The abbreviation LCL stands for Less-Than-Container-Load and refers to container half loads. Individual cargoes from different shippers are shipped in a combined container, which is a unique aspect of LCL transport. This applies to circumstances in which the cargo has modest volumes or dimensions that do not require the complete volume of a container. Shippers can choose LCL, which combines their shipment with other smaller cargoes. For example, a consolidated container is one in which numerous smaller goods are merged to be shipped in the same container.

LCL transports primarily provide shippers with economic advantages as well as certain advantages in practical handling and stowage. Only proportional transport costs for general cargo are incurred for the respective utilization of the container volume. For LCL shipment, stowage on a wooden pallet or packing in wooden crates is frequently sufficient. The biggest downside is the amount of time needed. Handling takes more time, and LCL transports typically take longer than Full-Container-Load (FCL) transports because more intermediate stations must be called at. Therefore although LCL transports are less expensive than full-container-load (FCL) shipping, they are however more ineffective for time-critical and quick transports.