Full Container Load (FCL) is a container-shipping method in which the entire container is dedicated to one customer. It is particularly efficient when transporting larger cargo volumes that fill all or most of the container. It is also a strong choice for higher-value cargo because the container is not shared with other shippers, reducing additional handling and associated exposure to damage.
FCL pricing is more predictable and is often more economical for larger cargo volumes. It is important to note that whether the container is 20%, 50% or 99% full, FCL is charged as one complete container.
Process
1. Container and sailing booking
A suitable container is selected according to the cargo quantity, weight and characteristics, and space is booked on the planned vessel sailing.
2. Cargo collection and loading
The container is delivered to the loading location, where the cargo is safely loaded and prepared for transport.
3. Export formalities
The required documents are completed and the container is delivered to the terminal at the port of departure and handed over to the shipping line.
4. Sea transport
The container is transported on the main sea route and, where required, transshipped at an intermediate port or carried onward by feeder vessel.
5. Import and delivery
At destination, the required customs procedures are completed, the container is collected from the terminal and delivered to the consignee.
Container and sailing booking
Export formalities
Import and delivery
Cargo collection and loading
Sea transport
- 1
Container and sailing booking
- 2
Cargo collection and loading
- 3
Export formalities
- 4
Sea transport
- 5
Import and delivery
Advantages
Choosing FCL provides several key advantages specific to this shipping method:
Cost efficiency
Lower transport cost when shipping larger cargo volumes and filling all or most of the container.
Speed
Shorter overall transit because no additional consolidation and deconsolidation is required at origin and destination.
Risk
Because an FCL container is normally kept sealed and the cargo is not repeatedly handled, exposure to damage and theft is reduced.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
When choosing container shipping, one common question is how FCL differs from LCL. Below is a detailed comparison.
| Kriterijus | LCL | FCL |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Shared with other shippers | Dedicated to one shipper only |
| Pricing | Pay for the volume used (CBM) | Fixed price for the entire container |
| Speed / Transit time | Longer, includes the consolidation process | Faster, with fewer stops and additional processes |
| Security | More handling operations and therefore greater exposure to risk | Sealed at origin, with lower exposure to handling risk |
| Flexibility | Greater flexibility, with the possibility of serving different destinations within the overall logistics chain | Less flexible, as the container is generally transported as one unit to one destination |
| Cost efficiency | More economical for smaller cargo volumes | More economical for larger cargo volumes |
| Ideally suited for | Small and medium shipments (<15 CBM), non-perishable, price-sensitive and relatively low-risk cargo. | Larger shipments (15–20 CBM+), fragile or high-value cargo. |
Container types and sizes
Sea containers are highly versatile, with many types available to match different cargo requirements. Common FCL container lengths are 20 ft, 40 ft and 45 ft, with a range of specialised designs:
- 20' ST (Standard) – standard 20 ft container.
- 20' HT (Hard Top) – 20 ft container with a removable hard roof for top loading.
- 20' PW (Pallet Wide) – wider 20 ft container designed to accommodate more Euro pallets.
- 20' RF (Reefer) – temperature-controlled 20 ft container.
- 20' OT (Open Top) – 20 ft open-top container with tarpaulin for high cargo.
- 20' FR (Flat Rack) – 20 ft platform container for heavy and oversized cargo.
- 20' TC (Tank Container) – 20 ft tank container for liquids, gases or chemicals.
- 23' TC (Tank Container) – 23 ft tank container for higher-volume liquid cargo.
- 30' TC (Tank Container) – 30 ft tank container for industrial liquid cargo.
- 40' ST – standard 40 ft container.
- 40' PW – wider 40 ft container designed to accommodate more Euro pallets.
- 40' HC – 40 ft High Cube container for higher-volume cargo.
- 40' HCPW – 40 ft High Cube Pallet Wide container.
- 40' HCRF – 40 ft High Cube Reefer with temperature control.
- 40' OT – 40 ft open-top container with tarpaulin for high cargo.
- 40' FR – 40 ft flat-rack container for heavy and oversized cargo.
- 40' TC – 40 ft tank container for liquids, gases or chemicals.
- 45' ST – standard 45 ft container.
- 45' HCPW – 45 ft High Cube Pallet Wide container.
- 45' HCRF – 45 ft High Cube Reefer with temperature control.
- 45' CS – 45 ft container for particularly long or non-standard cargo.
Incoterms for FCL shipping
For both experienced container shippers and newcomers, Incoterms can be confusing. They may be only three letters, but they determine important responsibilities between seller and buyer.
When shipping full containers, choosing the right Incoterms rules is important to avoid misunderstandings, risks and unplanned costs. Depending on the client’s needs, commonly used terms include:
- FOB or EXW – better suited if you want more control and prefer to manage the transport process from the shipper’s warehouse onward.
- CIF or DAP – suitable if you have less logistics experience and want the seller to manage a larger part of the delivery process up to the agreed destination.
- CFR – under this rule the seller arranges and pays carriage to the named destination port, while risk transfers from seller to buyer once the goods are on board the vessel at the port of shipment.
FAQ
FCL (Full Container Load) means that the entire container space is reserved for one shipper. It is usually worth considering for larger quantities of goods, often from around 15 CBM depending on the route and rate structure, or for high-value and fragile cargo that should be protected from additional handling or contact with other shippers' goods.
Due to security conditions in the Red Sea, many shipping lines have rerouted vessels via the safer route around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope. This adds significant sailing distance. The voyage to major European ports may take around 45–50 days, while feeder or inland transport to Klaipėda and final delivery in Lithuania can bring the total to around 55–60 days.
With FCL, a fixed charge applies to the whole container whether it is 20% or 99% full. With LCL, you pay for the actual cargo volume, usually in cubic metres (CBM), or according to chargeable weight. For larger shipments, FCL can therefore be more economical and predictable.
Temperature-sensitive goods such as food, chemicals and cosmetics are transported in refrigerated containers (Reefer / RF). Heavy, oversized or non-standard cargo can be carried on Flat Rack (FR) or Open Top (OT) containers. Liquids, gases and chemicals are transported in specialised Tank Containers (TC) where suitable and permitted.
If you want greater control over the transport process and cost, FOB or EXW can be suitable because we can organise the logistics chain from the agreed origin point. If you prefer the seller to manage a larger part of the delivery, terms such as CIF or DAP may be more appropriate depending on the transaction. The correct Incoterms rule should always be selected according to the commercial agreement and desired allocation of cost and risk.
