LCL stands for "Less than Container Load." It is a term used in the shipping industry to describe a mode of transportation where a shipment does not fill an entire standard cargo container. Instead, multiple shipments from different shippers are consolidated and loaded into the same container. This allows smaller shipments to share space and costs, making it a cost-effective option for businesses or individuals with cargo that doesn't warrant the use of a full container. LCL shipping is commonly used in ocean freight, especially when the cargo volume is not large enough to justify a full container.