FCL (Full Container Load) is ocean freight in which an entire container is reserved for a single shipper. The container is usually loaded and sealed at the shipper's warehouse and delivered sealed to the consignee at destination. Freight is paid per container regardless of the cargo volume; for shipments above roughly 13–15 m³, it is often more economical than LCL.
What does the shipper hire under FCL?
Under FCL, the shipper hires an entire container and its slot on the ship. The charge is the same even if the container is half full; in return, there is no other company's cargo inside, and it is not opened during the voyage. The container usually belongs to the shipping line (COC); on some lanes, the shipper uses its own container (SOC). How much cargo each type takes is compared in the table container types and dimensions.
Who loads, and who seals?
Under FCL, responsibility for loading and stowage usually lies with the shipper. The clause "shipper's load, stow and count" (SLAC) on the bill of lading indicates that the carrier has not seen the inside of the container and that the count is the shipper's responsibility. When loading is complete, the container is closed with a high-security seal provided by the shipping line. These seals comply with ISO 17712, and the seal number is entered on the bill of lading and customs documents. If the seal number does not match the documents at destination, this is recorded in a report.
Under International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules, since 1 July 2016 the verified gross mass (VGM) of every packed container has been submitted by the shipper before loading onto the ship. The weight is determined either by weighing the packed container or by adding the contents to the tare weight. Details are in the entry VGM.
An FCL shipment step by step
- Booking: Container type, quantity, port of loading and date are set; the process is explained in the entry ocean freight booking.
- Empty container pick-up: The empty container is collected from the line's depot and taken to the loading address.
- Loading and sealing: The cargo is stowed and blocked, and the door is closed and sealed.
- Customs and port entry: The export declaration is lodged and the container is delivered to the terminal before the cut-off time.
- Sea voyage: The container is loaded onto the ship; if there is a transshipment port, it is transferred to another vessel.
- Arrival and delivery: Import clearance is completed, the container is hauled to the consignee, unloaded and returned to the line's depot.
Once the free time granted at the port and at the consignee's premises is exceeded, additional charges start; the difference is explained in the entry difference between demurrage and detention.
How is the freight made up?
FCL freight is set per container: bunker adjustment factor (BAF), terminal handling charges (THC), security and documentation fees are added to the basic ocean freight. A door-to-door price also includes road haulage at both ends. A 40' container does not cost twice as much as a 20'; for voluminous cargo, a 40' or 40' high cube significantly reduces the unit cost.
When is FCL suitable?
| Situation | Why FCL? |
|---|---|
| Volume above 13–15 m³ | The per-container price starts to beat the LCL price per m³ |
| Heavy, dense cargo | A 20' container can carry close to 28 tonnes |
| Damage-sensitive products | No handling in intermediate warehouses |
| Fixed delivery date | No waiting for consolidation and no customs risk from other shippers |
Common mistakes
- Concentrating the weight at one end of the container; this is risky both for ship stowage and for road axle loads.
- Not checking the empty container for holes, odours and moisture before accepting it.
- Entering the seal number incorrectly on the declaration; this leads to an inspection at destination customs.
How does Voltim Global support you?
Under ocean freight, Voltim Global takes care of FCL bookings, container haulage between port and warehouse and coordination of customs documents.