---
title: "What does LCL (less than container load) mean in | SSL"
description: "Sea freight in which a shipper’s cargo shares a container with other shippers’ cargo, consolidated by a forwarder or NVOCC. It is charged per CBM or per"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-lcl-less-than-container-load-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-lcl-less-than-container-load-mean-in-logistics/
updated: 2026-11-11
lang: en-IN
publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited
---

[Logistics terms](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/glossary/) · Logistics terms

# What does LCL (less than container load) mean in logistics?

Short answer

Sea freight in which a shipper’s cargo shares a container with other shippers’ cargo, consolidated by a forwarder or NVOCC. It is charged per CBM or per tonne, whichever is higher, plus origin and destination charges.

LCL exports from India are consolidated at a CFS or ICD. It suits shipments too small for a full container but adds handling and time at both ends. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. [How we count](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

[Ask on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/917506245557?text=Hi%20SSL%2C%20What%20does%20LCL%20(less%20than%20container%20load)%20mean%20in%20logistics%3F) [Get a quote](https://safeandsecure.in/ship/quote/)

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## The numbers behind this answer

**Also called**: LCL

**Category**: Air, sea & rail

**Related terms**: FCL (full container load), Consolidation, CBM (cubic metre), Container freight station (CFS)

## Sources

1. [SSL logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#lcl)

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

## Related questions

- [What does CBM (cubic metre) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-cbm-cubic-metre-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Consolidation mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-consolidation-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Container freight station (CFS) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-container-freight-station-cfs-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Container stuffing and destuffing mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-container-stuffing-and-destuffing-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does FCL (full container load) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-fcl-full-container-load-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-feu-forty-foot-equivalent-unit-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

- [Logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#lcl)
- [LCL (less than container load): related page](https://safeandsecure.in/services/sea-freight/)

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---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-lcl-less-than-container-load-mean-in-logistics/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-11-11). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/