The two ways to ship by sea
FCL (full container load) means the container is yours alone. LCL (less than container load) means you share — and pay per cubic meter, plus handling at both ends.
The cost structure
Component LCL FCL (20ft)
--- --- ---
Ocean freight $60–90 per CBM $800–1,500 flat
Origin handling $25–40 per CBM Included
Destination handling $30–50 per CBM Included
Transit time +5–10 days (consolidation) Direct
Damage risk Higher (more handling) Lower
Where the lines cross
:::chart Total cost by volume (example lane, USD)
5 CBM - LCL wins | 650
10 CBM - roughly equal | 1200
13 CBM - FCL wins | 1350
20 CBM - FCL clearly | 1350
:::
The rule of thumb
- Under 10 CBM: LCL almost always wins.
- 10–14 CBM: quote both — the answer changes weekly with rates.
- Over 14 CBM: FCL wins and your cargo stops being handled by strangers.
- Fragile or high-value goods: FCL at almost any volume.
> LCL charges you for every time your box is touched. FCL touches it twice: in and out.
Get both quotes at once
Prebro''s freight marketplace prices your shipment both ways on the same request — volume in, break-even out.