LCL Shipping Questions Answered

LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping lets you move cargo that doesn't fill an entire container. TENCO consolidates your goods with other shipments at a Container Freight Station (CFS) in China, then ships them together in a shared container — reducing cost compared to booking a full container (FCL).

LCL rates are typically calculated per cubic meter (CBM) or per metric ton (W/M — weight or measurement, whichever is greater). TENCO provides all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees.

Choose LCL when your shipment is roughly under 15 CBM or when you ship from multiple suppliers and want to share container costs. Choose FCL when your volume consistently fills most or all of a container. TENCO offers both services and can recommend the best option based on your volume, frequency, and destination.

TENCO specializes in China LCL management by collecting cargo from different suppliers, arranging professional warehouse handling, and combining shipments into efficient sea freight solutions.

Our team manages cargo receiving, documentation checks, consolidation planning, and shipment coordination to help importers simplify their China sourcing logistics.TENCO helps importers simplify their China sourcing logistics.TENCO provides professional China LCL consolidation solutions.

Yes. TENCO manages the complete logistics chain from supplier pickup in China through final delivery at destination with unified tracking throughout.

TENCO provides LCL consolidation services from Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Tianjin — covering China's primary export manufacturing hubs and busiest seaports.

Typical transit time from China to US West Coast ports is 18–25 days port-to-port, plus 3–7 days for customs clearance and inland delivery. Total door-to-door time is usually 25–35 days.

Standard export documentation includes commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, export customs declaration, and certificate of origin (if applicable). TENCO's team prepares and verifies all documentation.

Yes. While China remains our core market, TENCO also arranges LCL shipments between other countries through our worldwide partner network. Share your origin, destination, and cargo details for a competitive quote.

Canada-bound ocean LCL requires accurate commercial and shipping documentation. ACI and eManifest data must be submitted correctly before arrival. CBSA import clearance is the responsibility of the importer and/or a licensed Canadian customs broker. TENCO coordinates the shipping information required for the movement and can arrange destination clearance support through licensed partners — we are not a licensed Canadian customs broker.

Import duties are based on the product’s HS code and the destination country’s tariff rules. Duty rates vary by country, and a valid Certificate of Origin/Form E may qualify the goods for reduced or zero duty under applicable trade agreements.

Typical port-to-port transit is approximately 20–30 days to Vancouver or Prince Rupert. Inland rail or truck delivery to Toronto or Montreal adds approximately 5–10 days after CFS deconsolidation and customs release.

Yes. You can use your own customs broker, trucking company, or other service providers. TENCO can handle the parts you need, such as pickup in China, consolidation, export customs clearance, and LCL ocean freight. We’ll coordinate with your nominated partners to keep the shipment moving smoothly.