LCL vs FCL Calculator
Enter your shipment volume and the quotes you have received to compare LCL with full container options.
Results
Assumptions
Every total is calculated only from the rates and quotes you enter; nothing is a live market price, and the comparison is not a recommendation.
Each FCL quote is treated as one container. This calculator does not check whether your cargo physically fits; use container planning for that.
The break-even volume assumes LCL is charged on volume at your rate plus the LCL extra charges, and ignores LCL minimums and weight-based charging.
How the LCL vs FCL Calculator works
Enter your shipment's CBM and weight, an LCL rate (or a total quote) and the full container quotes you have received. The calculator works out the LCL total with W/M, totals each container option with its extra charges, and shows the cost per CBM of each. Where it is mathematically meaningful, it also shows the break-even volume at which a container becomes cheaper than LCL.
The cheapest option is labelled as the lowest estimated cost from the values entered; it is not a recommendation.
Formula
LCL total = max(CBM, tonnes) × rate (with minimums) + LCL charges FCL total = container quote + FCL charges Cost per CBM = option total ÷ shipment CBM Break-even CBM = volume where the LCL total equals the FCL total
Worked example
14 CBM, 3,000 kg LCL: 14 RT × 55 = 770 + charges 450 = 1,220 20ft FCL: quote 1,050 + charges 300 = 1,350 Break-even: (1,350 − 450) ÷ 55 = 16.4 CBM
At 14 CBM, LCL is the lowest estimated cost; above about 16.4 CBM, the 20ft quote would cost less.
When to use it
- Deciding whether to consolidate or book a whole container.
- Comparing quotes from different forwarders on the same basis.
- Seeing how much more cargo you could ship in a container for the same price.
Limitations
Results are estimates based on the values and rates entered. The calculator compares cost only; transit time, handling risk and free time also matter, as explained in LCL vs FCL. Each quote is treated as one container and the calculator does not check whether your cargo fits; check that with the Container Loading Calculator, or compare multi-container options in the Shipment Planner.
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Frequently asked questions
When is FCL cheaper than LCL?
When the LCL total for your volume and weight is higher than a container quote plus its charges. The break-even volume shown in the results tells you where that happens with your quotes.
Does the calculator recommend LCL or FCL?
No. It shows the lowest estimated cost from the values entered. Transit time, handling and risk also matter.
Does it check that my cargo fits in the container?
No. Each FCL quote is treated as one container. Use the Container Loading Calculator to check the fit.