LCL (Less Than Container Load)

A freight shipping term referring to a shipment that does not fill an entire standard shipping container and is therefore consolidated with cargo from other shippers into a shared container. LCL shipping is commonly used for international exhibit freight where the volume of materials does not justify the cost of a full container. LCL shipments are subject to additional handling at consolidation and deconsolidation points and require careful packaging to protect materials during shared transport.