In LCL the forwarder or consolidator collects cargo from several customers at a container freight station (CFS), packs it into one container and deconsolidates it at another CFS at destination. The customer does not book the container: it pays for the space it uses.
Freight is calculated by W/M: per tonne or per cubic metre, whichever is greater, at 1 t = 1 m³. On top of freight come handling charges at both warehouses, which on small shipments can outweigh the freight itself.
It suits small and medium volumes; beyond a handful of cubic metres a 20’ container usually works out cheaper.