If you are running a small business, sourcing products from China, or shipping goods that don't fill an entire truck or container, you have likely faced a frustrating question: "Am I paying too much for shipping?" The answer is usually yes-if you aren't using consolidated freight shipping.
What is Consolidated Freight Shipping & How Does It Cut Your Shipping Costs?
If you're shipping a small volume of goods, or personal/commercial items that don't fill a single container, paying for Full Container Load (FCL) freight would be a huge waste. This is where Less than Container Load (LCL) freight comes in – it's the most cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized shipments, designed to distribute container space and freight rates among multiple shippers, so you only pay for the space your goods actually use.
Unlike FCL, where you bear 100% of the container and freight regardless of cargo size, LCL freight combines your goods with compatible shipments heading to the same port or city of destination. We handle all consolidation, sorting, loading, documentation, and customs coordination, allowing you to avoid high fixed costs and enjoy lower unit prices. This service covers sea, air, and land transport, offering flexibility for multiple global routes and destinations.
How Consolidated Freight Shipping Costs Are Calculated
Here's how we calculate consolidated freight charges:
Volume-based pricing (CBM)
The primary measurement for LCL shipping is CBM (Cubic Meter). Your cargo's volume is calculated as:
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) × Quantity
01
Weight-based pricing (Chargeable Weight)
For dense cargo, shipping may be calculated by weight instead of volume.
Light cargo → charged by volume.
Heavy cargo → charged by weight.
02
Origin and Destination
Shipping routes affect prices. For example, shipping from China to the US:
Shipping to the West Coast: Lower cost.
Shipping to the inland cities: Additional trucking fees apply.
03
Handling Costs
Origin Costs: Pickup, document processing, customs clearance, etc.
Destination Costs: Handling at the destination port, delivery, customs clearance, etc.
04
Customs Duties
Varies by product type and destination country.
Other costs include fuel surcharges (adjusted according to current fuel prices; fuel prices increased in March 2026, and freight rates increased accordingly), and optional cargo insurance.
05
Our Services
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
We specialize in LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping services, combining your cargo with other goods destined for the same destination, with weekly sailings to major global ports. This service is ideal for businesses with insufficient cargo volume to fill an entire container. By sharing container space, you can significantly reduce shipping costs.
Door-to-Door Delivery (DDP/DAP/DDU)
Coordinates pickup from suppliers; handles documentation for export customs clearance; books shipping and airline space for you; Senghor Logistics' local agents handle customs clearance; and finally, arranges truck delivery to your warehouse.
Warehousing and Distribution
We provide warehousing solutions. Senghor Logistics has an 18,000 square meter warehouse near Yantian Port in Shenzhen to store your goods before shipment. We also have partner warehouses in other ports across China. Our warehouses are equipped with professional forklift technicians and loading/unloading workers for efficient warehouse management.
Why Choose Our Consolidated Freight Services?
Competitive prices
Senghor Logistics has signed contracts with shipping companies, enjoying costs below market rates, with no hidden fees and clear, transparent pricing.
Reliable schedules
We have weekly LCL shipments from China to the United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, and other destinations, enabling us to quickly book space for our clients.
Professional cargo handling
We consolidate our clients' goods in warehouses, managing transport in a consolidated manner, simplifying your work and processes, thus reducing unit shipping costs.
Is Consolidated Freight Right for You?
Consolidation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Based on industry data and our experience, this service is ideal if:
1.You are shipping less than 15 CBM. Once you exceed this threshold, an FCL container often becomes more cost-effective.
However, each case needs to be analyzed individually. Full container load (FCL) prices are lower during the off-season. If LCL prices are similar to FCL prices, some customers would choose FCL and purchase products from other suppliers, consolidating them into one container for shipment.
2.You value flexibility. Consolidated freight ships on a weekly schedule, so you don't have to wait until you have a full container to move your goods.
One of our clients in Australia in the furniture industry who design their own products, have them manufactured in China, and then ship them back for sale. Sometimes, some products are not in stock and need to be shipped from China. However, full container load (FCL) freight is relatively expensive, and their urgent customers can't wait for a full container shipment. Therefore, our client chose LCL, allowing us to deliver directly to their customers.
3.You are transporting high-value, small-batch goods. For example, electronic products, auto parts, fashion products, and household goods are particularly suitable for LCL shipping because it can reduce inventory backlog caused by large quantities of goods.
FAQ
Q1: How long does consolidated freight shipping take compared to FCL?
A: Consolidated ocean freight takes 3-7 extra days for consolidation and de-consolidation at ports, but the cost savings far outweigh the short wait.
Q2: How do I know if my goods will be safe with other cargo?
A: Safety is our top priority. We use professional warehouse staff who follow strict cargo segregation rules. Hazardous materials are never consolidated with standard goods. Additionally, we offer cargo insurance to cover you against any rare incidents of damage or loss during the consolidation process.
Q3: What is the minimum shipment size for LCL shipping?
A: Most freight forwarders accept LCL shipments from 1 CBM onwards. However, some routes may have a minimum charge equivalent to 2-3 CBM. Contact us for specific route requirements.
Q4: What types of goods can be consolidated?
A: Most goods can be shipped together, but some items may have special shipping requirements. Our team will review your products to ensure they can be safely shipped together. If your product contains electricity, magnetism, liquids, powders, etc., please be sure to specify this.
Q5: How long does consolidated freight shipping take?
A: Transit times vary by route:
China to North America: 25 to 35 days
China to Europe: 30 to 40 days
China to Australia: 18 to 25 days
China to Southeast Asia: 7 to 14 days
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