How LCL Services Can Benefit Your SME

Not all companies have the time or ability to utilize FCL (Full Container Load) when shipping internationally and might want to consider LCL (Less than Container Load) as an alternative for their freight forwarding needs. The May issue of IBNewsmag features an article titled, “Not All LCL Ocean Freight is Treated Equally,”co-authored by Adam Hill, President and COO of Scarbrough Global, and Ginny Roady, the company’s newly hired Corporate Communications Specialist. The article discusses the advantages and variances of utilizing LCL for small and medium-sized businesses.

“There are two types of LCL services available, Standard LCL and Direct/Express Services. Most service providers worldwide provide a Standard LCL service, but only a select few in specific trade lanes offer a Direct/Express service.”

The article provides a clear demonstration of the two current LCL types by detailing the timeline and steps involved in shipping a product from Shanghai, China to Kansas City, MO.

“From the comparison of the two service offerings, it is evident that there is a significant difference in transit times and the number of individuals handling your cargo. The standard service increases the risk of damage as your cargo goes through the consolidation and deconsolidation process twice, while also having double the amount of people handling it. The Direct/Express service cuts out the intermediary, therefore, requiring less labor and less room for error. ”

To read more about why LCL and specifically Direct/Express Services are the better-suited choice for SMEs, and to access the full May edition, please visit IBNewsmag.

If your company is considering using an LCL service, contact our team! Scarbrough Global is here to assist you in navigating the process and identifying the optimal options to meet your specific needs.