. The in-house logistics system tracks, monitors, and operates all our orders online while on board. We never rely on any person and that is why we can ensure a smooth, and hassle-free shipping experience.
Knock us to get simple solutions to any kind of shipping needs.
Our Other Services Besides LCL Transportation
Air Freight
Air freight from or to China is available at HART. WE can also take care of your customs clearance in both ports and provide the final delivery at your designated location.
Sea Freight
Sea freight from China to worldwide or vice versa is available at HART. We can also do your customs clearance and provide door to door delivery
Rail Freight
Rail freight is available to all the countries who allow rail services to or from China. You can ship the goods, get clearance services along with on-spot delivery.
Door to Door Shipping
Get delivery directly at your location from the supplier’s location with our door to door shipping service. No matter what you ship we can handle them on your behalf.
Express Services
Get fast delivery from the port of origin to the port of destination with the top express companies. HART has long-term agreements with them and we avail amazing discounts.
Customs Clearance
Our expert customs clearance team is always updated about the regular market fluctuations and latest customs policies which ensure 100% safe and secured customs clearance.
Warehousing
Give us a message to get a warehousing facility for any size and type of goods in China or several other countries worldwide. We have warehouse space for a long or short period.
Pickup & Delivery
Picking up goods from the supplier and delivering them at your location can be done with our inland transportation and expert team. You get hassle-free delivery worldwide.
FBA
E-commerce customers can do FBA shipping from China or other services are also available like shipping to Jumia. We will provide safe shipping facilities for Amazon and Jumia.
Consolidated Shipping
Get all your orders collected from several suppliers and delivered together at your destination. You can get consolidated shipping and save time and money.
Why Choose HART For Your LCL Delivery?
Focus
Our focus and understanding of the market ensure the best freight forwarding services at the lowest possible cost. We are always cautious of all our shipments and ensure quality.
Cheap Shipping Rate
At HART Worldwide Logistics we promise to give you the most affordable shipping rates without lacking in services. We have goodwill in the market for our services and cost.
Standardization
Standardized working conditions and logistical work ensure safe shipping and delivery in the expected time. We are quick to respond to your queries and maintain professionalism.
Systematization
Our in-house software system and technical team ensure we provide you reliable services. We maintain fast and smooth paperless operations and control logistical work online.
Full Self-control
We are constantly monitoring and updating ourselves so that your cargoes are always under control. We track and operate online and ensure a fully controlled system.
Custom Clearance Service
Our customs clearance team can ensure safe and hassle-free customs clearance work and smooth documentation. Good relationships with the local brokers helps us assure quality.
Wide Coverage
We have branches and warehouses in more than 20 Chinese cities. Warehouses in the UK, Germany, Poland, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and in several African countries.
Highly Trained Team
Our employees’ training is important to us, it helps us ensure you get improved services and we constantly learn and update to make your freight experience better everyday.
Professionalism
Professionalism in working and on-time response to your queries reflects our professionalism. We have the experience and skill to provide you with the best advice.
Qualifications And Honor For FCL And LCL Shipping
Business Form for International Freight Forwarders
<Foreign Trade Laws of the People’s Republic of China> and < Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of International Cargo Transport Agency> This is implemented and approved by the Ministry of Commerce, for international freight forwarding business that all international freight forwarders in China must have the certificates
NVOCC Business Operation Qualification Registration Certificate
The Ministry of Transportation of China requests registration with NVOCC. It requires a special request to obtain; most international freight forwarders do not get it in China. It has much higher requirements than an ordinary freight forwarder. NVOCC gives better opportunities in booking and shipping, and one can issue its bills of lading which can help you better control the goods.
ISO9001 2015 Quality Management System Certificate
International quality management system is there to assure impeccable performance experience for the customers. They ensure that the customer gets flawless service and with no misunderstanding. Our main motto is to give our customers quality service at an affordable price. This certificate is the proof of our uninterrupted communication and ensures reliable customer care service.
Certificate of Membership for WCA
The world’s largest and most powerful network of independent freight forwarders is World Cargo Transportation Alliance (WCA). And HART Worldwide is a member of it. Thus we are automatically protected by the most generous and extensive financial protection program in the industry, which allows us to conduct business with other WCA members with complete security and peace of mind.
Certificate of Membership for CIFA
China International Freight Forwarders Association, CIFA is a national social organization in China’s international freight forwarding industry. China’s Ministry of Commerce guides it. The mission of CIFA is to strengthen industry self-discipline and coordination management and create a fair competition market environment.
Member Unit for SIFFA
SIFFA or Shenzhen International Freight Forwarders Association is a social organization with legal officials approved by Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau. The mission of SIFFA is to guide, protect and coordinate the members to exchange information, coordinate relations, enhance cooperation, and member interests to promote the international freight forwarding industry.
LCL Transportation | The Ultimate FAQ Guide
Introduction
LCL transportation can be a good freight forwarding method if you are shipping small to medium loads of goods.
It saves your shipping cost and allows you to ship your goods with other importers in the same container.
Additionally, you can get customs clearance done by your freight forwarder company and even get auxiliary shipping services in LCL delivery.
To know more about less than full container load shipping, continue reading this FAQ guide.
Table Of Content
- What Is LCL Transportation?
- Is LCL Delivery Allowed Worldwide?
- What Is The Difference Between FCL And LCL Shipping?
- Is FCL LCL Container Same?
- How Much Does Less Than A Full Container Load Cost?
- How To Calculate FCL And LCL Shipping?
- Do Express Companies Provide LCL Transportation?
- How Long Does LCL Delivery Take?
- What Documents Are Needed For LCL FCL Shipping?
- What Are The Advantages Of FCL LCL Containers?
- Is There Any Weight Limit For FCL And LCL Shipping?
- What Are The Restricted And Prohibited Items In LCL Transportation?
- What Is Cheaper: Less Than Full Container Load Or Full Container Load?
- What Is The Customs Clearance Process Process For LCL Transportation?
- How Long Does Customs Clearance Take For LCL Delivery?
- How Much Does Customs Clearance Cost For FCL And LCL Shipping?
- Who Pays For Customs Clearance For FCL LCL Container?
- What Happens If I Don’t Pay Customs Clearance For LCL Delivery?
- Will I Get Door To Door Delivery In FCL LCL Container?
- Who Arranges Goods In LCL Transportation?
- Does Air Freight Allow LCL Delivery?
1. What Is LCL Transportation?
LCL transportation, also known as less than full container load shipping, is a method of shipping goods that are less significant in quantity.
In the LCL delivery shipping method, your goods are shipped to their destination in the same container along with other importers.
Here, your shipping expenses, such as container charge, customs clearance cost, etc., are shared between the shared importers.
FCL and LCL shipping both are available in sea freight and rail freight.
In LCL FCL shipping, containers are either filled with the same types of goods, or different goods can be shipped together.
Several reputed international freight forwarding companies provide FCL LCL container shipping facilities.
HART Worldwide Logistics is also providing LCL transportation services from China to overseas or vice versa.
You can choose your desired shipping method or can even customize your freight services according to your needs.
To know more on LCL transportation, you can watch this YouTube video-
2. Is LCL Delivery Allowed Worldwide?
Yes, LCL delivery is allowed worldwide from China to any country of the world or otherwise.
Your freight forwarder company can help you with your shipping method according to your requirements.
No matter what goods you ship and in what quantity, there is always a method available for you.
As LCL delivery can be done in rail freight along with sea freight, the procedures can vary a little with different freight methods.
Rail freight is not available in many countries; with no railway lines, LCL delivery in rail freight is not available worldwide.
However, in sea freight, you can get an LCL delivery service worldwide.
Sea freight has several container options to choose from.
Different sizes of containers are appropriate for different loads of goods.
3. What Is The Difference Between FCL And LCL Shipping?
FCL and LCL shipping can both be advantageous for you if they can fulfill your shipping requirements.
FCL is short for a full container load.
As the name suggests, FCL shipping is when your goods are shipped in one container without any shared importers.
In FCL, all your goods are loaded in one whole container, and all the shipping expenses are carried by you solely.
However, in LCL transportation, your container, as well as the shipping expenses, is shared between two or more importers.
If you have a significant amount of goods to ship, FCL will be a better option for you.
As FCL holds only your products, you can load a massive amount of goods in a single shipment
With FCL, you do not have to ship your products separately and face space scarcity which will reduce your shipping cost and risk of theft or damage
4. Is FCL LCL Container Same?
When it comes to containers, FCL LCL containers are the same.
There are different sizes and types of containers to choose from according to your particular type of goods.
You can get refrigerated containers, dry containers, open-top containers, half-height containers, etc., for various uses.
You can also find several sizes of containers.
You can choose the size that best fits your cargo load.
Some sizes of FCL LCL container are 8ft container, 9ft container, 10ft container, 20ft container, 40ft container, and others.
If you are shipping in FCL, your decision depends entirely on your cargo type and size.
However, for LCL transportation, you will have to find another importer(s) who needs the same type of container to share.
5. How Much Does Less Than A Full Container Load Cost?
A less than full container load or LCL shipment cost is not fixed.
Several factors determine how much your LCL transportation will cost you.
Below we will discuss some important factors:
Weight/Volume Of Your Cargo
The weight and volume of your cargo play a vital role in your overall shipping cost.
The higher your volume/weight is, the more you have to pay.
Type Of Your Cargo
Your goods type also aids in determining your total shipping cost.
Sensitive items, hazardous material, etc., charge higher to ship in LCL transportation than standard goods shipping.
These items need cautious handling, and especially skilled employees to take care of such items hence charging more than average.
Distance
The distance between the port of origin and the port of destination determines the cost of LCL delivery.
If the distance is higher, the total cost of shipping will also increase.
Auxiliary Shipping Services
Shipping services like pickup and delivery services customs clearance will incur additional charges.
Shipments requiring intermodal transportation charge more than standard port to port shipping.
6. How To Calculate FCL And LCL Shipping?
FCL and LCL shipping calculations differ from one another.
In FCL or full container load shipping, you need to pay for the entire container, including container charge, freight cost, customs clearance, etc.
You will have to pay according to the type and size of your container.
However, LCL or less than full container load shipping cost calculation can get a little tricky.
Here, your goods will be evaluated by either gross weight or volumetric weight.
Gross weight is the total weight of your cargo, including pallet and packaging materials.
On the other hand, volumetric weight needs to be calculated.
Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of your parcel then dividing it by 6000 to get the amount in kilograms.
Since you will be sharing containers with other importers, you will pay for the space your cargo has occupied.
7. Do Express Companies Provide LCL Transportation?
Major express companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, China Post, USPS, and others can provide LCL transportation along with express services.
These companies offer sea freight FCL and LCL shipping from anywhere to anywhere.
LCL transportation from the express companies can also be arranged by your freight forwarder company.
Whether you are shipping in a distant location or someplace near, express companies can manage all kinds of shipping on your behalf.
HART Worldwide Logistics is among the freight forwarder companies with close contact with the top express companies.
This is why we can assure you of space availability at a competitive price.
You can knock us to get in-depth information about LCL transportation.
Our customer care service is always here to assist you, and we can offer free shipping quotes.
8. How Long Does LCL Delivery Take?
Time taken by the LCL delivery varies on the distance between the port of origin to the port of destination.
Along with that, your goods’ type can also alter the delivery time.
The longer your distance from one port to another, the more time it takes to deliver your shipment.
Ask your freight forwarder about the expected time of delivery.
A reputed, well-synchronized freight company can deliver your goods in the given timeframe.
However, LCL transportation takes longer to deliver goods as the container holds goods from several importers.
When the cargo reaches the destination port, the goods are unloaded then dispatched to their designated locations.
If you signed up for door to door delivery, it would take some more time as it requires inland transportation after clearing the customs formalities.
If your customs duties and taxes are paid, and there is no problem with your cargo, you can expect your LCL delivery in around 4 to 6 weeks.
9. What Documents Are Needed For LCL FCL Shipping?
Shipping documents are a must when you are shipping internationally.
Without your correct shipping documents, your cargo can not even exit the origin port, let alone enter the port of destination.
The paperwork in shipping states the origin of the goods, specifies their quality, details about the exporter/manufacturer, freight details, and other important information.
Here is what you must have for LCL FCL shipping:
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is significant, especially in the FCL LCL container.
It contains information about the cargo, and it is essential for the customs clearance process.
The seller/exporter issues this document to the buyer/importer.
Packing List
As the name suggests, the packing list is a document that contains the list of products in a container.
This consists of detailed information about the products, their value, type, weight, etc.
The packing list also mentions the packaging details of the products.
Bill Of Lading
The bill of lading is issued by the freight forwarder company indicating that they have received the products and are legally obliged to ship the goods to their destination.
It is also a necessary shipping document needed for LCL FCL shipping.
This document is evaluated by the customs clearance, and it also mentions details about the cargo.
Some other shipping documents include import/export declaration, sea waybill, arrival notice, among others.
10. What Are The Advantages Of FCL LCL Containers?
It isn’t easy to find an alternative to FCL LCL containers while shipping medium to large cargo loads.
Among other advantages, the cost of FCL LCL containers is one of the best.
No other freight method offers large quantity goods transportation at this affordable rate.
Compared to rail freight and air freight, less than full container load shipping offers excellent value for money.
No matter what goods you ship to which destination, the FCL LCL container can easily carry them to your desired location.
You only pay for the space you took in the LCL container rather than paying a flat rate.
11. Is There Any Weight Limit For FCL And LCL Shipping?
No, LCL and FCL shipping has no weight limit; you can ship any quantity of goods.
For shipping small or medium quantities of goods where you do not need a substantial amount of space, LCL delivery is a cost-effective solution.
However, if you are shipping a massive quantity, FCL is more appropriate.
As mentioned above, there are different sizes of containers that you can use for different loads of cargo.
Your freight forwarder company can help you choose a suitable container according to your cargo load.
HART Worldwide Logistics provides LCL and FCL shipping facilities for you, you only have to give us your cargo details, and we will suggest the best freight method for you.
There are no weight restrictions, and our expert team is capable of handling any goods.
12. What Are The Restricted And Prohibited Items In LCL Transportation?
There is a list of prohibited items that are followed by every shipment worldwide.
These goods are strictly prohibited in international shipping no matter where you ship your cargo.
If found on board, you will have to pay a heavy penalty and may even have to undergo legal punishment.
Some examples of prohibited items are:
- Narcotic drugs
- Pornographic materials
- Antiques, sculptures, paintings, rare items
- Gemstones
- Money
- Wild animals
- Wildlife materials
- Pirated or duplicate items, etc.
However, the rules are not this strict for restricted items.
Restricted goods can be shipped overseas following specific protocols and paperwork.
Restricted items need more supervision; hence it may increase your shipping cost.
Some examples of restricted items are:
- Gas
- Oil
- Drugs (prescribed)
- Live animals, birds
- Weapons
- Sand
- Soil
- Plants, seeds, etc.
13. What Is Cheaper: Less Than Full Container Load Or Full Container Load?
When it comes to shipping in less than full container load and full container load, both are cheap if you can utilize their capacity.
Both FCL and LCL are among the cheapest freight options for international shipping.
Your cargo type, quantity, distance from one port to another, all these factors contribute to your shipping cost.
However, if the port distances are not significant, choosing FCL and LCL shipping might not be a suitable option for you.
If your cargo does not fill one entire container, then paying for FCL will unnecessarily increase your shipping cost; in that case, LCL is more suitable.
LCL shipping depending on the goods and your shipping route, can cost anything from 25 to 140 US dollars.
FCL shipping costs also vary depending on your shipping distance, type of goods, etc., and can cost about 2000 to 3000 US dollars.
14. What Is The Customs Clearance Process Process For LCL Transportation?
LCL transportation, like any other shipping method, goes through customs clearance.
It is compulsory for every international shipping to clear customs.
It is a filtering process that is followed around the world to protect the countries from any illegal items or hazardous materials.
The government also earns revenue from these transportations in the form of import duties and taxes.
The customs clearance process is followed in both ports while exiting from one country and while entering the other.
The customs officers inspect the goods, the documents are thoroughly checked, import duty and tax is collected, and the cargo is given a customs clearance certificate before leaving the border.
This certificate is essential to import the goods legally into the country.
15. How Long Does Customs Clearance Take For LCL Delivery?
Customs clearance takes a different amount of time for different types of goods and freight methods.
Smaller shipment takes less time to clear customs, whereas an enormous cargo load can take several days.
Restricted goods need even longer for customs clearance.
Similarly, for LCL delivery, the customs clearance varies depending on your cargo load and goods type.
As your cargo accompanies other goods in the same container, customs clearance may take a little longer.
When your customs duty and tax are paid, no illegal items are found, and the shipment has followed all the shipping regulations, there is no hassle.
Generally, your customs clearance will take around 24 hours to 7 days, depending on the cargo load.
16. How Much Does Customs Clearance Cost For FCL And LCL Shipping?
Customs clearance cost is not similar for all cargoes.
The value of your goods plays a major role in your customs clearance cost.
The higher your cargo value is, the more customs clearance charge you have to pay.
This is why it is important to calculate your cargo cost adequately, not only to reduce shipping costs but also to reduce customs clearance costs.
Additionally, if you are shipping restricted items such as chemicals, your customs clearance cost is likely to increase.
Countries have certain cost limits to determine the customs charges.
If the cargo value is less than the limit, you do not need to pay for the customs.
However, for cargoes that exceed the limit, a certain percentage of taxes are added depending on the cargo cost and weight.
17. Who Pays For Customs Clearance For FCL LCL Container?
Generally, the importer pays for the customs clearance cost for the FCL LCL container.
Clearance costs, along with other freight forwarding charges, are cleared by you after the goods have reached your port (port of destination).
However, your freight forwarder company can also pay for the customs on your behalf.
You have to clarify what services you want from your freight forwarder company before confirming your shipping order.
Although they will clear the customs, the charge will be added to the total shipping bill, which you have to clear in the end.
If you and your exporter agree on certain Incoterms, it can make your exporter responsible for paying for the customs clearance.
The term DDP shipping makes the exporter responsible for customs clearance in the port of origin and in the port of destination.
18. What Happens If I Don’t Pay Customs Clearance For LCL Delivery?
If you refuse to pay customs clearance for LCL delivery, your goods will not enter the destination port.
When the cargo reaches the port, it follows the customs clearance procedures, after which it is mandatory to pay the importer country customs duties and taxes.
If you are liable for the costs, you have to pay the authorities to clear the goods from the port.
The customs clearance authority will give you some time to clear your cargo; if you can not pay them in the allotted time, your cargo will be sent back to their exporter country.
19. Will I Get Door To Door Delivery In FCL LCL Container?
Yes, you can get the door to door delivery in FCL LCL container shipping.
You can talk to your freight forwarder company about what logistics services you require.
They will provide you with all the services you asked for, including door to door, port to port, clearing and forwarding, etc.
You have to give details of the locations of your supplier and yours to your freight forwarder company, and they will send trucks to pick up goods and deliver them to your doorstep.
This service is available in sea freight FCL LCL containers and in other freight methods as well.
20. Who Arranges Goods In LCL Transportation?
Cargo arrangements in LCL transportation can be made by your freight forwarding company, or you can also hire an individual assembly agent to do it.
Your freight company should be capable of arranging the goods before further shipping processing.
You can even ask your exporter to arrange the cargo before handling them to the freight forwarder company.
Regardless of what you choose, a charge will be added for the cargo arrangement service, and if you hire an individual assembly agent, it may increase the cost.
21. Does Air Freight Allow LCL Delivery?
No, air freight does not allow LCL delivery.
Air freight has more weight restrictions, and it is generally more suitable for small to the medium cargo load.
Final Word
We hope our FAQ guide on LCL transportation answered your questions about this freight option.
LCL FCL shipping will significantly reduce your shipping cost and the risk of damaging goods if you can find a reliable freight forwarder company.
HART Worldwide Logistics is among the best freight services that operate from China to worldwide and vice versa.
You can knock us to know more about LCL transportation or for any further queries.