What is Full Container Load (FCL)?

Full container load shipping (FCL) means you book an entire ocean shipping container for your cargo only. The container does not have to be fully filled, but no other shippers’ goods share the space, which ensures exclusive use. This protects cargo and reduces handling.

FCL shipments are common in ocean freight. The same idea in road transport is called full truck load (FTL) . This is where one shipper books an entire truck trailer for their cargo. 

In air freight, a similar concept applies when a shipper books an entire Unit Load Device (ULD) or a dedicated cargo space on an aircraft. This provides exclusive use of the designated space, which minimizes handling and enhances cargo security.

It is important to understand the differences between full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) shipping. While FCL cargo fills an entire container, LCL shipping means your goods share space in a single container with other shipments. With LCL shipping you pay only for the space you use, which may work well for smaller or irregular shipments. However, sometimes full container load (FCL) is the better choice.

Consider FCL logistics when you want:

• Cost efficiency for larger loads: FCL freight may be cheaper per unit for large shipments. 

• Faster transit times: FCL delivery typically offers faster transit times compared to LCL delivery where shipments are consolidated and delivered together. 

• Lower risk of damage: With FCL shipments, there is no mixing with other goods which means less chance of contamination or breakage. 

• Special cargo handling: FCL shipping suits oversized, fragile, refrigerated, hazardous, or high-value goods that may need special handling.  

• More control and simpler customs: One shipper per container used in FLC transport makes customs clearance paperwork and scheduling easier.

Remember FCL freight is only one of many options for large shipments. FedEx offers a range of flexible freight services to meet your shipping needs, whether you are sending a single cargo package or multiple shipments in pallets and containers.

The most common FCL cargo containers are typically 20-foot and 40-foot units. 

Some goods may need special containers like reefers for cooling or high-cube containers for extra space.

The maximum capacity of a full container load (FCL) container depends on the container type, which is typically measured in volume (cubic meters) and weight (gross weight in kilograms.) 

A standard 20-foot container holds about 28 to 30 cubic meters or up to 28,000 kilograms. 

A 40-foot container can carry about 58 to 60 cubic meters or up to 30,000 kilograms. 

Always confirm your FCL rates and weight limits with your carrier or freight forwarder.

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