Sea Freight
FCL, LCL, containers, Bill of Lading, transit times and costs — explained clearly.
- over 80% of global trade
- 3,500+ ports worldwide
- ~172 Mio. TEU / Jahr
FCL vs. LCL
FCL: one shipper, one container, seal until consignee.
LCL: groupage, CFS handling, usually billed per CBM.
Sourced figures
- Shanghai–Hamburg P50 28 / P80 35 sailing days (FCL baseline, confidence A). (TT-Index sea baselines)
- FCL/LCL break-even often sits around 14 CBM — rate and surcharges apply. (Sea freight hub)
- ISO 20′/40′ containers are the standard; 40′ HC is the most common FCL unit on east–west trades. (ISO 668)
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Who bears risk & costs for your sea freight shipment?
FOB, CIF, CFR, FAS or CIP? The free simulator shows the exact cost matrix, risk transfer point and detects insurance gaps for every Incoterm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a container to USA cost?
The cost of a container to the USA varies depending on departure port, container type (20ft/40ft) and season. Currently prices range between €2,000-€5,000 for a 20ft container. FCL is usually cheaper per cubic meter than LCL. Additionally, port fees, customs and inland transport apply.
Open FCL guideFCL vs. LCL: Which is cheaper?
FCL (Full Container Load) is cheaper when you transport at least 15-20 cubic meters. LCL (Less than Container Load) is worthwhile for smaller quantities since you only pay for the space used. FCL is faster as no consolidation is needed. With LCL, handling fees are added.
Open LCL guideHow long does sea freight from Germany to China take?
The transit time for sea freight from Germany to China is typically 25-35 days for main routes (Hamburg-Shanghai). Express services manage it in 20-25 days. Additionally, you must plan 3-5 days for customs clearance. Transit time depends on ports, shipping line and season.
View transit timesAll resources on sea freight
Container types, B/L documents, FCL/LCL, transit times, rate structures and surcharges: know-how for import and export logistics across the seas.
- Strait of Hormuz: Situation, Oil Transit Volumes and Logistics ImpactStrait of Hormuz (as of 2 Oct 2026): regional crude excluding Iran back at pre-war levels, confirmed transit 9.9 million b/d. East-West pipeline loading again, attacks continue, Brent briefly above USD 100.
- Red Sea: Suez, Bab el-Mandeb and Transit-Time ImpactRed Sea as of 2 Oct 2026: Suez four-week average 287 transits a week, Bab el-Mandeb latest week 290. Containers are returning, Houthi risk remains, the Cape saves 1–2 weeks only as a diversion.
- Panama Canal: Transit, Slots and AlternativesPanama Canal as of 2 Oct 2026: ACP advisory A-36-2026. Neopanamax draft 49 feet now, from 15 Oct ten Neopanamax slots and 33 transits a day. No guarantee without a booking.