Consolidation in Dubai
Your cargo is received, checked, measured and loaded into a UK-bound container.
Part-load ocean freight
LCL shipping from Dubai to the UK
Less-than-container-load consolidation for cargo too big for air and too small for a full container.
Dubai → UK corridor specialistsSea, air, LCL & FCLCustoms documentation handledNamed coordinator per shipment
LCL shipping from Dubai to the UK places your cargo in a shared container alongside other consignments, so you pay only for the cubic metres you occupy. It is normally the cheapest way to move anything from about 1 to 14 CBM.
What LCL includes
Palletising and wrapping
Loose cartons are palletised and wrapped so they survive shared handling.
Documentation
House bill of lading, invoice and packing list prepared and checked.
UK deconsolidation
Devanning at the UK depot and availability notice issued.
Customs entry
Import declaration, duty and import VAT calculation and settlement.
Delivery
Pallet or full-load delivery to your UK address.
How LCL works
- Measure the cargoWe need dimensions and weight per piece to calculate cubic metres.
- Book a consolidationYour cargo is allocated to the next UK container closing in Dubai.
- Deliver or be collectedCargo reaches our Dubai facility before the consolidation cut-off.
- SailContainer departs Jebel Ali for the UK.
- Devan and clearCargo is unloaded at the UK depot and customs entry is filed.
- DeliveryFinal delivery to your address once released.
How LCL is measured and charged
LCL is billed on revenue tonnes — whichever is greater, cubic metres or metric tonnes. Dense cargo such as tiles or machinery parts can therefore be charged on weight rather than volume.
Add the volume of each piece: length × width × height in metres. A pallet of 1.2 m × 1.0 m × 1.5 m is 1.8 CBM. There is normally a TO CONFIRM: minimum chargeable CBM minimum.
Indicative LCL transit including consolidation is TO CONFIRM: LCL door-to-door days.
LCL suits you if
- You have between roughly 1 and 14 cubic metres
- You are testing a new UK customer or channel
- You restock regularly in smaller quantities
- Your budget matters more than a few extra days in transit
LCL vs FCL decision assistant
Answer three questions and we will suggest the mode that usually works out cheaper on the Dubai to UK lane.
Guidance only — send your packing list and we will price both options side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum for LCL?
We ship from 1 CBM, with a minimum charge of TO CONFIRM: minimum chargeable CBM.
Is LCL slower than FCL?
Slightly. The ocean leg is the same, but consolidation in Dubai and devanning in the UK add a few working days at each end.
Will my cargo be handled by others?
Your goods share a container but stay on their own pallets. We wrap and label them so they are not disturbed during loading.
When should I switch to FCL?
Usually around 14 CBM. Use the assistant above or read LCL vs FCL.
Ready to move cargo from Dubai to the UK?
Send us your cargo details and we will come back with a clear, itemised Dubai to UK quote.
Request a free quote