Exploring Shipping Options: LCL, RoRo, and Sea Containers for Efficient Cargo Transportation

Choosing the right shipping method is vital for ensuring your cargo arrives on time and within budget. At NMT Shipping, we understand the complexities of global trade and offer tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. Let’s explore three key shipping options: Loose Container Load (LCL), Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo), and Sea Containers.

Loose Container Load (LCL)

Commonly called LCL, this way of cargo shipping is utilised when there is not enough weight or volume to fill a full container. The goods of several shippers are consolidated into one container from the same load port to destination port.

LCL is ideal when your shipment doesn’t fill a full container. This method consolidates goods from multiple shippers into one container, offering flexibility in routing and scheduling.

Benefits:

• Available at most major ports globally.
• Offers flexibility with inland trucking or barge services.
• Can be loaded in 20ft or 40ft containers based on volume.

Considerations:

• There is a higher risk for damages, theft, or loss since the container is shared with other shipments and is handled more throughout the consolidation and deconsolidation process. There is no difference in how LCL and FCL (Full Container Load, which was discussed in our January newsletter) shipments are cleared with customs and quarantine but be mindful that if a single consignment gets flagged for examination all charges will be spread across the container’s consignments and this is a costly and timelier process depending on the treatment required. LCL does take longer than FCL as additional days are required at destination for full container collection, deconsolidation and cargo being made available for collection.

Costs:

• Generally speaking, LCL shipments are ideal for volume up to 8-10cbm, this is when we would start looking into cost comparisons between LCL and FCL to see which one is more beneficial. Beware of Local charges as the freight rates may appear cheap but when the shipment arrives there are also destination charges to be paid. Always remember to obtain a full quotation. LCL costs are calculated by either per cubic meter (CBM) or tonne/1000kg whichever is greater. The more space you need, the more you will pay. Example of this: 1CBM or 1800kg – chargeable will be based on the weight being higher therefore being charged at 1.8CBM. 2.8CBM or 1300kg – chargeable will be based on CBM

Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo)

RoRo shipping is perfect for transporting oversized and wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, or industrial vehicles.

Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo): Commonly called RoRo, this way of cargo shipping comes from the shipping expression “roll-on/roll-off,” which describes a vessel transporting wheeled cargo, may it be it cars, trucks, motorbikes, buses, trailers or even industrial vehicles. RoRo ships typically come with ramps or slips that allow workers to drive wheeled cargo on and off them.

Benefits:

• Less Risk of Damage: RoRo shipping is generally considered safer for cargo than other methods of transportation.
• Improved Loading/Unloading Times: RoRo vessels are designed to accommodate fast loading and unloading as vehicles can be directly driven on to the ship at the port of loading and then drive off at the port of destination.

Considerations:

• There can be limitations as to where a RoRo ship can sail or berth, this can depend on the specific characteristics of the ship and the cargo it is carrying. For example, some RoRo ships are too large or too deep-draft to enter certain ports or navigate certain waterways, while others are restricted by environmental rules and regulations. These types of vessels are generally fewer in number than container carriers so their services are less frequent. Additionally inner cargo is not allowed.

Costs:

Shipping via RoRo usually has the advantage of being more cost-effective than disassembling, packing, shipping, unpacking, and re-assembling oversize or overweight cargo.

Sea Containers

For those facing frustrations with RoRo shipping, alternative sea freight options like LoLo, Flat Racks, and Containers are available. Sea Containers, particularly 40’ hard top or open top, are commonly used for shipping various types of cargo.

Sea Containers are a common type of equipment held in all ports by container shipping lines. Depending on requirements, typically a 40′ hard top or open top container could be utilized.

Benefits:

• Cargo is securely lashed and sealed, reducing risks of theft and damage.
• Frequent shipping services with potentially shorter transit times.

Considerations:

• Many medium-sized construction and earthmoving machinery must be dismantled to fit in a container. Payload and trailer weight restrictions of the container may limit where the container can be packed. As many of these machines are not designed to be slid through the doors of a container, damage to the underside of the machine and container floor can occur depending on the expertise of the packer and unpacker. Additionally, many container shipping services are transshipment and there are no guarantees of the carrier honoring the original schedule provided.

Costs:

• The cost of ocean freight between ports is typically the lowest available when compared to RoRo, Flat Racks, and LoLo. However, supplementary costs for dismantling and assembly may erode the overall price differences.

Choosing the right shipping method depends on various factors, including cargo type, budget, and time constraints. At Custom Brokers, we provide expert advice to help you navigate these options and select the best solution for your shipping needs. For more information, visit Custom Brokers.