Choosing the right shipping method is one of the most important logistical decisions when planning an international move. For families preparing Aliyah or relocating to Israel, it affects not only cost and timing but also predictability, customs processing, and the overall stress level of the move.
Kef International has helped thousands of relocating families since 1979. We offer two main options for shipping household goods by sea: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Full Container Load (LCL). Each option caters to different needs, and understanding the differences can help you select the method that best fits your relocation timeline and budget. For more detailed information, please refer to our Kefipedia.
What Is a Full Container Load (FCL)?
A Full Container Load means your household goods are shipped in a dedicated container used only for your shipment. With no sharing of space and no mixing of other families’ goods, this is the most predictable and streamlined shipping method. Despite their name, FCL’s are not necessarily full, though they are exclusive to one customer/shipper.
Key Advantages of FCL
- Faster and more predictable timing – Exclusive containers typically move on more reliable schedules. This is especially beneficial when planning Aliyah, coordinating arrival dates, or working around school calendars.
- Reduced handling – Fewer touch points mean a lower chance of delays and a more controlled shipping experience.
- Ideal for larger shipments – Families bringing full household contents often find FCL the most efficient method.
When FCL Makes Sense
- You have enough volume to justify an exclusive container.
- You want:
- maximum security, the least chance of loss or theft.
- maximum control over timing.
- the simplest customs and delivery flow.
- the smoothest door-to-door experience.
What Is a Shared Container (LCL)?
In an LCL shipment, your belongings are packed, wrapped, and bound to a wooden pallet/platform or packed into an exclusive wooden crate. Then those pallets/crates are put into a shared container with other customers’ goods. While it is more cost-effective for smaller shipments, it comes with additional logistical complexity.
Key Characteristics of LCL
- More variable timing – Consolidation and de-consolidation introduce dependencies on other shipments.
- Additional handling stages – Because the goods share space with others, they must be processed more times, which prolongs the journey.
- Best for small loads – This is ideal for families shipping only a limited set of belongings rather than full household contents. The price per cubic foot is significantly higher than in a large volume in an exclusive container and the ability to maximize space efficiently is reduced, both by the challenge of fitting different shapes and volumes of goods into a smaller space and because the palletization and/or crating takes up space.
Important Considerations
The timing of an LCL shipment depends on the readiness and volume of other families’ goods. This can create delays.
Timing: Why It Matters More Than Most People Realize
The timing of your shipment affects nearly every part of the relocation experience. Exclusive containers move faster and more predictably, while shared shipments depend on many external factors.
To help plan your timeline, we also provide resources such as:
- The Volume Estimator: https://kefintl.com/resources/volume-estimator/
- Timing Your Shipment: https://kefintl.com/aliyah-shipping/timing-your-shipment/
- Preparation at Origin: https://kefintl.com/kefipedia/preparation-at-origin/
These pages can help families understand how long each step may take and how to prepare belongings for pick-up and packing.
How to Decide Which Method Fits Your Volume?
We recommend estimating your approximate shipping volume before choosing a method. This estimator helps calculate total cubic feet/meters and provides a realistic view of how much space your belongings will occupy: https://kefintl.com/resources/volume-estimator/
This tool helps families determine whether they are closer to an exclusive container or whether LCL is more appropriate.
Insurance and Protection Considerations
Regardless of whether your shipment travels FCL or LCL, we emphasize the importance of proper marine insurance. The marine insurance overview guides coverage and how the process works: https://kefintl.com/kefipedia/marine-insurance/
Storage Options if You Are Not Ready for Delivery
For families arriving before their shipment, or when housing is not yet finalized, storage may be required. We offer a range of storage solutions both before and after shipping: https://kefintl.com/storage-solutions/
How to Decide: FCL or LCL?
Here is a simplified way to think about the choice:
Choose FCL if:
- Your estimated volume is over 650 cubic feet.
- Predictable timing is important to your relocation plan.
- You prefer fewer logistical dependencies.
Choose LCL if:
- You are shipping less than 600 cubic feet and/or need to spend as little as possible.
- You are comfortable with flexible timing.
Ready to Plan Your Shipment?
If you’re preparing Aliyah or relocating to or from Israel, choosing the right shipment type is one of the most impactful decisions in your moving process.
Have questions? Want personalized guidance?
Fill out the form below, and a Kef International relocation specialist will be in touch to help you plan every step with confidence.
