What does a container to the USA cost?

The cost for a container from Europe to the USA (East Coast) ranges from approximately USD 1,500–3,500 for a 20ft container depending on season and carrier. THC at origin and destination ports (USD 200–400 each), documentation fees (USD 50–150) and customs clearance are additional. West Coast prices are usually slightly higher due to increased demand.

FCL vs. LCL: Which is cheaper?

As a rule of thumb: a 20ft FCL container becomes economically worthwhile compared to LCL from about 13–15 CBM. For larger shipments from about 28 CBM, a 40ft FCL is usually cheaper. However, current market prices for the specific route are always decisive. Use our FCL vs LCL calculator for an individual calculation.

How long does sea freight from Germany to China take?

Transit time for sea freight from Germany (e.g. Hamburg) to China (e.g. Shanghai) is typically 25–35 days via the Suez Canal. Via the Cape of Good Hope (more common since the Red Sea crisis 2024), transit extends to 35–45 days. Pre-carriage (2–5 days) and destination customs clearance add additional time.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL (Full Container Load): One shipper occupies the entire container exclusively. The container is loaded at the shipper's premises, sealed and only opened at the consignee's location. Ideal from about 14 CBM. LCL (Less than Container Load): Multiple shippers share a container. Each pays only for the space used (per CBM/ton). Ideal for shipments below about 14 CBM.

What documents do I need for sea freight?

The key documents for international sea freight are: 1) Bill of Lading (B/L) – proof of ownership, 2) Commercial Invoice, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration (EX1/AES), 5) Import Customs Declaration, 6) Certificate of Origin/EUR.1 if preference duties apply. For letter of credit transactions, an original B/L is also required.

What does THC mean in sea freight?

THC stands for Terminal Handling Charge. It is a fee charged by the port terminal to the shipping line for container handling services (loading, unloading, storage) – which is usually passed on to the shipper or consignee. THC applies at both the port of loading (origin THC) and the port of discharge (destination THC).

What is a B/L (Bill of Lading)?

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the most important document in sea freight. It serves simultaneously as: 1) Contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, 2) Document of title to the goods, 3) Receipt for the goods handed over. An original B/L is required to release the cargo at the destination port. Modern alternatives: Telex Release and Sea Waybill.

How does sea freight work with customs clearance?

International sea freight typically requires two customs clearances: 1) Export customs in the country of origin: export customs declaration (EX1 in the EU via ATLAS), export certificate. 2) Import customs in the destination country: import customs declaration, examination of cargo value (commercial invoice), HS code and origin. Customs duties and import VAT are calculated and must be paid before release.

When does FCL become more economical than LCL?

As a rule of thumb: FCL becomes more economical than LCL from approximately 13–15 CBM for a 20ft container and from about 28 CBM for a 40ft container. Current market prices for the specific trade lane are decisive. Use our FCL vs LCL calculator for an individual calculation.

How much does an FCL container cost?

FCL costs consist of: Ocean Freight (approx. 45%), THC at origin and destination ports (approx. 12% each), B/L fees (approx. 5%), customs clearance (approx. 10%) and pre/on-carriage (approx. 16%). As a guide: China to Europe 20ft: USD 1,000–3,000 outside peak season. Prices vary greatly by route, season and carrier.

How long does FCL sea freight take?

FCL transit times: Asia–Europe approx. 25–35 days, Asia–US West Coast approx. 16–22 days, Asia–US East Coast approx. 28–35 days, Europe–Americas approx. 12–20 days. Add pre/on-carriage (3–7 days) and customs clearance (1–5 days).

What is the difference between FCL/FCL and FCL/LCL?

FCL/FCL (also house-to-house): one shipper, one consignee, one container – the most common case. FCL/LCL: the container is shipped as FCL but deconsolidated at destination for multiple consignees (by an NVOCC or freight forwarder). Typical for consolidation services.

Which Incoterm is best suited for FCL?

FOB is the most common Incoterm in FCL Asia import: buyer organizes from loading. FCA is more modern and flexible – recommended for L/C transactions. EXW gives the buyer maximum control, DDP the seller.

Do I always need a customs declaration for FCL?

Yes – for international FCL shipments (outside the EU internal market), export and import customs declarations are mandatory. Within the EU, customs declarations are not required, but reporting obligations apply (e.g. Intrastat). A customs broker usually handles both sides.

Can I book an FCL container with EXW?

Yes, EXW is possible – but as buyer you assume full risk and all costs from the seller's warehouse: pickup, export customs, pre-carriage, ocean freight, import customs, delivery. EXW requires good local knowledge and customs expertise in the export country.

Seefracht · FCLFull Container Load

FCL – Full Container Load

Everything about Full Container Load: definition, process, costs, FCL vs LCL calculator and Incoterms – the complete guide.

Last updated: 1 February 2026Published: 1 June 2025

Containers being loaded at port – FCL booking

1 shipper

exclusive per container (FCL)

16–45

days avg. transit time worldwide

from approx. 14 CBM

FCL can be cheaper than LCL*

* Guideline – varies by route, carrier and cargo

≈14CBM

typical FCL vs LCL break-even range (guideline, lane-dependent)

Source: UNCTAD, 2023

What is FCL?

FCL (Full Container Load) means a single shipper exclusively occupies the entire container. The container is loaded and sealed at the shipper's premises and only opened at the consignee's location – no other cargo, no transshipment, maximum security.

FCL Advantages

Less handling – lower damage risk
Faster transit times than LCL
Cheaper per CBM from approx. 14 CBM
Container is sealed – high security
Direct tracking with the carrier

FCL vs LCL – Decision Calculator

Enter your shipment volume and get an instant recommendation.

From

Volume: 8 CBM

130 CBM

Weight: 4,000 kg

10020 000 kg

Recommended

LCL

~USD 1,700

8.0 chargeable CBM

37–50 days

incl. CFS handling

FCL

~USD 3,800

20ft · 40ft ≈ 4,700

32–42 days

direct transport possible

* Market indication – not a binding quote. Variations possible based on timing, carrier and cargo type.

Methodology: Port-to-port FAK/spot band (Drewry WCI anchors) · As of 2026-07-30 · Confidence: Estimate.

Container Types for FCL

All common container types at a glance – with the most important specifications.

20' DC

Standard

Vol. 33 m³

Payload 28 t

40' DC

Standard

Vol. 67 m³

Payload 27 t

40' HC

High Cube

Vol. 76 m³

Payload 26 t

40' RF

Reefer / Cooling

Vol. 67 m³

Payload 22 t

40' FR

Flat Rack

Vol. –

Payload 40 t

All dimensions & types

FCL Process – 7 Steps

From booking to delivery – this is how an FCL shipment works.

Container port aerial view – FCL process

FCL Cost Components

An FCL price consists of several components. Here is an overview of all typical cost items.

Ocean Freight~45 %

Main cost driver – varies greatly by route, season and carrier.

THC Origin Port~12 %

Terminal Handling Charge at the port of loading – costs for handling and storage.

THC Destination Port~12 %

Terminal Handling Charge at the destination port – same logic as at the port of loading.

B/L Fee & Documentation~5 %

Costs for issuing the Bill of Lading and carrier documentation fees.

Customs Clearance~10 %

Customs duties (varies by commodity code and import country), customs broker fee.

Pre-/On-Carriage (Truck/Rail)~16 %

Transport from shipper to port (pre-carriage) and from port to consignee (on-carriage).

* Percentages are indicative values and vary considerably by route, season and carrier.

FCL & Incoterms

The 6 most common Incoterms in FCL sea freight – who bears which costs and risks?

Incoterms contract signing – FCL sea freight

Incoterm	Risk Transfer	Freight costs paid by	Note
EXW	Seller's warehouse	Buyer	Maximum risk for buyer, lowest purchase price
FCA	Named place (handover to carrier)	Buyer	Flexible, works well for FCL with modern B/L
FOB	On board ship (port of loading)	Buyer	Most common Incoterm in FCL Asia import
CFR	On board ship (port of loading)	Seller	Seller pays freight but bears no risk from loading
CIF	On board ship (port of loading)	Seller (incl. insurance)	Seller pays freight + minimum insurance
DDP	Buyer's warehouse (duty paid)	Seller	Maximum risk for seller, highest purchase price

Most common Incoterm in FCL Asia import.

All Incoterms in glossary

FCL Documents Checklist

These documents are required for an FCL sea freight shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions about FCL

Key Terms in Glossary

Full Container Load (FCL)Bill of Lading (B/L)Demurrage Customs Clearance

FCL – Full Container Load

What is FCL?

FCL Advantages

FCL vs LCL – Decision Calculator

Container Types for FCL

FCL Process – 7 Steps

FCL Cost Components

FCL & Incoterms

FCL Documents Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions about FCL

Key Terms in Glossary

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Container Types & Dimensions

Container Markings & BIC

Customs Clearance

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Documents & B/L

Transit Times & Main Routes

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