Shipping containers have become a popular and efficient way of transporting your belongings overseas. There are three main options for moving your belongings overseas with shipping containers: Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL), and Groupage.
Full Container Loads (FCL)
Full Container Load (FCL) shipping is a popular option for people moving overseas who are shipping all of their household belongings overseas. It involves using a shipping container that is exclusively dedicated to your cargo, and it’s one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways of transporting goods internationally.
One of the main benefits of FCL shipping is that it offers maximum security for your cargo. As the entire container is dedicated to your goods, you can be sure that your items will be protected from damage during transit. With FCL shipping, your goods are loaded and shipped together, which means less handling and less chance of damage.
Another advantage of FCL shipping is that it is cost-effective. When you ship an entire container, you have the option of choosing from a range of container sizes, from 20 feet to 40 feet. This means you can choose the size that best suits your needs and budget.
Shared Container (Groupage)
On the other hand, Share Container (Groupage) shipping is a shipping option for those moving overseas with just some of their belongings, or those who had a smaller house to move.
Instead of renting an entire container, Groupage allows multiple shippers to share the space in a single container, resulting in a more cost-effective solution for smaller shipments. One of the main benefits of Groupage shipping is that it is more cost-effective for smaller shipments. By sharing the space in a container with other shippers, the cost of renting the container is spread out among multiple parties.
However, Groupage shipping does have some drawbacks. It can take longer for your goods to reach their destination as they have to be consolidated with other shippers and then deconsolidated at the destination.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
If you are thinking about shipping your belongings overseas but do not have enough to completely fill a container, you could ship using an LCL option. Shipping Less than a Container load means you will likely pay less than you would for a Full Container Load due to the difference in weight, however you will pay more than you would for Groupage.
Keep in mind that shipping Groupage can take longer for your goods to reach their destination as they have to be consolidated with other shippers and then deconsolidated at the destination. Shipping LCL may allow you to receive your goods faster than you would using Groupage, which may justify the additional cost LCL poses over Groupage.
If you’re moving to NZ from Australia with shipping container then consulting with an international shipping expert can help you evaluate the options and determine which one is best suited for your specific needs.
Get in Touch With an International Removalist
When considering international shipping options, it is important to consult with an expert in the field. An international removalist or shipping company can help you evaluate the different options available and determine which one is best suited for your specific needs.
They can help you weigh the pros and cons of shipping via full container load (FCL), Less Than Container Load (LCL) or shared container (Groupage) and explain the specific details of each option, such as cost, transit time, and risk of damage or loss of goods. international removalists can also help you navigate the complex regulations and paperwork involved in international shipping.
By working with an expert, you can ensure that your goods are shipped in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
