SKYE KNOWLEDGE BASE · SHIPPING OPTIONS

FCL, LCL, FTL, LTL and groupage.

Understand the difference between dedicated and shared freight capacity — at sea and on the road — before choosing a transport solution.

INTERACTIVE COMPARISON

Start with the transport mode.

FCL

Full Container Load

One shipper books the container for its cargo.

Best suited to: Larger volumes, controlled loading, sensitive cargo or shipments where fewer handling moments matter.
Typical cargo flow: Cargo is loaded into a dedicated container, sealed and moved through the port network without consolidation with other shippers' goods.
Pricing logic: Usually priced per container, plus origin, destination, customs and possible equipment-related charges.

LCL

Less than Container Load

Several shippers share space in one container.

Best suited to: Smaller ocean shipments that do not justify paying for a complete container.
Typical cargo flow: Cargo is delivered to a consolidation warehouse, combined with other shipments, then separated again near destination.
Pricing logic: Usually based on chargeable volume or weight, plus consolidation, handling and destination charges.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPTION

Capacity is only one part of the decision.

Volume and weight

Compare the total landed cost, not only the base freight rate. Shared services add consolidation and handling; dedicated services charge for the complete unit.

Transit and handling

Direct FTL and FCL usually involve fewer cargo handovers. LTL, groupage and LCL normally rely on consolidation networks and therefore require more handling.

Cargo requirements

Dimensions, stackability, ADR status, temperature, value, fragility, loading access and delivery appointments can change the suitable service.

Important distinction

LCL is an ocean-freight term. LTL and groupage apply to road freight. PTL or part load can sit between small groupage shipments and a fully dedicated truck. Terminology and service limits vary by carrier, lane and network.