Your Complete Guide to Navigating Less than Container Load Shipping to Visayas and Mindanao
Shipping to Visayas and Mindanao but don’t have enough products to fill up an entire container? Less than container load or LCL shipping is the answer. This type of container shipping allows you to share a container with other suppliers and split the cargo costs. Many shipping companies offer this feature as a cost-saving and convenient way to transport goods to major portlinks.
If you are new to shipping items to different locations around the Philippines, you must know the benefits, some practical ways to maximize your shipment, and how to book an LCL shipping line.
Essential Tips for Less than Container Load Shipping to Visayas and Mindanao
What is Less than Container Load Shipping?
Less-than-Container Load or LCL shipping is a mode that enables a single supplier to ship without occupying a whole container. Freight forwarders allow you to pack your items in boxes, crates, or pallets, which will only take up a small portion of a container. This makes shipping small items and quantities possible without the struggle of filling a large space.
Difference Between LCL vs FCL Shipping
LCL shipping, as its name suggests, refers to small shipments that only take up a certain amount of space in a container. Your items will be consolidated with other small shipments to fill up the remaining space. Not only does this ease the burden of shipping costs, but it allows speedier deliveries for frequent shipping.
Full Container Load or FCL is the opposite. Your shipment is expected to take up the entire space inside a container, which means you will be paying the full price. It is ideal for single shippers with large quantities or bulk shipments in a single go. It does not require de-consolidation once it arrives at the destination.
LCL Shipping Advantages
- Cost-effective
Rather than paying full price for a 20 feet or 40 feet container, you are only required to pay for the space your items take up.
- Allows small quantities
Less than container load shipping lets you ship items ahead instead of waiting to fill a full container. Practical LCL shipments can reach from 1 up to 10 or 13 cubic meters.
- Flexible options
Freight forwarders in the Philippines encourage stackable cargo such as boxes and pallets, but non-stackable cargo is still accepted.
- Small and medium enterprise-friendly
Businesses that don’t have enough items to fill a container can avail of less than container load services to save on time and costs.
- Ideal for varying demands
Large corporations that experience seasonal fluctuations in demands can seamlessly switch from FCL to LCL shipping anytime.
LCL Shipping Disadvantages
- Slightly more complicated process
Deconsolidation is done for less than container load shipments. All items must match the correct documents and be sorted according to each supplier. In most cases, containers will be subject to customs inspection.
- Risk of damage
Due to the shared space, there is no guarantee that other items in the container will not cause damage to your products. Examples are leakages, corrosive goods, or items with strong odors.
- Potential delays
Loading and unloading consolidated cargo can possibly cause delays. FCL shipping, on the other hand, can directly be transported to the next hub or destination as it only contains one supplier’s worth of products.
How to Book LCL Shipping to Visayas and Mindanao
1.Choose a reliable LCL ocean freight forwarder.
Research transparent and reputable sea freight forwarders that accept less than container load shipping headed to Visayas or Mindanao. Compare shipping costs to know if it meets your budget requirements. Try to look up online reviews or testimonials for feedback from suppliers who already experienced the service.
2.Check available Visayas and Mindanao shipping routes and schedule.
Various shipping companies travel different routes, and you must identify which ones deliver to your desired destination. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc., offers shipping routes headed to Visayas and Mindanao.
Visayas Routes
- Manila – Cebu – Manila
View Trans-Asia’s Visayas cargo freighter shipping schedule on the website or Facebook Page .
Mindanao Routes
- Manila – Cagayan de Oro – Manila
- Manila – Davao – Manila
- Manila – Gensan – Manila
- Manila – Zamboanga – Manila
- Davao – Cagayan de Oro
- Gensan – Davao
- Gensan – Cagayan de Oro
- Zamboanga – Cagayan de Oro
View Trans-Asia’s Mindanao freighter cargo shipping schedule here.
3.Gather necessary information about your cargo.
Prepare all details early as it is recommended to book before loading cut-off time (LCT) when booking a freighter vessel. Agents of your chosen ocean freight forwarder will require the following details:
- Port of Origin
- Port of Destination
- Shipper Name and Contact Number
- Consignee Name and Contact Number
- Cargo quantity
- Cargo packaging / unit
- Cargo description
- Cargo volume
- Value to be declared
- Payment mode
4.Contact or visit the shipping office to book and pay.
Make a booking directly with the cargo shipping company. After payment, you will receive the Waybill and Official Receipt.
Booking with Trans-Asia Shipping Lines can be done in three ways:
- Visit the Trans-Asia office at the origin port
Clients are highly encouraged to visit a Trans-Asia office to book. Offices are open from 8am to 12nn and 1pm to 5:30 pm.
View the updated office addresses under our FAQs for Cargo Services here.
Send the following details to starsy@transasiashipping.ph so an agent can assist you:
-Type of Cargo
-Route
-Date
-Mobile Number
- Call
You can contact the following cargo in-charge during office hours using the numbers below:
-Cebu to Visayas or Mindanao cargo: 0918-635-8232 / 0909-308-7352 / 0919-310-0310
-Manila to Cebu cargo: 0917-869-6989 / 0915-291-1085 / 0945-317-6016 / 0966-778-9428
-Cebu to Manila / Cebu to Davao: 0939-370-6799 / 0927-904-3743 / 0965-985-4132
-(NEW) Manila to Mindanao cargo: (Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga): 0917-583-5631
5.Track your shipment.
Once your shipment is loaded, the shipping line will send you a confirmation. An arrival notice will be emailed once your freighter cargo reaches its destination.
Practical Shipping Tips for Less than Container Load
Invest in sturdy packaging
Since you will be sharing a space with other suppliers, you must ensure your packaging is sturdy enough to protect your items from potential bumps or damage during movement or transit. Pack them properly in cargo boxes or palletize your items if applicable.
Label packages clearly
Aside from shipping details, it is necessary to label fragile items and those with special instructions. LCL ocean freight undergoes a lot of handling so this shipping tip should be exercised.
Track your container
Sea cargo freight forwarders will usually send updates regarding loading and unloading of your shipment. You can also use the waybill to track your items.
By booking LCL, you are saving on high costs while enjoying flexible options for your items. It is an economical and convenient way for businesses and individuals to transport goods across different locations in the Philippines.
ALSO READ: Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Freight Forwarding Company in Cebu
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc., is dedicated to a smooth process of picking up, loading, and unloading your LCL shipping items. We transport your cargo from Manila to Visayas and Mindanao and vice versa. Contact us to avail of our freighter services today.
