FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipment occupying an entire ocean container — 20DC, 40DC, or 40HC — booked and sealed by one shipper.
In detail
In FCL shipping, one shipper occupies the entire container. The container is loaded at the origin factory or warehouse, sealed, and transported to the destination without opening in transit. Container types: 20DC (20-foot Dry Container) — approximately 25 m³, up to 28 tonnes; 40DC — approximately 67 m³, up to 27 tonnes; 40HC (40-foot High Cube) — approximately 76 m³, up to 26.5 tonnes, the most common for consumer goods. FCL becomes cost-effective from approximately 12–15 CBM compared to LCL groupage. Pricing is a flat rate per container, regardless of how full it is, which means FCL is more economical when the container is well-utilized. Additional charges in FCL: Terminal Handling Charge (THC) at origin and destination ports, documentation fee (B/L issuance fee), and detention/demurrage if the container is not returned within free days.
Examples
- →40HC container Guangzhou → Moscow: flat FCL rate $2,400, regardless of 50 or 76 m³ used
Related terms
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Consolidated ocean shipping where multiple shippers share one container, each paying per CBM or freight ton of space used.
CBM (Cubic Meter)
The standard unit of volume measurement in international freight; 1 CBM = 1 m³; used to price LCL shipments.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The primary ocean freight document serving as a receipt of shipment, contract of carriage, and document of title.
Detention and Demurrage
Per-diem charges for exceeding the free time period for container use at the terminal (demurrage) or at the importer's premises (detention).