Full container load (FCL)

What is a full container load (FCL)?

A full container load (FCL) is a method of sea transportation in which a single shipper rents an entire container exclusively for their goods. In contrast to less than container load (LCL), where several shipments from different senders are combined in one container, FCL ensures greater security, shorter transportation times and lower unit costs for large quantities of goods. It is a solution often chosen by companies exporting and importing large batches of goods, especially in the manufacturing, retail and international logistics industries.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What are the main features of FCL transport?

FCL transportation means that the entire container is for one shipper, which eliminates the need to share the cargo space with other companies. This increases the safety of transportation, minimizing the risk of damage and theft. The logistics process runs more smoothly because it does not require the consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo, which shortens delivery time. The rental costs of a container are fixed, regardless of how full it is, which makes FCL more cost-effective for larger quantities of goods.

2. What are the standard sizes of FCL containers?

The most commonly used containers in FCL transport are:

• 20-foot container (20′) – capacity approx. 33 m³, load capacity up to 28 tons.
• 40-foot container (40′) – capacity approx. 67 m³, load capacity up to 28 tons.
• 40-foot High Cube container (40′ HC) – capacity approx. 76 m³, load capacity up to 28 tons (higher than the standard 40′).
• 45-foot High Cube container (45′ HC) – capacity approx. 85 m³, used for special loads.

3. How does the FCL transportation process work?

The full container transport process consists of several steps. First, the exporter books a container with a shipping company. After the container has been delivered to the warehouse, it is loaded, sealed and transported to the sea terminal. The container is then loaded onto a ship and transported to the port of destination, where it is cleared through customs. The last step is the delivery of the container to the final recipient, usually by land.

4. What are the benefits of FCL transportation?

Using FCL has many advantages, such as a lower risk of damage because the goods are not reloaded and do not come into contact with other shipments. FCL is cost-effective for large quantities of transported goods because the fee for the entire container is independent of its filling. The lack of consolidation shortens the delivery time, and the sender has full control over the sealed container, which increases transport safety.

5. When is it worth choosing FCL instead of LCL?

FCL transportation is more cost-effective when the quantity of goods is sufficient to fill at least 12-15 m³ of a container. It is also a good solution for fragile cargo that requires more protection. Choosing FCL is also beneficial when delivery time is important because it eliminates the need for additional consolidation. Companies that regularly ship large batches of goods can also benefit from stable and predictable logistics costs.

6. What are the potential disadvantages of FCL transportation?

Despite its many advantages, full container load transport is not always the best solution. For small shipments, it can be uneconomical because the sender pays for the entire container, regardless of how full it is. Organizing the transport also requires proper planning, and possible delays at ports or en route can affect the delivery date.

7. In which industries is FCL most commonly used?

FCL transportation is widely used in various sectors of the economy. In the manufacturing industry, it is used to transport machinery, components and spare parts. In the food industry, it is used to transport food, often in refrigerated containers. The retail sector uses FCL to transport large quantities of clothing, electronics and furniture. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries use FCL to transport chemicals, medicines and raw materials.

Full container load (FCL) is the optimal method of sea transportation for companies transporting large quantities of goods that require greater security, shorter delivery times and predictable logistics costs. With full control over transportation and no need for consolidation, FCL is an effective solution for global logistics operations.