Shipping Modes
FCL (Full Container Load)
A container booked exclusively for one shipper cargo. Common sizes are 20ft and 40ft standard or high-cube. Cost-effective when cargo fills most of a container.
In depth
FCL means you pay for the whole container whether you fill it or not. Shippers get a container sealed at origin (factory or CY) and delivered to the consignee or port. Transit times are often more predictable than LCL because there is no consolidation delay at origin CFS.
Key points
- Common sizes: 20ft, 40ft, 40ft high-cube; reefers and open-tops for special cargo
- You control loading: maximise cube and weight within limits
- Demurrage/detention clocks start per carrier tariff after free days
- VGM (verified gross mass) is mandatory before vessel loading