What is a Full Container Load (FCL)?
A Full Container Load (FCL) is a shipment that requires the entire space of the container. Shipping companies, like commercial airlines, frequently adjust their rates based on the demand of the route. FCL is typically utilized when the volume of goods being carried exceeds the minimum volume limits imposed by the carrier and location constraints.
Significance of a Full Container Load (FCL) in E-commerce and Shipping
FCL is the fastest way to transport shipments, saving a lot of expenses. The significant benefits of a full container load are:
- FCL is a cost-effective way to transport goods as companies pay a flat rate for the whole container rather than paying for square footage.
- In a full container load, only the company and the supplier can touch the goods, lowering the damage risk.
- As the whole container is booked for a single goods transportation, the transit time is reduced.
Prerequisites for Full Container Load and How it Works
To determine FCL, companies need these factors:
- Volume
- Cost
- Security
- Urgency
In FCL shipping, the shipper hired an entire container for the cargo that was required to be transported. However, a full container load does not necessarily mean the shipper has to fill the container space entirely. It means that the shipper (exporter) has exclusive rights to the shipping container.
Use Cases with Full Container Load (FCL)
A befitting example of a full container load will be a shipment of fresh vegetables and fruits. For instance, a dealer has to ship fresh fruit and vegetables to a supermarket. The dealer can ship FCL and book the entire container for the goods. This way, the fresh vegetables and fruit will remain fresh, and the entire shipment will have no chance of contamination.