Sea Freight Shipping - Less Container Loads (LCL)

Import - Export Worldwide Shipping

At TR Logistics Group, based in Belfast in Northern Ireland, we offer our customers the opportunity to transport their pallet shipments to their customers via our LCL service. We connect customers’ Less Container Load (LCL) cargo to every major pallet service in the world.

We recognise that our customers may not have the volume to ship their products as FCL, and certainly this would not be a cost effective option for them. Here at TR Logistics Group we have invested heavily in our seafreight service offering and the resources required to ensure we are continuously developing and maintaining a highly effective consolidation LCL system for our customers.

Our LCL service covers all sectors and their products relating, but not limited to:  

  • AutomotiveLess Container.jpg
  • Consumer
  • Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Technology
  • Chemicals
  • Retail
  • Life Science
  • Healthcare
  • Energy

The experienced TR Logistics Group team negotiate volumes with globally accredited carriers to ensure our customers are given the highest quality, space availability and optimum pricing for your LCL freight.

Our LCL services are enhanced by a range of bespoke IT solutions including:

  • Visibility of freight in transit
  • Notifying custom authorities and contractors of your shipment details

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention - Container Weight Verification Requirement

Effective 1 July 2016

At TR Logistics Group our focus is to ensure the integrity and credibility of your shipment from point of pick-up through to delivery.

However, in recent years, the industry has seen some major incidents at sea and on shore arising from packed containers that had incorrect weight declarations. To prevent these, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in collaboration with industry representatives, have therefore adopted specific rules as part of the SOLAS Convention including a Verified Gross Mass (VGM).

The purpose of the VGM requirement is to obtain an accurate gross weight of packed containers so that vessel and terminal operators can prepare vessel stowage plans prior to loading cargo on ships. The requirement will protect vessel and terminal operators’ people and assets, as well as shippers’ cargo.

What will change as of 1 July 2016?

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Immediate consequences for the shipper are that as of July 2016, the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) weight of every container needs to be provided to the carrier, before the load list cut-off. Furthermore, it will be the shipper’s responsibility to ensure that the accurate weight is being provided. If no Verified Gross Mass weight has been provided, the container will not be loaded on to the vessel. 

Two permissible methods for weighing:

  • Method 1: Weigh the packed container
  • Method 2: Weigh the cargo and other contents and add tare mass of the container

Needing more clarification?

At TR Logistics Group we are consulting with our customers to ensure they are not only aware but have all in place prior to 1 July 2016 to safeguard their freight movements and avoid refusal to load at point of presentation to the relevant shipping line if the VGM has not been declared.

A member of the TR Logistics Group team would appreciate the opportunity to discuss any requirements relating to your LCL requests. This could be just a short phone call, email or a more detailed discussion. This consultation involves our sea freight experts sitting down with you, at no charge and with no obligation, to learn about your sea freight challenges and then provide you with ideas on ways to drive down costs and improve service.

Contact us to discuss your requirements at info@tr-logistics.com