What is FCL Shipping and How Does The Process Work?

The FCL shipping process is where you hire an entire shipping container to transport your goods. FCL allows you to completely fill the container as opposed to LCL (less than container load) shipping where you to book a portion of space within it.

The FCL Shipping Process

If you’re looking to import a large amount of stock (over about 20 cubic metres) then the FCL shipping process may be the method for you.  All you need to do is establish the container size you’ll need (here’s our guide) and understand some key bits of the process.  As the container is only packed with your goods, it will be loaded by your supplier and unloaded by you on arrival.  Here’s an overview of the FCL shipping process:

1. Our local overseas agent will contact your supplier. They will decide, based on the readiness of the goods, which ship they will catch

2.  The container will be taken to your supplier’s factory on the back of a truck. Your supplier will load the goods into the container

3. The container will be sealed and taken to the port where it’ll be cleared through customs. It’s loaded onto the ship which brings it to the UK

4. In the UK the container is taken off the ship and put on the quay

5. The port gives 7 days free rent for the container to be customs cleared and delivered (so we all need to be quick!)

6. Once cleared the container will be loaded onto the back of a truck. The truck will arrive outside your premises and you have to break the container’s seal

7. You have 3 hours to unload your goods from the container either by hand (you may need some help!)

8. The empty container is driven back to the port to be reused

   
   

   Features of FCL Shipping

1. Cheaper per cbm. If you are importing a large amount of stock, FCL is the cheaper option as you pay ‘per container’ rather than ‘per cubic metre’.

2. Quicker than LCL. FCL requires much less loading and unloading at each port.  As a result, you save time at both ends of the process.

3. Only you and your supplier touch the goods. So, the risk of damage is reduced. One of the biggest reasons that we recommend marine insurance is that cargo getting damaged in transit is a real concern. Many importers don’t understand how many people need to touch their goods just to get them from one place to another and that accidents can happen. When you ship using FCL, your goods are far more secure as they are transported in the container as opposed to being taken out and handled.

4. You need to import a larger amount of stock. To be a cost-efficient option, FCL requires you to be importing a larger volume of products. For a start-up or small business, this means that FCL may not be viable.