Full Container vs Shared Container for SPC Flooring Which Saves More Money 2024
When importing SPC flooring from China, one of the first logistics decisions is whether to ship a full container FCL or share a container LCL with other buyers. Each option has cost and time tradeoffs.
Full Container Load FCL
FCL means you book an entire container for your flooring only. Standard sizes are 20ft and 40ft containers.
A 20ft container holds 1,900 to 2,900 square meters of SPC flooring depending on thickness. 4mm planks fit about 2,900m2. 5mm fits about 2,300m2. 6mm fits about 1,900m2. A 40ft container holds roughly 2.2 times these amounts.
FCL advantages: Lower cost per square meter, faster transit because the container moves directly to the vessel, lower risk of damage from other cargo, your container is sealed and tamper proof, you control the schedule.
FCL disadvantages: You need enough inventory to fill the container. MOQ from factories is typically one 20ft container.
Less Than Container Load LCL
LCL means your flooring shares a container with other shipments. Your goods are packed into the container at the port warehouse along with other cargo from different suppliers.
LCL advantages: You can order smaller quantities, good for first trial orders or new market testing, lower total upfront cost.
LCL disadvantages: Higher cost per cubic meter than FCL normally 30 to 50 percent more. Longer transit time because the container waits at the port until it is full. Higher risk of damage because other cargo can shift during transit. More handling because goods are loaded and unloaded at the consolidation warehouse. Delays at destination because LCL containers have lower priority at discharge ports.
Which One Should You Choose
Choose FCL if your order is one container or more, you want the lowest shipping cost per square meter, you need faster delivery, you want to reduce damage risk. Choose LCL only if your order is smaller than half a container and you have time to wait. First time importers often start with a trial order via LCL. After confirming the product quality, they switch to FCL for better pricing.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
LCL has fees that FCL does not: consolidation fee at origin port, deconsolidation fee at destination port, CFS container freight station charges for handling, longer free time at destination port may be shorter. Always ask your freight forwarder for a full breakdown before choosing LCL.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER accepts both FCL and LCL orders. MOQ for LCL is 100 square meters per color. Contact us for shipping options and freight quotes.
