Technical Guide

FCL vs. LCL: How to choose for your imports to Morocco?

Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL)? Save 15% to 20% on your sea freight by choosing the right mode. 2026 Technical Guide for Moroccan importers.

Equipe Casa Horizon

Transitaire agréé

January 19, 2026

Sommaire

Executive Summary

One of the first strategic decisions an importer must make, after finding their supplier, concerns the mode of sea transport. Two acronyms dominate the sector: FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load).

In 2026, with fluctuating freight rates and the optimization of groupage platforms at Tangier Med and the Port of Casablanca, choosing the wrong mode can erode your margin by 15% to 20%. This Casa Horizon technical guide helps you decide between full container and groupage to maximize your profitability.

🚢 Definitions: FCL and LCL Decoded

FCL (Full Container Load)

FCL means you rent the entire space of a container (20' or 40'). You are the sole master on board: the container is sealed at your supplier's factory and is only opened at destination (or by customs).

LCL (Less than Container Load) - Groupage

LCL consists of sharing container space with other importers. It is the equivalent of "carpooling" for goods. Your forwarder groups several small shipments to fill a full container.

🔒 FCL: The choice of security and speed

The full container is ideal for large volumes or fragile goods.

Speed: No "groupage" delay at departure, nor "deconsolidation" at arrival. The container goes directly from the ship to the truck.
Security: Less handling. Since your pallets are not moved to make room for others, the risk of breakage is reduced.
Fixed Cost: You pay a flat rate for the container, regardless of whether it is 50% or 100% full.

📦 LCL: The flexible option for small volumes

Groupage is the preferred solution for Moroccan SMEs and e-merchants in 2026.

Economy: You only pay for the space you actually occupy (measured in cubic meters or $CBM$).
Stock Management: Allows importing small quantities more often, thus optimizing your cash flow.
Delay: On the other hand, expect 5 to 7 days more than FCL for handling operations in the deconsolidation warehouse (MEAD).

⚖️ The Tipping Point: When to switch from LCL to FCL?

This is the question our clients ask most often. Financially, there is a "break-even point".

Golden Rule in 2026:
• Less than 13-15 CBM: LCL is generally more profitable.
• Over 15 CBM: It is often cheaper to rent a full 20' container (which has a capacity of 33 CBM), even if you leave it half empty. Why? Because local handling charges (THC) and deconsolidation fees in LCL are proportional to volume and end up costing more than the FCL flat rate.

📊 Comparison Table: FCL vs LCL

Criteria	FCL (Full)	LCL (Groupage)
Ideal Volume	> 15 $CBM$	1 to 14 $CBM$
Security	Maximum (sealed)	Average (handling)
Delay	Fast (Direct)	Longer (+5-7 days)
Local Cost	Flat Rate	Proportional to volume
Customs in Morocco	Clearance on truck/MEAD	Mandatory clearance in MEAD

🧮 Cost Calculation: The CBM

In sea freight, cost is calculated on volume, unless the goods are extremely dense.

The cubic meter formula ($CBM$):
$$CBM = Length(m) \times Width(m) \times Height(m)$$

Example: If you import 10 cartons of $0.5m \times 0.5m \times 0.5m$, your total volume is $1.25\ CBM$. You will pay the LCL rate based on this volume.

🇲🇦 Moroccan Specifics: MEAD and Deconsolidation

In Morocco, LCL must transit through a MEAD (Customs Clearance Store and Area). In 2026, hubs like the Tit Mellil dry port or Tanger Med logistics zones specialize in express deconsolidation.

FCL: Can be cleared directly at the port or transferred to MEAD under customs bond.
LCL: Must be "unstuffed" (emptied from the shared container) before each importer can retrieve their lot.

✅ Quick Takeaways: What to remember

Volume < 15 CBM

Choose LCL (Groupage) or to test a new product.

Volume > 15 CBM

FCL (Full) is more profitable, faster, and safer.

LCL Anticipation

Pack perfectly (wrapped pallets) to withstand multiple handlings.

Watch Costs

Watch out for "deconsolidation" fees in Morocco for LCL. Ask for a full quote.

💡 Conclusion

Choosing between FCL and LCL is a constant trade-off between cost, time, and security. In 2026, agility is key: many Moroccan importers use LCL for product launches and switch to FCL once demand is stable.

At Casa Horizon, we analyze your package dimensions and time constraints to propose the most profitable solution. Sometimes, a small 20' container half-full is a better deal than overloaded groupage!

❓ FAQ

Can I use LCL for dangerous goods (IMO)?

It's difficult. Many consolidators refuse dangerous goods to avoid risking contamination of other lots in the container.

Is customs clearance longer in LCL?

Yes, because you have to wait for the container to be fully unloaded at the MEAD and for each lot to be identified before filing the DUM.

What is "Chargeable Weight" in sea freight?

In sea freight, the ratio is $1\ ton = 1\ CBM$. If your lot weighs 2 tons for only $1\ CBM$, you will be taxed on 2 units.

Can I seal my lot in LCL?

No, the seal belongs to the global container. Your lot is protected by its own packaging and labeling.

What is the risk of loss in LCL?

It is very low thanks to the digitalization of MEADs in Morocco, but the risk of "mixing" or delivery error is slightly higher than in FCL.

Sources & Références

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