LCL vs FCL for Timber Imports: Total Cost Comparison

May 17, 2026·7 min readshippingguide

Every new timber importer faces the same question: should I start with an LCL shipment to test the product, or commit to a full container from the outset? The answer depends on volume, risk tolerance, and the specific product. This guide gives you the numbers.

What LCL and FCL mean

FCL (Full Container Load): You book an entire container — 20ft or 40ft — which is loaded exclusively with your cargo. The container is sealed at the origin warehouse and opened only at destination.

LCL (Less than Container Load): Your cargo shares a container with other importers' shipments. The container is loaded and unloaded at a Container Freight Station (CFS) at both ends.

Cost comparison: the real numbers

For a 10m³ plywood order (approximately 240 sheets of 18mm B/B, 1220×2440mm):

Cost component	LCL	FCL (20ft)
Ocean freight (Paranaguá → Rotterdam)	~$450–600	~$1,200–1,600
Origin CFS handling	$150–250	Included
Destination CFS / devan	$200–350	Included
Port surcharges (BAF, CAF etc.)	~$100	~$100
Customs brokerage	$150–300	$150–300
Total freight cost (10m³)	~$1,050–1,600	~$1,650–2,100
Cost per m³	~$105–160/m³	~$46–65/m³ (at 25m³ fill)

At 10m³, LCL is cheaper in absolute terms. At 20–25m³+, FCL is substantially cheaper per m³. The breakeven point is typically around 15–18m³ depending on the route.

Beyond freight: the hidden costs of LCL

LCL has costs beyond freight that are often missed by first-time importers:

Transit time: LCL shipments typically add 5–10 days to transit due to CFS consolidation and deconsolidation
Damage risk: Cargo handled at CFS is more exposed to transit damage than sealed FCL
Documentation complexity: Multiple Bills of Lading, house B/L vs master B/L
Product mixing constraints: Timber products with phytosanitary requirements may face restrictions in LCL consolidation depending on the consolidator

When LCL makes sense for timber

LCL is the better choice when:

Your order is below 10m³ and FCL economics don't work
You are importing samples or a product trial before a full container commitment
Your cash flow doesn't support a full FCL payment upfront
You need delivery to a port where FCL services are infrequent

When FCL is the right choice

FCL is the better choice when:

Your order volume is 15m³ or above
You need faster, more reliable delivery
You are importing products sensitive to handling damage
You are establishing a regular supply relationship

Export Brazil Pine's standard MOQ is 1 FCL (20ft or 40ft depending on product). We do not offer LCL as a standard service. For buyers testing product for the first time, we offer sample packs via courier before any container commitment.

20ft vs 40ft FCL

Container	Internal volume	Typical timber load	Best for
20ft	~28m³ usable	18–22m³ timber	Single product, dense grades
40ft HC	~68m³ usable	40–55m³ timber	Mixed grades or products