FCL vs LCL Shipping Cost Calculator
Compare an entered LCL W/M quote with an entered FCL container quote, including minimum, origin, destination and other charges.
Compare the quote basis you actually received.LCL W/M is commonly based on the greater of cubic metres and metric tonnes, but quote rules, minimums and local charges vary. Enter the forwarder’s exact basis instead of treating this result as a universal tariff.
Normalize chargeable W/M.
Enter the comparable container charges.
W/M conventions, minimums, density rules and chargeable units vary by forwarder and lane; use the exact quote basis.
A lower quoted transport total does not capture schedule reliability, handling risk, free time, detention/demurrage or cargo-specific requirements.
FCL vs LCL is not a universal CBM threshold. The commercial crossover depends on lane-specific freight, minimums and local charges. This calculator compares the exact numbers in the quotes you receive.
Normalize both quotes
- Enter shipment CBM and gross weight.
- Enter the LCL rate per W/M plus its minimum and local charges.
- Enter the comparable FCL freight and local charges for the container option.
How OpenFileTools processes it
Source-backed inputs, explicit assumptions.
The browser calculates the entered LCL chargeable W/M as the greater of CBM and gross metric tonnes, applies the entered minimum, totals both quote structures and identifies the lower entered total.
Questions, answered.
Does the tool recommend FCL above a fixed CBM?
No. There is no trustworthy universal crossover. It compares the actual quotes and shipment measurements you enter.
Related guide
Read the related guide