You’ve been importing FCL shipments for years. Now, for the first time, you’re handling an LCL shipment. It’s booked, your freight is ready—then someone asks:
“Is ISF filing the same for FCL as it is for LCL?”
Suddenly, you're not so sure.
If you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone and this blog is for you. We’ll walk through the key differences, clear up the uncertainty.
What is ISF (Importer Security Filing), and Is It Mandatory?
Importer Security Filing—also known as ISF or 10+2—is a mandatory U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for shipments entering the United States.
In simple terms, it’s a heads-up to customs about what's coming in, who’s involved, and how it's moving. And yes—if you're importing by ocean, ISF filing is not optional. Missing it could lead to delays or penalties.
Want a full breakdown of what ISF is and why it matters? Read
So it is clear that ISF is mandatory for ocean shipment. When it comes to ocean shipments, there are two types FCL and LCL.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipment
FCL and LCL are nothing but deciding between whether you want an entire container for your shipment or just a small space.
FCL – Full Container Load
When you book an FCL shipment, you're using the entire container—even if you don’t fill it completely. The container is sealed at origin and opened only when it reaches its destination. It’s your goods, your timeline, your control.
Example:
You’re importing 10 pallets of electronics. It’s enough to fill a 20-foot container. That’s FCL.
LCL – Less than Container Load
With LCL, your cargo shares space in a container with goods from other importers. A consolidator or freight forwarder puts everything together at origin, and separates it at destination.
Now that you have a clear understanding of LCL and FCL shipment, let's come to our point.
Does ISF Filing Differ for LCL and FCL shipment?
The answer is 75% No and 25% Yes. Because the process is the same but the execution—and the challenges—can be very different.
With FCL, you get full control over your cargo and documentation—but it usually comes with a higher shipping cost.
With LCL, the cost is shared and more affordable, and while the ISF filing may involve more coordination, it can be smoothly handled with the support of an experienced international freight forwarder.
Now we have come to an understanding that the process is the same, but what about the documentations?
What Documents Are Required to File ISF for an LCL and FCL Shipment?
Whether you're shipping FCL or LCL, the basic ISF data points remain the same—but with LCL, you may need to actively coordinate with your consolidator or freight forwarder to collect the documents.
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- House Bill of Lading (HBL) – Issued by the consolidator or forwarder for your specific cargo.
- Master Bill of Lading (MBL) – Issued by the ocean carrier (might be shared closer to the sailing date).
- Commercial Invoice – Includes the shipper, consignee, cargo description, and HS code.
- Packing List – Details the number of packages, weight, and volume of your cargo.
- Importer of Record (IOR) Number – Usually your EIN or IRS number if you're the importer.
- Seller & Buyer Info – Names and addresses of the parties involved in the transaction.
- Manufacturer & Ship-To Party Info – Who made the goods, and where they're headed in the U.S.
💡Pro Tip: Don’t wait for all documents to arrive at once. For LCL shipments, it’s normal for some details (like the MBL or container number) to come in later. But an experienced forwarder will file accurately and on time.
What happens if you fail to File ISF?
Late or failed ISF is not just a simple paperwork problem. It will cost you more than your shipment cost. The CBP takes ISF deadlines seriously, and missing them can trigger hefty consequences.
The most common? A $5,000 fine per violation. But it doesn’t stop there. Your cargo could be flagged for a Customs hold, leading to delays, storage fees, and inspection costs.
In some cases, you might even get slapped with a Do Not Load (DNL) status, meaning your shipment won’t be allowed on the vessel at all. Whether you're importing a full container (FCL) or consolidating under LCL, the ISF penalty risk is the same.
How can you avoid the ISF penalty?
Avoiding ISF penalties isn’t just about filing—it’s about filing accurately, on time, and with the right partner.
Whether you're new to ocean imports or switching from FCL to LCL, knowing what to file and when can save you thousands in fines.
The good news? With a reliable freight forwarder and a solid checklist, you can avoid all the stress.
👉 Read our full guide on How to Avoid ISF Penalties to learn the exact steps, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.
Takeaway
ISF filing is required for all ocean shipments to the U.S., whether FCL or LCL. The rules are mostly the same, but LCL needs extra coordination. Missing deadlines can cause big fines and delays.
To avoid problems, file early, be accurate, and work with a trusted freight forwarder. This keeps your shipment on track and penalty-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I start preparing for ISF filing?
A: Start ISF preparation immediately after booking your shipment. For FCL shipments, you typically have more predictable timelines with shipment details available early. For LCL shipments, begin coordinating with your consolidator or freight forwarder right away since container numbers, vessel details, and final manifests are often shared closer to the sailing date. Early preparation is especially critical for LCL to avoid last-minute rushing and potential filing errors.
2. What happens if I miss the ISF filing deadline?
A: Missing the ISF deadline can result in serious consequences including a $5,000 fine per violation, customs holds on your cargo, storage fees, inspection costs, and potential "Do Not Load" (DNL) status preventing your shipment from boarding the vessel. These penalties apply equally to both FCL and LCL shipments.
3. What documents do I need for ISF filing?
A: Key documents required for both FCL and LCL include:
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
Commercial Invoice with HS codes
Packing List
Importer of Record (IOR) Number
Seller, Buyer, and Manufacturer information
For LCL shipments, some documents like the MBL or container number may be shared closer to the sailing date.
4. Who is responsible for filing ISF for LCL shipments?
A: The importer is ultimately responsible for ISF filing, but they typically coordinate with their freight forwarder or consolidator to gather necessary information. For LCL shipments, this coordination is more critical since container and vessel details come from consolidators who manage shared container space.
5. How can I avoid ISF penalties for both FCL and LCL shipments?
A: To avoid penalties:
File ISF well before the 24-hour deadline
Work with experienced freight forwarders
Start coordination early, especially for LCL shipments
Ensure all information is accurate and complete
Maintain clear communication with consolidators for LCL
Have backup plans for last-minute changes