Full Container Load, or FCL, is a shipping method in which an entire ship is booked for transporting the goods by a single shipper. The crew will not accept cargo from other businesses even if the cargo hold is not completely filled. It provides exclusive space for a single company, and their cargo is kept sealed until it reaches the destination port.
FCL shipping method is mainly used for transporting large shipments as it offers better control, fast transit, and easier handling of loads. Commonly, this method is decided based on how many 20-foot or 40-foot containers your shipment requires.
How It Works:
- The exporter books a full container.
- Goods are loaded into the container.
- The container is sealed and transported to the port.
- It is shipped directly to the destination.
- The importer receives the full container.
Benefits:
- Reduces risk of damage or mixing with other cargo.
- Faster transit compared to shared shipments.
- Suitable for large volume shipments.
- Provides better control over goods.
Example:
A furniture exporter books a 40-foot container to ship 500 chairs with the FCL method from India to the U.S. No other company can share its space, and a single container will be shipped to the destination port.