Full Container Load (FCL) Ocean Freight Shipping
Full container load shipping from China. 20ft, 40ft, 40HC, reefer, and flat-rack containers. More secure shipments. Because your shipping container consists only of your goods, your shipment doesn’t have to go through any consolidation where additional goods are added and moved along with your own.
You can choose between these freight options: port-to-port, door-to-door, port-to-door or door-to-port transport. Let us find the best possible option and route for your shipments.
FCL Shipping Services We Provide
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book and fill an entire container exclusively for your cargo. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares container space with other shippers’ goods. FCL is typically more cost-effective above 15 CBM, offers better cargo security (no consolidation/deconsolidation handling), and often has faster transit times (no CFS processing).
FCL (Full Container Load) - 25+ Years of NVOCC FCL Expertise
When to Choose FCL:
✓ For high-volume shipments that can fill a dedicated container
✓ For high-value or sensitive goods needing minimal handling
✓ When faster transit time is your main goal
✓ Peak season shipping when space is scarce
✓ Critical shipments requiring guaranteed departure dates
How Our Team Manages Your FCL Shipment:
End-to-End Coordination: Your dedicated account manager oversees the entire journey, from securing the right container (20′, 40′, high cube) to final delivery
Enhanced Security: Our operations team ensures your container is sealed at origin and only opened at the final destination, reducing handling and risk
Complete Visibility: Track your container’s journey in real-time on our platform, while your account manager provides personalized updates and proactive communication
Our Global Carrier Network
Partnering with the world’s leading shipping carriers to deliver reliable global logistics solutions.
Global Coverage
Comprehensive network spanning major ports and trade routes worldwide.
Fast Transit
Optimized routes and schedules for timely delivery across all destinations.
Reliable Service
Trusted partnerships ensuring consistent and dependable shipping solutions.
FCL Container Sizes and Capacity
| Container Type | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Capacity (m³) | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m | ~33 m³ | ~28,000 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m | ~67 m³ | ~28,000 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m | ~76 m³ | ~28,000 kg |
Tips:
How Much Does FCL Shipping Cost?
Container pricing depends on the type and size you book. The 40-foot standard container (FEU) is the industry workhorse and pricing benchmark, but 20-foot containers, 40-foot High Cube, and specialized units each have different rate structures. Here is how they compare on major trade lanes.
| Trade Lane | 20ft TEU | 40ft FEU | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai → Los Angeles | $1,200 – $2,200 | $2,000 – $3,800 | $2,200 – $4,100 |
| Shanghai → New York | $1,800 – $3,000 | $2,800 – $5,000 | $3,000 – $5,300 |
| Shenzhen → Miami | $1,900 – $3,200 | $3,000 – $5,200 | $3,200 – $5,500 |
| Ningbo → Long Beach | $1,100 – $2,000 | $1,900 – $3,500 | $2,100 – $3,800 |
| HCMC (Vietnam) → LA | $1,300 – $2,500 | $2,200 – $4,200 | $2,400 – $4,500 |
| Nhava Sheva (India) → NY | $1,600 – $2,800 | $2,700 – $4,500 | $2,900 – $4,800 |
| Santos (Brazil) → Miami | $1,400 – $2,200 | $2,300 – $3,800 | $2,500 – $4,100 |
| Rotterdam → New York | $1,200 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $3,500 | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Hamburg → Savannah | $1,300 – $2,100 | $2,100 – $3,600 | $2,300 – $3,900 |
| Busan (Korea) → LA | $1,100 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Bangkok → Los Angeles | $1,400 – $2,600 | $2,300 – $4,300 | $2,500 – $4,600 |
| LA → Shanghai (backhaul) | $500 – $900 | $700 – $1,300 | $800 – $1,500 |
Tips:
FCL Cost Breakdown
The ocean freight rate you see quoted is only part of the total FCL shipping cost. Terminal charges, documentation, customs clearance, and inland delivery add $800-$2,500+ per container depending on the route and destination. Understanding these costs prevents budget surprises and helps you compare forwarder quotes accurately.
Below is a typical cost breakdown for a 40ft container from Shanghai to Los Angeles, one of the world’s highest-volume trade lanes. Your actual costs will vary by route, but this gives you a realistic framework for budgeting.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base ocean freight | $2,200 – $3,800 | Port-to-port carrier charge (includes BAF) |
| Origin THC (Terminal Handling) | $180 – $280 | Loading at Shanghai/Ningbo terminal |
| Bill of Lading fee | $35 – $65 | Per set of B/L documents |
| Origin documentation | $25 – $50 | Export declaration, telex release |
| Destination THC | $250 – $400 | Unloading at LA/LB terminal |
| Destination delivery charge | $120 – $200 | Carrier’s local delivery fee |
| Customs clearance (US) | $150 – $300 | Formal entry filing by customs broker |
| ISF filing (10+2) | $35 – $75 | Required 24hrs before loading in China |
| Customs bond | $75 – $275 (single) or $400-$1,200/yr (continuous) | Required for all formal entries |
| Merchandise Processing Fee | 0.3464% of cargo value | Min $31.67, max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee | 0.125% of cargo value | Ocean imports only |
| Chassis fee | $35 – $75/day | For overland movement from port |
| Drayage to warehouse | $400 – $1,000 | Depends on distance from port |
| Import duties | Varies (0% – 145%+) | Based on HS code and country of origin |
Tips:
FCL Shipping from China Step-by-step Process
From quote to delivery, our expert team ensures your shipment moves smoothly through every step.
1
Quote and booking
2
Documentation preparation
3
Cargo pickup and origin handling
4
International transport
Your cargo moves via ocean vessel, aircraft, or a combination of modes. The forwarder tracks the shipment and proactively manages any delays or disruptions.
5
Customs clearance at destination
6
Final delivery
After customs clearance, the forwarder arranges last-mile delivery — drayage from the port, deconsolidation if LCL, and trucking to your warehouse or distribution center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you rent an entire container exclusively for your cargo. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers. FCL is cheaper per unit for shipments over 14-15 CBM, offers faster transit (no consolidation), and lower damage risk. LCL is better for smaller volumes under 14 CBM.
How far in advance should I book an FCL container?
What is the minimum volume for FCL shipping?
There’s no minimum, but FCL becomes cost-effective around 14-15 CBM. Below this, you’re paying for empty container space.
What documents are needed for FCL shipment?
Key documents include the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List, which are essential for customs clearance and shipment tracking.
What sizes of containers are used for FCL?
The most common are 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high cube containers. Specialized containers (reefer, flat rack, open top) are also available for specific cargo.