At a Glance
- When does FCL apply?
- From approx. 15–20 m3 or 10–12 t payload
- 20-foot container
- approx. 33 m3, 28 t max.
- 40-foot container
- approx. 67 m3, 27 t max.
Advantages of FCL
No transhipment or consolidation: the goods stay in the same container from the loading point to the consignee. A lower risk of damage thanks to less handling. No waiting for other customers (unlike LCL). Cheaper from around 15–20 cubic metres of loading volume. And direct control over loading and securing.
Container types in FCL
20-foot container (TEU): approximately 33 m3 of volume, max. 28 t payload. 40-foot container (FEU): approximately 67 m3, max. 27 t payload. 40-foot high cube: approximately 76 m3 with 2.7 m internal height. Refrigerated container (reefer): temperature-controlled for food and pharmaceuticals. Open-top and flat rack: for oversized loads.
FCL vs LCL
LCL (less than container load) is groupage inside a container – several customers share one container. LCL is cheaper for small quantities (under 15 m3) but involves longer transit times and more handling. FCL pays off when volume, security or transit time is decisive.
