You Don’t Need a Full Container to Start Importing
When starting to import, you may hear yourself: “I cannot even come off until I fill up an entire container!”
Here is the good news: you do not need to jump big. You can easily ship, starting with small quantities, even when ordering a few boxes to get your feet wet with a new product, or you can ship to Türkiye and get the process started.
And that is where the FCL and LCL option comes in.
What do we mean by FCL (Full Container Load)?
FCL implies that you reserve the whole shipping container, although you may not fill it 100%. It’s a great option if:
- You have large quantities.
- You have a desire to have complete control over loading/unloading.
- You want to be able to work without being as slow and not risk being damaged.
Example: You are importing 5000 units of home goods; FCL is good in this case.
What do we mean by (Less than Container Load)?
LCL implies that you share a container with other importers. You are only paying for the amount of volume that your goods occupy. Perfect if:
- You have a small batch of product you are testing.
- You do not want to make big orders.
- You would prefer reduced shipping expenses on light/low-volume orders.
Example: It is your first time, and you have to order 15 cartons of bags; LCL would be the ideal choice.
Key Differences Between FCL and LCL
| Feature | FCL | LCL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher total, lower per unit | Lower total, slightly higher per unit |
| Speed | Faster transit, fewer stops | Slower due to consolidation |
| Safety | Less risk of damage | More handling = more risk |
| Control | You manage loading/unloading | Shared process |
| Ideal For | High volume | Small quantity or new importers |
Is It Possible to ship a Small amount of Türkiye? Yes, You Can!
Quantity is not the thing to keep you. With LCL services offered by Okcun, you can ship a couple of boxes or pallets with goods out of Turkey to the destination, and then easily, without having to fill a container!
- Ideal for small businesses.
- Perfect for market testing.
- Low-cost shipping without stocking.
When Should You Use FCL vs LCL?
Choose FCL if:
- The shipment you have occupies a large portion of the container (more than 15 CBM).
- You need a quick transit.
- You do not wish to have common ground.
Choose LCL if:
- Your shipment is small (less than 15 CBM).
- It is a new product line.
- You would prefer to have an affordable method of shipping without obligation.
Why Choose Okçun for Your Logistics?
At Okçun, we know that not all importers need the same things–and we simplify shipping on all levels.
- FCL & LCL shipping from Türkiye
- Door-to-door solutions
- Customs clearance support
- Special help to small importers
- Flexible rates, even for small loads
You can be a first-time customer or a developing company – we are here to help you ship all your goods without any trouble.
Final Tips for Smart Shipping
- Get both FCL and LCL quotes, compare, and then you are committed.
- Have a logistics partner that knows the needs of the small business ( Hello, we do!)
- Waiting until you have enough stock is not a good idea; ship what you have and scale later.
Conclusion
Shipping does not need to be a hard or costly venture – and you do not need a warehouse full of inventory to start with it. You can ship what you require when you require it with Okçun. FCL or LCL– we got you.