Full Container Load (FCL)

Full Container Load (FCL), as the name implies, is the standard form of shipping freight for those who have a large amount of goods to send.

The FCL definition seems to imply that you have to fill the container totally, but in fact, this is not the case – you are renting its exclusive use but if you cannot use every square meter it may still be the cheapest method.

Our Specialist will be more than happy to assist you in determining whether FCL transport is the more cost-efficient verses the option of LCL Shipping (Less than Container Load).

The most popular sizes are:

• 20 foot: 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8 ½’ high external (c. 6.1m x 2.4m x 2.6m)
• 40 foot: 40’ long x 8’ wide x 8 ½’ high external (c. 12.2m x 2.4m x 2.6m)
• Increasingly used by bulk shippers is the Hi-Cube 40 foot, which has a 9 ½’ height.
• There are also refrigerated containers, which can be broader at 2.6m width.

As a rough rule of thumb, if you have 12 pallets or more, FCL freight is likely to be the better solution.