LCL means sharing a container with other shippers, charged per cubic metre or per tonne, whichever is greater. FCL means taking a full container, charged per container.
Where it flips
For intra Asia cargo, a full container is usually cheaper past about 15 cbm. On Europe and US lanes the point is lower, around 12 to 13 cbm, because long haul LCL costs more per cubic metre.
The exact figure moves with the season and the lane, so ask for both quotes before deciding.
It is not only price
LCL goes through a consolidation warehouse at both ends. That adds 3 to 7 days and one more handling. For fragile or urgent cargo a full container is worth the extra.
Dense cargo with small volume, metal materials for example, needs a closer look: when LCL is charged by tonne the cost rises fast.
