LCL vs FCL: The Real Math for Your First Appliance Order
Should your first order be a full 40'HQ or a partial (LCL) load? The honest answer depends on numbers most guides never show. Here they are.
The unit-cost curve
Ocean freight prices per container, so per-unit cost falls with quantity. Lagos example: a 40'HQ costs ~$3,500; carrying 165 twin tubs, that is ~$21 per unit. An LCL shipment of 60 washers (about 12m³) might cost $1,600–2,200 — $27–37 per unit. The full container is 20–45% cheaper per unit on freight alone.
But compare risk-adjusted, not unit cost
The LCL's real price is insurance: you spend ~$800 extra per unit-cost to test your market with $4,000 instead of $12,000. If your sell-through proves weak, the LCL was the cheapest tuition available. If it proves strong, your FCL follows with data behind it.
LCL's hidden frictions
- Consolidation delays: LCL cargo waits for grouped shipments, add 1–2 weeks.
- Destination handling: de-consolidation fees at destination run $30–60 per m³ — quote them before comparing.
- Damage exposure: shared containers get handled more. Grade B washers survive it; Grade A cosmetics may not.
Our rule of thumb
Budget under $5,000 total? LCL trial. Budget $8,000–15,000? Full mixed container, Grade B-heavy, tested lines, the standard first container. Above $20,000 with proven sales? Talk to us about split FCL programs with a co-buyer in your market.