LCL Shipping
Consolidated Cargo CR
Your cargo shares a container with other shipments and you pay only for the space you use. The most cost-effective solution for volumes under 15 CBM, with weekly sailings from any origin.
What is LCL and when should you use it?
LCL (Less than Container Load) is the consolidated cargo service: your goods are grouped with those of other importers or exporters in the same container. Each company pays only for the space (CBM) and weight its cargo occupies — no need to cover the full container cost.
It's the ideal option for companies that import or export regularly but in volumes that don't fill a full container — typically less than 15 CBM. It's also excellent for testing new suppliers or products before committing to FCL.
LCL vs. FCL — which should you choose?
- Use LCL if: your cargo is under 15 CBM, you want to minimize capital tied up in inventory, or you need frequent shipments of small volumes.
- Use FCL if: your cargo exceeds 15–20 CBM, the goods are sensitive to handling, or you need exact transit times without consolidation dependencies.
How does the LCL process work?
- 1. Booking: We secure space in the weekly consolidation from the origin port.
- 2. Origin delivery: The supplier delivers the goods to the consolidator's warehouse (CFS — Container Freight Station) at origin.
- 3. Consolidation: Your cargo is grouped with others inside a container, properly stowed and secured.
- 4. Ocean transit: The container sails to the destination port (Caldera or Limón, Costa Rica).
- 5. Deconsolidation: On arrival, each shipment is separated at the destination CFS.
- 6. Customs clearance: We coordinate clearance with a licensed broker in CR.
- 7. Final delivery: Door-to-door transport to your warehouse.
Available consolidated LCL routes
- China / Asia → Costa Rica: Weekly sailings from Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou. Transit: 35–45 days.
- USA → Costa Rica: Consolidations from Miami, Houston, Los Angeles. Transit: 10–18 days.
- Europe → Costa Rica: From Hamburg, Rotterdam, Barcelona. Transit: 22–32 days.
- South America → Costa Rica: From Buenaventura, Callao, Santos. Transit: 12–20 days.
Required documents for LCL
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List with dimensions and weights per package
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Sea Waybill
- Certificate of Origin (if applicable for FTA tariff preferences)
- Special permits depending on cargo type (SENASA, MEIC, etc.)
Our edge in LCL
Weekly consolidations with the best transit times and full transparency on every cost.
Real CBM-based rate
We quote based on the greater of actual or volumetric weight — no surprises or hidden charges when the cargo arrives.
Weekly sailings
Guaranteed weekly consolidations from major ports in Asia, Europe and North America.
Real-time tracking
Track your cargo from the moment it leaves the supplier's warehouse until it reaches yours, with proactive updates.
Full customs handling
We coordinate clearance at Caldera, Limón and the airport with certified customs brokerages. Smooth process every time.
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Get your LCL cargo quote
Tell us origin, destination and approximate dimensions — we'll get back to you with a rate in under 24 hours.