FCL (Full Container Load)
FCL, or full container load, means you book an entire container exclusively for your own cargo, regardless of whether you fill it.
Definition
Under FCL you pay a flat rate for the whole container. You can load it as full or as empty as you like, and the cost does not change with the volume you actually ship.
FCL is usually cheaper per unit once the cargo is large enough, is faster because there is no consolidation, and reduces handling damage because the container is sealed at origin and opened at destination.
Example
A 20ft container typically offers around 25 to 28 CBM of practical loading volume and a payload of roughly 28,000 kg, though road axle limits at the destination may cap the gross mass lower.
When you will come across it
- Your volume exceeds the LCL-to-FCL break-even point for the lane
- The cargo is high value, fragile, or you want it sealed under your own control
- Customs or the buyer requires an unbroken seal from origin to destination
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fill the container under FCL?
No. You pay for the whole container whether you use 10 CBM or all 28, which is exactly why the break-even calculation matters before you book.
Which container size should I choose?
A 20ft suits dense heavy cargo because you hit the payload limit before the volume limit. A 40ft or 40ft high cube suits light bulky cargo where space runs out first.
What is the difference between 40ft and 40ft high cube?
A high cube is about 30 cm taller, giving roughly 63 CBM of usable volume against about 55 CBM for a standard 40ft, at a similar freight cost.