FCL
Category: Shipping Modes
Definition (plain English)
Full Container Load means a shipper books a whole container, usually because the cargo volume, weight, handling risk, or control requirement justifies dedicated equipment.
Why it matters commercially
FCL can improve unit economics and reduce handling, but it adds container planning, free-time, demurrage, detention, VGM, loading, and destination readiness requirements.
Example
A buyer moved from repeated 8 CBM LCL shipments to a planned 20ft FCL once demand, warehouse space, and container unloading capacity were stable.
Common mistake
Assuming FCL is cheaper before checking fill rate, weight limits, pallet fit, port charges, free time, destination delivery, and slow-moving inventory risk.
Use this in CommerceKit
Container Profit Calculator
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