Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL means a single shipper exclusively uses a whole container and pays per container — best for larger-volume exports.
FCL means one container is used exclusively by a single shipper and priced per container (e.g., a flat rate for a 20GP, 40GP, or 40HQ), rather than prorated by volume or weight. Unlike LCL, the same sealed container stays intact from factory loading to the destination port, and the cargo is never mixed with other shippers' goods.
Practical notes for Chinese exporters: choose FCL when your cargo fills or nearly fills a standard container — the per-unit cost is usually lower than LCL and you avoid the damage, mis-delivery, and cross-contamination risks of consolidation. High-value, fragile, or sensitive cargo is often shipped FCL even when not full. Watch for container weight limits (road haulage and destination-country axle/gross limits), improper stuffing that causes in-transit shifting, and the risk of being rolled to a later vessel when space is tight. Beyond ocean freight, budget for THC, documentation, and seal fees at both ends.
FAQ
- Should I ship FCL or LCL if I can't fill a full container?
- It depends on the volume break-even and cargo type. Roughly above the mid-teens in CBM, FCL's total cost often matches or beats LCL (which is priced per CBM with minimums plus surcharges). The exact break-even shifts with the lane and season, so ask your forwarder to quote both. For fragile, high-value, or odor-sensitive goods, FCL is often preferred even when under-loaded.
- How much can a 40HQ hold?
- A 40HQ has roughly 76 CBM of internal volume, but the usable load depends on packaging, stacking, and weight limits — dense cargo hits the weight cap first, light cargo fills the space first. Use the volume/weight tool and your actual gross weight and CBM rather than a fixed figure.
Related terms
Sources: https://www.maersk.com/support/faqs/what-is-fcl · https://www.maersk.com/logistics-explained/transportation-and-freight/2023/12/15/understanding-ocean-freight