Get your international freight faster with ArcBest’s network 

When it comes to LCL shipping, every day matters. Whether you're moving seasonal inventory, high-demand products or just trying to meet tight customer deadlines, transit time can make or break your supply chain. At ArcBest, we’ve streamlined the LCL process to help you move goods more efficiently — without compromising on reliability. 

How LCL transit works 

LCL shipping is ideal when your load doesn’t require a full 20-foot container. Instead of paying for an entire container, businesses share space with other shippers, much like domestic LTL shipping. This makes LCL a more cost-effective option. However, it can result in longer transit times compared to FCL shipments.

The process begins with consolidation at a Bonded Container Freight Station (CFS) at the country of origin. Here, goods from various shippers are gathered, inspected and loaded into a container. Once the container is full, it’s transported to the port and loaded onto an ocean vessel. During its journey, the container follows a set route, often stopping at multiple ports. Upon reaching the destination port, the container is unloaded and taken to a CFS, where the contents are deconsolidated back into individual shipments. Each shipment is then dispatched to its final destination.

What your LCL timeline will look like 

For LCL shipments, most of the shipping time takes place on the ocean and is fixed. However, deconsolidation time at the destination port and the LTL transportation of the shipment from the CFS to the final delivery location may vary depending on the Freight Forwarder, the Container Freight Station and LTL carrier utilized. This is where ArcBest has a competitive advantage over most of the traditional freight forwarders. 

For example, an average LCL load from the port of Shanghai, China, to Chicago, Illinois under normal circumstances can take 23-25 days: 

14 days (estimated maritime transportation time) + 5-7 days (deconsolidation period at destination port in CA) + 4 days (road transportation time) = 23-25 days from the port of loading to the destination in the U.S.  

With ArcBest, we do our own sorting at the destination ports. This means the deconsolidation and freight pick up period can be cut to about 2-3 days. The freight can then be placed directly onto our expansive LTL network and get on the road directly to the customer’s door in less time — while also avoiding additional handling. This can save 5-10 days of total transit time and reduce the risk of damages due to extra handling.  

Benefits of shipping international with ArcBest

Choosing the right shipping partner can make LCL an easy option. With door-to-door delivery options and streamlined paperwork, ArcBest simplifies the process for you. When shipping international ocean freight with ArcBest, you gain benefits such as: 

  • Multiple fixed and weekly sailings 
  • Reduced handling 
  • Streamlined pricing and invoicing 
  • Online tracking capabilities  
  • Option to bill US duties to credit  
  • Customs house brokerage services 
  • Door-to-door and port-to-door service options 

Gain a competitive edge today

International shipping can be complex, but with ArcBest, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re shipping LCL or FCL, our expertise and extensive network help you cut through the chaos. We’ll help you streamline your international ocean shipments, saving valuable time and ensuring your cargo arrives on schedule. 

Ready to ship smarter? Choose ArcBest and gain a competitive edge with faster processing times, reliable service, and the confidence that your loads will be delivered as promised.