LCL refers to a small lot of cargo packed or unpacked by the shipping company at its responsibility. (as a rule, it consists of mixed cargo). It is the shipping term for cargo that is insufficient either in quantity or in weight to qualify for the freight rates applied to a standard shipping container. In shipping, it is a term describing cargo of insufficient weight to qualify for a freight rate. That is, when one ships a less than container or less than car load good, one must usually pay a higher fee.