How LCL shipping works

Ocean freight has been transformed since the 1950s by the introduction of standardised, stackable shipping containers. 90% of non-bulk cargos are containerised and so, to optimise the filling of them, groupage has arisen – a ‘groupage’ definition is the amalgamation of loads into one bigger more cost-effective one.

The smallest and most popular container sizes are (approximately) 20 foot and 40 foot lengths.

Within them are loaded pallets of goods: boxes and crates may also be transported but beware, some ports of entry refuse to handle them. If you have more than 5 or 6 cartons to ship then they are best palletised anyway.