For maritime shipping, there are two primary transit methods: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Container Load (LCL). With FCL, you rent an entire container for your products alone. In contrast, LCL involves your goods sharing a container with cargo from other shippers, commonly referred to as groupage.

Opting for FCL is practical when you have sufficient cargo to fill a container. In most cases, FCL is the preferable choice for shipping substantial quantities or delicate items like electronics, which are prone to damage. LCL, on the other hand, is suited for smaller shipments or for those new to importing from China. It's important to remember that LCL rates are determined by the cubic meter, which should be considered when making your choice. If your cargo volume is less than half of a full container, then LCL shipping, or groupage, presents a more cost-effective solution.