Need shipping high volumes like furniture or fragile goods? You need FCL shipping. Let’s learn everything about shipping full containers load shipment.
- What does FCL mean? The definition of FCL
- How much does it cost to ship a shipping container?
- The benefits of shipping FCL
- Should I choose FCL?
What does FCL mean? The definition of FCL
FCL is a term used in sea freight to describe shipments that consist of a “full container load,” Full Container Load’, it is a container that is for the use of a single consignee. In international shipping, an FCL means a single container that is booked by the shipper exclusively for the transportation of their cargo only. The shipper doesn’t have to share the container with cargo booked by other shippers. This enhances security and simplifies ocean freight logistics management.
Standard container sizes are 20’ and 40’ containers; both sizes offer standard and high cube sizing.
How much does it cost to ship a shipping container?
When shipping FCL, the buyer is renting the whole container space at a fixed rate. Aside from the fixed ocean freight cost, the buyer also needs to consider some additional fixed costs, such as the handling charges and chassis fee. Shipping lines usually change rates based on the route’s demand, similar to commercial air travel, so it’s best to check the rates depending on when and where the container is going to be shipped.
Usually, the factors that affect the FCL rates are:
Here are some other factors that affect FCL pricing: Peak season, which typically hits between August to November. Holidays like new year, golden week, and others. So it is wise to arrange everything well in advance, and you can get the info from your China freight forwarder to avoid unnecessary extra expense.
The benefits of shipping FCL
Convenient: FCL shipments don’t need to be loaded and unloaded together with other shipments, which saves transit time.
Less Risk: Sealing containers at the factory means less handling and fewer opportunities for damage.
Cheap: The price per unit on LCL is high, so for larger shipments, paying the FCL flat fee saves money.
Short Transit Time: Air freight is the fastest way to ship. But if you have the time, you’ll save big by choosing FCL instead.
Should I choose FCL?
If you’re not sure which one to choose, FCL or LCL? Feel free to contact our expert forwarder team of TJ China freight. We’ll run you through making the best decision for your shipment.
