FCL Transport
Full container load sea freight. For companies shipping larger volumes that want the entire container to themselves - no co-loading, no waiting for others.
- FIATA
- PISiL founding member
- OOG specialists
- Trusted forwarding since 1991
FCL (Full Container Load) is a form of sea freight in which the entire container is at the disposal of a single shipment. Fewer transhipments mean shorter delivery times and a lower risk of cargo damage. Cartrag organises FCL transport on all major routes - imports from Asia, exports to Europe, the USA and Canada, and cross-trade between continents. Over 100 countries served, a dedicated forwarding contact for every shipment.
What is FCL - when a full container pays off
FCL pays off for larger lots of goods, for sensitive cargo (not to be mixed with someone else's), and when a shorter, more predictable delivery time matters.
FCL vs LCL comparison
| Criteria | FCL (full container) | LCL (groupage) |
|---|---|---|
| Consignment size | Larger volumes, cargo filling the container | Smaller lots that do not fill a container |
| Delivery time | Shorter and more predictable | Longer - consolidation and deconsolidation are added |
| Shared cargo | None - a single shipment only | Container shared with other consignments |
| Cost | Flat rate per container | Charge for the occupied volume (m³) |
| When to choose | Full consignment, sensitive cargo, urgent delivery | Small lots, no time pressure |
How much FCL costs - containers, capacity, pallets
The FCL rate is charged for the whole container - regardless of how full it is. The client pays one sum for the port-to-port leg, plus port charges, fuel and currency surcharges, customs clearance and domestic transport. The final price depends mainly on the container type, the route, the season and the characteristics of the cargo.
What makes up the FCL price
Several factors influence the final price of FCL transport:
- Ocean freight: the carrier's rate for moving the container, usually 40-60% of the total door-to-door cost
- Container type: 20' DV, 40' DV, 40' HC, reefer, flat rack, open top (different rates)
- Route: port of origin, destination port, availability of carrier services
- Season: peak season (Q4, Chinese New Year), Golden Week, low season
- Port charges and door-to-door handling: customs clearance, domestic transport, fuel and currency surcharges
Container types and their capacity
| Container type | Dimensions/capacity (approx.) | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 20' DV (Dry Van) | ~33 m³ | heavy cargo of small volume, smaller lots |
| 40' DV | ~67 m³ | being replaced by 40' HC |
| 40' HC (High Cube) | ~76 m³, ~30 cm taller | standard for most goods |
| Reefer 20'/40' | controlled temperature | food, pharmaceuticals, sensitive cargo |
| Flat rack | open sides | machinery, vehicles, oversized cargo |
| Open top | open roof | top loading, tall cargo |
How many pallets fit in a container (no stacking)
The choice of FCL container depends on the volume and weight of the cargo, its sensitivity and dimensions. A standard 20' or 40' works for typical goods, the taller 40' HC for voluminous cargo, a reefer for goods requiring constant temperature, and flat rack or open top for unusual dimensions. Cartrag matches the container type to the cargo and suggests the choice at the quoting stage.
| Container type | EUR pallets (120×80) | Industrial pallets (120×100) | When stacked (2 layers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' DV | 11 pcs | 10 pcs | ×2 if the cargo allows |
| 40' DV | 24 pcs | 21 pcs | ×2 if the cargo allows |
| 40' HC | 24 pcs | 21 pcs | ×2 if the cargo allows |
| 40' PW | 30 pcs | 24 pcs | yes |
| 45' PW | 33 pcs | 26 pcs | yes |
A 40' HC holds the same number of pallets as a 40' DV, but thanks to the extra height (~30 cm more) it allows taller cargo or stacking where a standard 40' could not take it.
In practice: planning the load
Four factors decide how much cargo will actually fit in a container.
- Weight or volume limit. A container has two limits and usually one runs out first. With heavy cargo (steel, machine parts, chemicals, stone) it is the weight, and space usage depends on the permissible load per m² of floor. With light cargo, stacking ability is key. Some loads fill only 20-30% of a container.
- Stowage loss. Part of the theoretical capacity always escapes, and the scale of losses depends on the form of cargo: palletised - losses may exceed 30%, loose - usually 15-20%, because it can be packed more densely.
- Permissible weight in road transport. In Poland the combination limit is 40 t. After deducting the tractor and container weight this leaves: 20' - up to 20 t, 40' - up to 22 t, 40' in combined transport (road + rail/barge) - up to 25 t.
- Cargo securing. Dunnage bags, straps, dividers and anti-corrosion protection take up space that must be accounted for at the planning stage. Without them, waves, container movement and changes in temperature and humidity can damage even correctly loaded cargo. Cartrag packs and secures cargo as part of the Container Packing service.
Import and export - how to ship a container
Cartrag handles FCL in both directions - imports from Asia, the USA, Canada and Europe to Poland, and exports from Poland worldwide. Documents, documentation and customs clearance are part of the process in every transaction.
Importing from China - the steps
- Space booking with the carrier (booking)
- Loading and the voyage to the destination port: Gdańsk, Gdynia, Szczecin or a Western European port (Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam)
- Customs clearance at the port of discharge or at the place of destination (T1 transit)
- Inland transport to the consignee
Import documents: bill of lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, industry certificates (CITES, phytosanitary, veterinary), import permits where required.
The voyage takes the longest. The choice of port depends on the route, available carrier services, rates and the place of delivery.
Most common routes: China (Shanghai, Ningbo), Southeast Asia, USA, Canada, Western Europe.
Exporting from Poland - the steps
- Selecting the carrier, port of loading and route
- Export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health, veterinary or phytosanitary certificates, Annex VII (depending on the cargo)
- Export customs clearance
- Container delivery before the cut-off at the port of loading
Agreeing the Incoterms is key. Cartrag handles import and export clearances, T1 transit, the Article 33a VAT Act procedure and bonded storage.
Routes and transit times - how long from China
Sea freight time from China is about 53 days and depends on the port of departure, the carrier and the route. Total delivery time is additionally affected by customs clearance, terminal slot availability and the organization of transport after discharge.
FCL import to Poland - example routes
| Route | Transit time |
|---|---|
| China - Shanghai → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~45-60 days |
| China - Ningbo → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~49-52 days |
| China - Shenzhen/Yantian → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~41-45 days |
| China - Qingdao → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~54-61 days |
| Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~46-54 days |
| Malaysia - Port Klang → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~45-52 days |
| Singapore → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~37-42 days |
| Korea - Busan → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~53-62 days |
| India - Nhava Sheva/Mundra → Gdańsk/Gdynia | ~45-52 days |
FCL export from Gdańsk / Gdynia - example routes
| Route | Transit time |
|---|---|
| Gdańsk/Gdynia → USA (New York/Newark) | ~21-30 days |
| Gdańsk/Gdynia → Canada (Montreal) | ~21-30 days |
| Gdańsk/Gdynia → Jeddah | ~30-40 days |
| Szczecin → Reykjavik | 6 days, fortnightly service |
| Gdańsk/Gdynia → Poti | ~39-45 days |
Carriers - who we work with
Cartrag carries out FCL transport in cooperation with leading carriers serving the ports of Gdańsk and Gdynia. The carrier for a specific route is chosen based on the direction, the deadline and the specifics of the cargo.
Carrier list: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE (Ocean Network Express), Evergreen, COSCO, Yang Ming, HMM and others.
How to order FCL transport - step by step
Ordering FCL transport runs in five steps - from the enquiry to delivery at the indicated address.
- Enquiry - information about the cargo, the route, the deadline (even preliminary)
- Quote - free, non-binding, within 3 hours
- Booking - carrier reservation, schedule
- Transport and tracking - loading, voyage, unloading in Gdynia, status at every stage
- Door-to-door delivery - clearance, terminal, domestic transport
The process is supervised by a dedicated forwarding contact. Services are provided under OPWS 2022 (Polish General Forwarding Conditions).
Industries - sectors served in FCL
FCL transport serves industries that ship larger volumes or need full control of the container - from automotive and industrial machinery, through dangerous goods and controlled temperature, to steel products under SENT, construction materials and export timber. Cartrag organises full-container sea freight for companies importing from Asia, exporting to Europe, the USA and Canada, and running cross-trade between continents.
We handle FCL transport for companies across many industry and trade sectors, including:
- Automotive
- Steel and metallurgy
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Chemical and petrochemical
- Timber and furniture
- Food and FMCG
- Pharmaceutical and medical
- Construction and building materials
- Wind energy and offshore
We also handle Project Cargo, out-of-gauge loads (OOG), waste transport (Annex VII) and cross-trade - on request.
FCL FAQ - documents, customs, insurance
FCL makes sense when the cargo fills the container to a significant degree or when no co-loading, greater security and a shorter delivery time matter. The specific break-even point depends on the route, the season and the nature of the cargo - Cartrag calculates it with every enquiry. Roughly, above 10-12 euro pallets or 15-18 m³ FCL starts to beat LCL, though on some routes the threshold can be much higher or lower.
A standard 20' DV container holds about 10-11 euro pallets (120×80 cm) on the floor, a 40' DV - 23-25 euro pallets. Actual volume utilisation depends on stacking, the shape of the cargo and weight limits. The full capacity table is in the FCL pricing section.
There are two routes: FCL despite partial loading - when no co-loading, greater security or a shorter delivery time matter - or LCL (sea groupage) charged by occupied volume or weight. What pays off for a given lot is decided by the ratio of volume to the cost of a full container. Cartrag analyses both options on enquiry and indicates the more sensible one.
Yes. Cartrag handles both one-off FCL shipments and ongoing cooperation - with no long-term contract to start. For companies with regular import volumes from Asia or exports from Poland, Cartrag reserves space on regular carrier services, which shortens reaction time and gives predictable loading dates.
Yes. Cartrag handles both one-off shipments and regular deliveries from Asia on fixed schedules. For companies with repeatable volumes, Cartrag reserves space on regular carrier services, which shortens reaction time and gives predictable loading dates.
Most often not because of the voyage itself but the processes around it: congested terminals, customs clearances, missing documentation or changes in carrier schedules. That is why supervision of the whole process matters, not just the leg on water.
Rail works when a shorter transit time matters at a cost lower than air freight. Sea remains the cheapest for larger volumes and less urgent deliveries. The choice depends on the type of goods, the deadline and the budget.
The basic FCL import documents are:
- bill of lading (B/L) issued by the carrier for the whole container
- commercial invoice from the seller, with goods description, quantity, price and Incoterms
- packing list with dimensions and weight
- certificate of origin: EUR.1, FORM A, CO (if required for customs preferences)
- industry certificates - CITES, phytosanitary, veterinary (depending on cargo)
- import permits - where required
Cartrag coordinates the documentation and handles full customs clearance.
The basic FCL export documents are:
- commercial invoice
- packing list
- certificate of origin - depending on the destination country and customs preferences
- health, veterinary, phytosanitary certificates - depending on the type of cargo
- Annex VII - for exports of waste covered by EC Regulation 1013/2006
Cartrag prepares the export documentation and handles the export clearance.
Cartrag covers the full scope of container customs clearance together with a customs agency:
- import and export clearances
- T1 transit
- simplified procedure 33a
- bonded storage
- AEO (Authorised Economic Operator)
The exact scope is agreed on enquiry, depending on the route and type of cargo.
Yes. Cartrag arranges cargo insurance together with an insurance partner, as part of the forwarding service. By default the policy covers the cargo value and transport risks - the variant is matched to the specific shipment. The client can also present their own cargo policy if they have one.
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are international rules that determine who - seller or buyer - is responsible for transport, insurance, customs clearance and the risk of cargo loss at each stage. Five variants are most common in FCL transport:
| Term | Meaning | Who is responsible for transport |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Ex Works - collection from the seller's warehouse | Buyer - from the moment of collection |
| FOB | Free On Board - loaded on the vessel at the port of departure | Buyer - from loading on the vessel |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance & Freight - freight and insurance to the destination port | Seller - sea freight and insurance; buyer - from unloading |
| DAP | Delivered At Place - delivered to the indicated location | Seller - to the place of delivery (excluding import clearance) |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid - delivered with duty paid | Seller - all transport, clearance and duty |
The choice depends on how much responsibility the seller wants to take and how much the buyer. If in doubt, Cartrag advises which variant best fits the transaction.
YOUR FCL CONTACT
Paweł | forwarding at Cartrag
"In forwarding, experience matters most when the plan stops working."