Definition
A licensed facility, in or near a port, where LCL cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated into containers for export, and import groupage containers are unpacked for each consignee to collect their portion. Import LCL cargo clears customs at the CFS rather than the container terminal, and CFS storage charges start once the free period lapses. The unpack-and-notify step at the CFS typically adds a few days versus an FCL delivery.