FCL or full container load is a type of shipment where an entire container is used by a single importer/exporter for the transportation of goods.

The most popular type of FCL containers available are:
- 20 foot: Dimensions - 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in
- 40 foot: Dimensions - 40ft x 8 ft x 8ft 6in
- 40 foot-high cube: Dimensions - 40ft x 8ft x 9ft 6in
Note: The dimensions are length x breadth x height

You should opt for FCL shipment in the following cases:

- When your cargo weight is more than 10MT: FCL shipment rates in such a case could be lower than LCL (less than container load) shipment. ‍

- When your shipment is urgent: With FCL shipments you save time that is taken for consolidating an LCL shipment. ‍

- When you want your cargo safe: In FCL, you have the entire container to yourself, hence minimising the damage that can occur when your cargo comes into contact with cargo of another shipment.

Follow these few simple steps on our website:

- Go to ‘Discover Rates’
- Fill in your requirements
- Click on ‘Search’
- Search for the best suited rate for your shipment
- Select you payment terms and billing address
- Click on ‘Book Now’

There are some key differences between LCL and FCL shipments:

FCL - In a Full Container Load (FCL) shipment, the entire cargo container is owned by a single shipper. It’s a more secure way of shipping cargo, since the entire container is used by a single business. This prevents your cargo from coming in contact with and being contaminated by another shipper’s cargo.

LCL - In a Less than Full Container Load (LCL) shipment, the container is shared between two or more shippers. It is the preferred mode for a smaller cargo load and is less expensive too. Cargo is generally packed on wooden pallets, and these pallets are then loaded into the container.

LCL (less than container load) or part container load shipments are cargo consignments that do not occupy a full container and need to be grouped with other cargo to fill one shipping container.

A truck is bookeThe cost of LCL shipments is determined by three major factors:

1. Type of the cargo – such as general cargo, perishable cargo, hazardous cargo, etc.
2. The volume of the cargo.
3. The weight of the cargo.d for you as soon as you book a trucking service with a service provider on Cogoport.

Cargo palletisation refers to the process when cargo is put on pallets and secured with straps to stabilise it. Such cargo is easy to handle and transport using machineries such as pallet jacks or forklifts. It is recommended that high-value LCL shipments are put on pallets in order to minimise the risk of damage. Do remember, however, that the cost of shipping might increase because of the extra weight of the pallets.

You should opt for LCL shipping when your cargo weight is less than 10MT. In this case, LCL shipment rates will be lower than FCL (full container load) shipment rates.

You should pick FCL shipping in the following cases:

When your cargo weighs more than 10MT: You may be better off booking a FCL shipment as FCL rates, in this case, could be lower than LCL rates.

‍ When your shipment is urgent: LCL cargo can take longer than FCL cargo to be shipped because it doesn’t occupy a full container and needs to be consolidated with other cargo before it can be shipped. FCL shipments, however, occupy the entire container so there is no waiting involved here.

When you want your cargo safe: In FCL, you have the entire container to yourself, hence minimising the damage that can occur when your cargo comes into contact with the (possibly bulkier) cargo of another shipment.