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Less than container load (LCL) is a cost-effective and reliable way to transport small quantities of goods. Our services for LCL will provide cost reductions, while offering you the flexibility, cost-efficiency and reliability you need. Our tailor-made solutions guarantee a smooth and stress-free process.
No matter what quantities of goods you are transporting, our LCL service allows you to scale your business flexibly. As your global partner, we offer a comprehensive range of services for your LCL shipment: from pickup and ocean transportation to delivery – all without the need for third-party providers.
Take advantage of our reliable transit times and punctual delivery worldwide. Thanks to optimized processes and reliable timetables, we guarantee a smooth delivery for your LCL shipment.
We offer a comprehensive service without dependencies on third-party providers. You benefit from our high standards, transparent communication and consistent quality – including control over the entire supply chain.
Experience complete cost transparency with no hidden fees. Our web portal allows you to keep an eye on your LCL shipments at all times and track them in real time.
With us, you get customized solutions that are precisely tailored to your needs.
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Our LCL consolidation service between the European gateway in Hilden, Germany, and Asia now offers a lower-emission consolidation box by using shipping space with alternative fuels and in combination with electrified vehicles inland. Rhenus offers special rates and support for every sustainable journey.
Get in touch with our experts for comprehensive advice.
LCL stands for "Less than Container Load" and describes sea freight shipments that do not completely fill the container. Several shipments from different customers are combined into one consolidation, which enables cost advantages. This allows shippers with smaller volumes of freight to take advantage of container shipments without having to fill an entire container.
In contrast to LCL, FCL stands for "Full Container Load", when a shipper has enough freight to fill an entire container and use it exclusively. The shipper rents the entire space in the container for its own goods, which means exclusive use of the container regardless of the cargo space used.
Yes, even during the peak season we always offer the required freight space at competitive prices, because the Rhenus Group maintains close relationships with shipping companies. Fixed timetables and punctual groupage cargo departures from European and Asian ports guarantee you additional planning security.
There is no size limit for general cargo as long as it fits into a standard container. Nevertheless, FCL may prove to be a cheaper option if the shipment exceeds a certain freight volume. Also, not all goods can be shipped via LCL, e.g. perishable goods, live animals and plants, valuables (jewelry and raw materials such as gold or platinum) as well as personal items, foreign exchange and securities, tobacco and cigarettes, vehicles, weapons, ammunition and specific cases of dangerous goods. If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further clarification.
All shipments from the European gateway in Hilden are already offset in an environmentally friendly way. Our certified partners check the data collected and select an appropriate offsetting project. The climate neutrality certificate is then issued.
The state-of-the-art gateway offers 13,000 square meters of storage space and 20 docks for container and truck handling. It is fully covered by video surveillance and has geo-tracking capabilities. This allows us to offer you over 60 direct and indirect services to 27 EU countries and ensure full transparency. Our aim is to meet your requirements as efficiently as possible.