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FCL (Full Container Load)

What is FCL?

FCL (full container load) is an ocean shipment in which the cargo occupies a full container (of any size).

Two trucks compared: FCL container filled entirely with one shipper's cargo (red); LCL container mixing red, blue and gray blocks from multiple importers' shipments.

An FCL shipment can be stuffed at the supplier, and then trucked directly to the CY (container yard):

FCL flow diagram: factory and container labeled Supplier, then crane and ship at Origin CY, crane at Destination CY, ending at a warehouse labeled Destination.

The container can either be live unloaded at the destination, or the trucker can do a drop.

How are FCL shipments charged?

FCL shipments are charged at a flat rate per container.

What are the most common container sizes?

The most common container sizes are:

See How Much Cargo Fits in a Container for more information on cargo sizes and capacity.

When does FCL make sense?

FCL usually makes sense when your cargo fills most of a container or when you want less handling. Your goods stay sealed in one container from the supplier to the consignee, which lowers the risk of damage and skips the consolidation steps that less than container load (LCL) shipments need. Because the rate applies per container, a nearly full container often costs less per unit than LCL. Compare both options when your volume sits near the break-even point, and check transit times and port fees on each.

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