Sea freight explained

Sea freight options: LCL vs Groupage

Most people moving internationally do not need a full shipping container to themselves. International moving companies use shared-container sea freight so you only pay for the space your belongings actually use — and two shared-container approaches do that in very different ways.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

LCL is a shared-container service widely used in commercial freight. Your household goods are crated and shipped alongside other shippers' cargo — often commercial goods — and the shipment is usually managed by third-party freight forwarders who consolidate and deconsolidate the container at each port.

LCL can work well when a fast, regular departure is the priority, because commercial consolidation lanes sail on a fixed schedule. The trade-off is more handling steps, mixed cargo in the same container, and extra port and handling fees that can add up at both ends.

Groupage

Groupage is a shared-container service created by international moving companies specifically for household goods. Your belongings are loaded into the same container as other families' moves heading to the same country or region, and your mover controls the container and works within a trusted partner network.

Because the container holds only household effects, groupage is often the most cost-effective option for small and medium moves. It also reduces risk by avoiding industrial cargo and unnecessary handling. The one trade-off is timing: the container only leaves once enough volume has been collected, so the exact departure can take a little longer.

How they compare	LCL	Groupage
Cargo type	Your crated household goods travel alongside other shippers' cargo, which can include commercial freight.	Only household moves from other families going to the same country or region.
Who controls the process	Third-party freight forwarders consolidate and deconsolidate the container at the ports.	Your moving company controls the container end-to-end within a trusted partner network.
Cost & timing	Pay-per-cubic-metre pricing on a regular, faster departure schedule, plus separate port and handling fees.	Often the lowest cost for small and medium moves, but the container leaves only once enough volume is collected.
Handling & risk	More handling steps and mixed cargo mean a higher chance of extra charges and exposure to industrial freight.	Fewer handling steps and no industrial cargo reduce the risk of damage and surprise fees.
Best for	When a fast, fixed departure date matters most.	When budget and the safety of personal belongings come first and you can be flexible on the exact arrival date.

Which option is right for me?

LCL is best when speed and a fixed departure schedule matter most — for example, if you need your belongings on a known sailing date. Groupage is usually best when budget and the safety of your personal belongings are the top priorities and you can be flexible on the exact arrival date. Your matched moving companies will recommend the right approach based on your volume, route and timeline.

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