{
  "schemaVersion": "freightfba-tool.v1",
  "site": {
    "name": "FBA Freight",
    "url": "https://freightfba.com",
    "description": "Amazon FBA freight forwarding from China with calculators, quote intake, and agent-readable shipping guidance."
  },
  "slug": "fcl-vs-lcl-calculator",
  "title": "FCL vs LCL Calculator for Amazon FBA Shipments",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://freightfba.com/tools/fcl-vs-lcl-calculator/",
  "endpoints": {
    "html": "https://freightfba.com/tools/fcl-vs-lcl-calculator/",
    "json": "https://freightfba.com/tools/fcl-vs-lcl-calculator.json",
    "quoteSpec": "https://freightfba.com/quote/spec.json",
    "llms": "https://freightfba.com/llms.txt",
    "agentJson": "https://freightfba.com/.well-known/agent.json"
  },
  "intent": "calculator",
  "status": "active",
  "description": "Compare ocean LCL cost by CBM against FCL flat container cost to decide when to ship a full container.",
  "answer": "FCL starts to make sense when the flat container cost is lower than LCL rate x CBM after considering destination, handling, and prep routing.",
  "audience": "FBA sellers deciding whether to ship LCL cartons or book a full container",
  "keywords": [
    "fcl vs lcl calculator",
    "lcl vs fcl shipping",
    "when to use fcl instead of lcl"
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "q": "Is 15 CBM always the FCL break-even point?",
      "a": "No. It is a rule of thumb. The real break-even depends on lane rates, CFS fees, destination charges, and whether the container routes to Amazon or a prep center."
    },
    {
      "q": "Can a full container go directly to Amazon?",
      "a": "Sometimes, but many FBA shipments route through a prep center for palletization, labeling, appointment control, or split delivery."
    }
  ],
  "relatedTools": [
    {
      "slug": "cbm-calculator",
      "title": "CBM Calculator for Amazon FBA Shipping",
      "url": "https://freightfba.com/tools/cbm-calculator/"
    },
    {
      "slug": "amazon-fba-shipping-cost-calculator",
      "title": "Amazon FBA Shipping Cost Calculator from China",
      "url": "https://freightfba.com/tools/amazon-fba-shipping-cost-calculator/"
    }
  ],
  "machine": {
    "summary": "Compare LCL by-CBM cost against FCL flat cost.",
    "inputs": [
      {
        "name": "cbm",
        "type": "number",
        "required": true,
        "unit": "m3",
        "description": "Shipment volume."
      },
      {
        "name": "lclRatePerCbm",
        "type": "number",
        "required": true,
        "unit": "USD/CBM",
        "description": "LCL all-in planning rate."
      },
      {
        "name": "fclFlatCost",
        "type": "number",
        "required": true,
        "unit": "USD",
        "description": "FCL all-in planning cost."
      }
    ],
    "outputs": [
      {
        "name": "lclCost",
        "type": "number",
        "unit": "USD",
        "description": "Estimated LCL cost."
      },
      {
        "name": "recommendedMode",
        "type": "string",
        "description": "Lower-cost mode by simple comparison."
      }
    ],
    "formula": "lcl_cost = cbm * lcl_rate_per_cbm; recommend fcl when fcl_flat_cost < lcl_cost",
    "limitations": [
      "Simple cost comparison excludes timing, destination handling, Amazon receiving, and cargo risk."
    ],
    "quoteAction": {
      "intent": "amazon-fba-freight-quote",
      "method": "POST",
      "url": "https://freightfba.com/quote/",
      "specUrl": "https://freightfba.com/quote/spec.json",
      "success": {
        "acceptedStatus": 202,
        "meaning": "Request accepted for human follow-up by FBA Freight."
      },
      "limitations": [
        "The public site describes the quote intake contract; final freight rates require human review.",
        "Battery cargo, liquids, dangerous goods, and customs-sensitive goods require manual review."
      ]
    }
  },
  "contact": {
    "email": "helen@honourocean.com",
    "whatsapp": "8618923724899",
    "quotePage": "https://freightfba.com/quote/"
  },
  "evidence": {
    "companyFacts": [
      "FBA Freight is the Amazon FBA specialized division of Honour Ocean Shipping.",
      "Honour Ocean Shipping was founded in Shenzhen in 2009.",
      "NVOCC licensed freight forwarder with offices in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Changsha, and Yiwu.",
      "Warehouse consolidation support in Yiwu and Shenzhen.",
      "Ocean, air, express, railway, DDP, customs clearance, prep, labeling, and door-to-door delivery support."
    ]
  },
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-21"
}