Ocean Freight

FCL (Full Container Load):  

FCL is the term used to describe a shipment of goods that is specifically transported in an ocean container without any other shipments in that same container.  FCL containers typically come in 3 standard sizes (20ft Container, 40ft Container & 40ft High Cube Container).  Also, in very few cases, depending on the destination, there is also a 45ft Container.

FCL Shipping Process:  For FCL shipments we will arrange to pick up the container from either the port or inland container yard and truck it to the location where the cargo is being loaded at.  The container will then be either loaded by professional packers or can also be self-loaded by the shipper (Please see Packing Section for Different packing Options).  Once the container is loaded we will place a seal on the door of the container and deliver it to the port of departure where it will then be loaded onto the ship.  Upon arrival at destination, we can either provide you with a door to door service where we would clear customs and deliver the container to your final destination overseas, or we can offer a Door to Port service where you will be responsible for arranging customs clearance and for the pickup of the container and delivery of your goods form the port. 

LCL (Less than Container Load):  

An LCL shipment refers to a shipment that will be transported inside an ocean container with other cargo in that same container.  LCL shipments are ideal for customers that are only sending a few items or for shippers that don’t have enough to fill an entire container.  For the most part, LCL shipments are typically either crated or palletized to ensure that your goods are protected throughout the entire shipping process.  Depending on what the customer is shipping , we can either pickup the goods form the customers location, professionally  pack the goods and deliver them  to shipping line’s receiving warehouse, or in some cases if the goods are already packed, the shipper can self-deliver the goods to the receiving terminal themselves (Please see the service section for the different shipping options).  LCL Shipments can either be shipped door to door or we can ship the freight to over 400 major cities worldwide where the customer will be able to pick it up.

LCL Shipping Process: LCL shipments are quoted based on how much space your goods will occupy in the container.  The unit of volume used to measure and LCL shipment is “Cubic feet”.   Upon arrival at the shipping terminal the shipping line will measure your goods and issue a dock receipt with your final volume in cubic feet.  Please note that the palletizing and packing process will always increase the volume that you are shipping. (Most of the time the volume can increase by anywhere from 10%-25% after packing and palletizing).