GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
FCL (Full Container Load)
Unlike LCL (Less than Container Load), where multiple shippers share a single box, FCL – Full Container Load – gives one shipper exclusive use of an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_container_load
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Definition & Explanation
Unlike LCL (Less than Container Load), where multiple shippers share a single box, FCL – Full Container Load – gives one shipper exclusive use of an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. The freight rate is a flat fee per container, regardless of how fully it is loaded. FCL becomes cost-competitive once the cargo occupies a substantial share of the container, though the exact break-even point varies by trade lane and market conditions. Fewer handling touchpoints reduce the risk of damage, and a sealed, single-shipper container limits exposure to theft compared to LCL. For high-volume shippers on deep-sea trades, FCL is the standard booking type.
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