LCL or FCL? When to choose which and what does it mean for your business?

When choosing a method of sea freight transportation – LCL (partial container load) or FCL (full container load) – it is important to evaluate not only the price, but also the entire logistics chain.

LCL (Less than Container Load) – when your cargo does not occupy an entire container and is transported together with shipments from other companies.

Useful when:

• Small shipments.
• Frequent supply of goods is important, and you apply the Just on time logistics model.
• You do not want to wait until you accumulate a full container.

Possible disadvantages:

• Longer delivery time (more loading points) increases from 3 to 7 days.
• Higher risk of damage (due to more frequent loading/reloading), (proper packaging of goods is important).
• Limited flexibility in terms of time.

FCL (Full Container Load) – when an entire container is rented to one shipper.

Useful when:

• You have a larger quantity of goods or use a Just in case logistics model.
• You are looking for faster delivery.
• Higher value goods or goods that are sensitive to reloading.

Potential disadvantages:

• Higher costs for smaller loads.
• Requires storage capabilities.

Which one should you choose for your business – LCL or FCL?

The choice depends on your shipment size, delivery frequency, seasonality and strategy. An efficient freight forwarding method can help you optimize delivery costs, reduce risks and ensure smoother supply chain operations.

• LCL: Choose when you are shipping smaller loads and want to avoid additional storage costs that may arise when bringing in larger quantities of cargo.
• FCL: Choose when you are shipping a large load or when the safety of goods and speed of delivery are of paramount importance.

Important

Congestion in major European ports – Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg. In case of disruptions, FCL shipments often have priority and are processed faster. LCL shipments that require additional operations (cargo collection and distribution) may face longer procedures.

Summary  

June 2025 saw persistent port congestion in Europe, with major hubs like Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg experiencing significant delays expected to last until at least August. Lithuania announced the expansion of its toll road network for commercial vehicles from July 2025, aiming for improved infrastructure funding and traffic management. Meanwhile, Klaipėda port in Lithuania reported robust cargo and container growth and investment in green hydrogen.

1. Europe Port Congestion to Extend Through Summer  

Congestion at Europe’s key container ports shows no sign of easing, with delays in Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg expected to persist until at least August 2025. As many as 11 ships were anchored off Rotterdam on a single day in early June, while Antwerp saw berth waiting times rise from 32 hours in week 13 to 44 hours by week 20—an increase of 37%. Hamburg also reported vessel queues, with average waiting times up to six days. The main drivers include strong demand, industrial action, and hinterland transport challenges. Carriers such as Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC have responded by rerouting services, extending transit times, and skipping congested ports.

Outlook:

With the peak shipping season approaching, these disruptions are likely to continue affecting schedules, costs, and inventory planning across Europe. 

2. Lithuania Expands Toll Road Network  

From July 1, 2025, Lithuania will expand its toll road network for commercial vehicles by an additional 1,151 km, bringing the total tolled network to 2,851 km. The policy targets only commercial cargo and passenger transport (M2, M3, N1, N2, and N3 vehicles), with private cars remaining exempt. The government expects to raise €3.5 million in the second half of 2025 and up to €77 million in 2026, addressing the poor technical condition of many roads—only 56.4% of main and 57.4% of regional roads currently meet quality standards.  

Outlook: 

This expansion will increase operational costs for logistics companies using Lithuanian roads and may shift traffic patterns, particularly for cross-Baltic transport flows.

3. Klaipėda Port Posts Record Cargo and Container Growth  

Klaipėda port reported a 17% year-on-year increase in total cargo handled and a 38% surge in container throughput (to 5.3 million tons or 582,300 TEU) in the first half of 2025. Ro-ro cargo also rose by 6%. This contrasts with neighboring Baltic ports, where Riga and Liepaja saw cargo declines of 7%, while Ventspils grew by 15%.

Outlook: 

Klaipėda’s performance strengthens its role as a regional logistics hub, particularly as supply chain disruptions continue elsewhere in Europe.

4. Start of construction of the Hydrogen Station

The port of Klaipėda is confidently moving towards the goal of becoming the first in Lithuania and the Baltic States to produce and supply green hydrogen to ships, various equipment used in the port and private transport. The tender announced by the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority is already being completed, a contract will be signed with the winner soon, so construction work is planned to begin this summer. The hydrogen production facility will be installed in a standard 40-foot sea container. The station is intended to produce 127 tons of hydrogen per year. In preparation for its production, the possibilities of using these fuels are also being planned.

Outlook:

These steps mark an important breakthrough in the field of sustainable energy, and the port of Klaipėda is becoming a significant center of green technologies both in Lithuania and in the entire Baltic region.

Conclusion  

June 2025 underscored the complexity and volatility of the European logistics environment. Persistent port congestion, regulatory changes in road freight, and shifting Baltic port dynamics mean that adaptability and proactive planning remain essential for logistics operators and supply chain managers.

The received certificates confirm that the quality and environmental protection management systems implemented in our company meet the latest requirements of international standards.

Our commitment to the very best in services—shipping agency, container freight, 3PL logistics, and transportation of cargo—guarantees that our clients receive a professional and high-quality service. ISO 9001 certification proves that we are maintaining the very highest standards in the services that we provide.

Our commitment to ensuring that environmentally sustainable practices revolve all our logistics is formally recognized by our certification in ISO 14001.

We have been operating in the logistics sector since 2008, so the desire to maintain a high level of service quality encourages the company to improve and grow. ISO certificates confirm that the organization of the company’s activities is carried out: professionally, transparently, ethically, and most importantly – with high quality.

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You’re not alone. Many businesses do it without questioning — but the truth is, you could be overspending by hundreds of euros per shipment.

Let’s break it down. The majority of logistics costs don’t come from storing or distributing your goods. They come from one simple thing: moving containers away from the port. 

One Change = Big Savings 

Here’s what it costs to handle one 20-foot container (20 pallets):

– Stored in Klaipėda: €1,136 + VAT
– Stored in Kaunas: €1,484 + VAT
– Stored in Vilnius: €1,590 + VAT

💡 That’s up to €454 saved just by keeping your goods where they arrive. 

Why Are You Paying More? 

– Transport from the port inland costs significantly more
– Storage & distribution prices are nearly identical everywhere

So why not keep it simple — and cost-effective? 

Make Smarter, Leaner, Greener Moves 

• Slash transport costs
• Eliminate unnecessary kilometers
• Speed up distribution
• Increase flexibility
• Reduce your carbon footprint 

This Isn’t Just Cost Cutting — It’s Smart Logistics 

In today’s economy, efficiency is everything. And for SMBs, optimizing logistics can make the difference between getting by and getting ahead. 

Let’s Save You Money 

Our team specializes in helping businesses just like yours lower logistics costs with simple, effective strategies.

📞 Let’s talk. We’ll show you how much you could be saving — starting today.

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