HART Worldwide Logistics is your best freight forwarding solutions provider for FCL containers from China to the rest of the world where sea freight and rail freight are available. We provide a Full Container Load through both 20 FCL containers and 40 FCL containers.
We have a dedicated market team to analyze the situation of FCL Full Container Load from China to other countries and other countries to China. This team is always providing real insight into the market and it helps to get the most competitive rates for your FCL container shipments.
We have expert and experienced customs affairs departments in China and other countries, where the trade relationship exists between China and the respective countries. The customs team helps to get risk-free customs clearance for your FCL 20 container and 40 FCL container.
We signed contracts with the world’s major ocean shipping lines for 20ft FCL and 40 FCL container shipments. Maersk, EVERGREEN, PIL, CMA-CGM, Yang Ming, COSCO, etc., are the ocean shipping lines that we have contracts with. It ensures the large capacity of our shipments for your FCL container shipments.
We have organized, standard, and systematized online transactions, that help you to get hassle-free automated transactions advantages. We offer all types of FCL solutions for your shipments with the best quality. So, why late? Knock us today to grave the best offer for your FCL container shipping.
Our Other Services Besides FCL Container
Air Freight
We provide air freight from China to other countries. Air freight is the fastest shipping method. We also provide customs clearance for your air freight from China to the respective countries and delivery.
LCL Container
We provide LCL container shipping along with the FCL 20 container and 40 FCL container shipping modes from China to other countries. We are quite experienced to provide the service.
Rail Freight
Rail freight is not available in all countries of the world. But provide rail freight to those countries from China, where the rail freight is available. FCL is also available for rail freight from China to other countries.
Door to Door Shipping
We provide door-to-door services through air, rail, and sea freight from China to your destined location. Door-to-door service is also available through the 20ft FCL and 40 FCL container shipments.
Express Services
Express shipping is the fastest shipping delivery from China to other countries. Though the express services are available through air freight, this is a premium quality service type that needs less time than the classic air freight with a little more expensive.
Customs Clearance
We provide hassle-free customs clearance for your shipments through air, sea, and rail freight from China to other countries. Our dedicated customs clearance team handles the things.
Warehousing
Probably you need warehousing support anywhere in the world. No worries, we have small and big warehousing support for your goods worldwide. Just knock us for your needs with the requirement.
Why Choose Hart for Your FCL Container?
Focus
We focus on the target market that emphasizes our goal to the strength. Focus makes professionalism in the business. It also helps us to standardize our business with international standards.
Cheap Shipping Rate
We, the HART always provide the cheapest and the most competitive shipping freight forwarding rates for FCL containers to our valuable customers. But this does not hamper our quality.
Standardization
Standard cargo handling, logistic solutions, and procedures ensure our consistency in providing services. It helps us to hold the consistency for always. It also avail us to respond to your query in the fastest time.
Systematization
Our fully systematized and devoted in-house software allows online transactions and orders for our clients without relying on any individuals. Our system is 100% online, and a manual-free AI-based automated web system.
Full Self-control
Every transaction of yours is self-controlled by you. You can control your transactions through our software. You also can track your orders and shipments through our in-house software with a unique tracking id.
Custom Clearance Service
Our customs clearance operators are highly experienced to clear your goods from any customs in the world. We also use the local customs agents in the respective country as well. Also, we operate with proper legalizations in a certain country for your risk-free customs clearance.
Wide Coverage
We operate our offices in Asia’s other countries besides China. We have also offices in Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania. We also have offices and warehouses in more than 20 cities in China as well.
Highly Trained Team
Training makes a man a perfect doer. We have a highly trained team that can handle any issue created during the freight forwarding of your goods from China other countries, and in China as well.
Professionalism
We have a truly professional employee team that approaches our valuable customers with true professionalism. Professionalism makes the business successful.
Qualifications and Honor for FCL Container
Business Form for International Freight Forwarders
According to the Administration of the International Cargo Transport Agency and the Foreign Trade Laws and Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, every international freight forwarder needs a business certificate for freight forwarding. This certificate is issued by the Ministry of Commerce of China.
NVOCC Business Operation Qualification Registration Certificate
Being NVOCC needs the high qualifications of a freight forwarder. This is issued by the Ministry of Transport. NVOCC registered freight forwarders get extra advantages in freight forwarding for booking shipping lines and many other things. They also can issue their own bill of lading. Most of the freight forwarders in China are not the NVOCCs.
ISO9001 2015 Quality Management System Certificate
We have come under the ISO management quality certification, which enforces to ensure the best quality services for the customers. It also helps to avoid any type of misunderstanding with the customers. The ISO authority regulates our movement and communications with our customers.
Certificate of Membership for WCA
WCA- World Cargo Transport Association is the largest and most powerful organization for independent international freight forwarders. It protects the financial transactions of its members. It also allows its members to do business among members with full proof of security and peace of mind.
Certificate of Membership for CIFA
China International Freight Forwarders Associations is a national organization for Chinese freight forwarders. It helps to ensure to coordinate each other, keep the discipline and keep a healthy and competitive trade environment in the freight forwarding industry.
Member Unit for SIFFA
Shenzhen International Freight forwarders Associations is a regional social organization for the freight forwarders in Shenzhen. It tries to ensure cooperation among the regional freight forwarders. It also tries to help to exchange information and promote international freight forwarding among the local freight forwarders.
FCL Container Shipping From China | The Ultimate FAQ Guide
Introduction
China is the world’s number 1 exporter and number 2 importer according to the statistics in 2019.
As expected, shipping from and to China would be the easiest nowadays.
There are all types of shipping are available from China globally, and to China from the different countries as well.
Sea freight from and to China is one of the most reliable shipping methods.
There are also two different types of sea freight- FCL, and LCL.
FCL stands for Full Container Load and LCL stands for Less than Container Load.
In this FAQ guide, we are going to discuss the FCL method of shipping from China.
Tight your belt, and stay tuned.
This FAQ Guide will answer all sorts of questions related to FCL shipping.
Table Of Contents
- What Is The Meaning Of An FCL Container?
- Is FCL Container Shipping Available In China?
- When Should I Use Full Container Load Shipping?
- What Are The Available Shipping Methods To Use FCL Shipping?
- What Are The Available Shipping Companies And Shipping Lines For FCL Shipping?
- How To Calculate The Volume Of A FCL Container?
- What Is A 20ft FCL Container?
- What Is The Maximum Capacity Of A 20ft FCL Container For Both Weight And Volume?
- How Much Does A 20ft FCL Container Cost?
- How Many Pallets Can A 20ft FCL Container Hold?
- What Is A 40ft FCL Container?
- What Is The Weight And Volume Limit For A 40 Unit FCL Container?
- How Much Does A 40ft FCL Container Can Cost On Average?
- How Many Pallets Can A 40ft FCL Container Hold?
- How To Ship By The FCL- Full Container Load?
- Is Shipping With An FCL Container Cheaper Than LCL?
- What Are the Required Documents For Shipping By Full Container Load?
- Is There Any Weight Limit For An FCL Container To Ship From China?
- What Is The Difference Between A 20ft FCL And 40ft FCL Container?
- Is Consolidated Shipping Available Through The FCL Shipping?
- Is Insurance Available For FCL Full Container Load Shipping?
- What Are The Required Documents For FCL Shipping?
- What Are The Advantages Of Shipping By FCL Container?
1. What Is The Meaning Of A FCL Container?
FCL container is a term used for shipping by sea freight or rail freight.
In the sea freight and rail freight mode, there are two types of containers- 20ft, and 40ft.
For each of them, two different terms are FCL and LCL.
We are discussing the FCL here.
FCL stands for Full Container Load.
So, what is the meaning actually?
In the FCL container mode, the key fact is, you have to hire a whole 20ft or a 40 container for your shipment, and you will use the whole container for your goods.
No other exporter or importer is not allowed to use the certain container which you hired.
And the most certain thing is, you also have to pay the total rent for the hired container.
Let’s watch the video to know more about FCL container:
2. Is FCL Container Shipping Available In China?
Yes, FCL is available in China.
You can ship your goods from China to other countries worldwide by FCL of sea freight and rail freight (where the methods are available.
You also can ship your goods from other countries to China as well through the FCL container.
FCL provides door-to-door services as well.
3. When Should I Use Full Container Load Shipping?
Full Container Load or FCL container is most suitable for a bulk shipment.
Like you are shipping a large number of goods from China, or to China from other countries.
In this case, the FCL container will be the better choice for your shipment.
Because using an FCL container is too much cost-effective for a large shipment.
If you tend to use the LCL in this case, it will be more expensive than the FCL one.
4. What Are The Available Shipping Methods To Use FCL Shipping?
Two types of shipping methods provide FCL Full Container Load advantage.
Sea freight and rail freight are the two methods.
You can use these two shipping methods for FCL containers either for 20ft FCL, or 40ft FCL.
5. What Are The Available Shipping Companies And Shipping Lines For FCL Shipping?
So, this question is big at all.
There are hundreds of shipping companies available in China to deploy FCL by sea freight and rail freight.
You can’t name a certain number of companies for this service.
We can just mention some top freight forwarders or shipping agents, along with the shipping lines that provide FCL shipments from China to other countries.
Top Shipping Companies that Provide FCL Shipment
- HART Worldwide Logistics
- DHL Global
- EVERGREEN Logistic Corporation
- SINOTRANS and CSC HOLDING CO. LTD
- ChinaTrans International Limited
- Freight Best
- CTS International Logistics Corporation Limited
- C&D Corporation Limited
- Sinosteel Shipping & Forwarding Co
- JC Logistics Group Co
- Zhenhua Logistics Group etc.
Top Sea shipping Lines that Provide FCL by 20 FCL Container, or 40 FCL Container
- Maersk
- EVERGREEN Shipping Lines
- CMA CGM
- COSCO
- PIL
- APL
- Yang Ming
- OOCL
- MSC etc.
Top Rail Companies that Provide FCL by 20 FCL Container or 40 FCL Container
- China Railway Special Cargo Service Company
- China Railway Express Company
- China Railway Corporation
- China Railway Container Transport Company, etc.
6. How To Calculate The Volume Of A FCL Container?
Measuring the volume for an FCL container is the multiplication of the 3 dimensions of a container.
These 3 dimensions are length, height, and width.
So the volume would be Length X Height X Width.
The unit for the volume of the FCL container is CBM- Cubic Meter.
7. What Is A 20ft FCL Container?
A 20ft FCL Container is a 20ft long carrying container that is most commonly used for shipping goods through sea freight or rail freight.
Its length becomes the identical name for it.
The exterior dimension for the 20 ft container is 20ft long X 8ft wide X 8ft 6inches high.
The size of a 20ft container is 33.6 cubic meters.
8. What Is The Maximum Capacity Of A 20ft FCL Container For Both Weight And Volume?
There are different types of 20ft containers available.
Each of them is not able to take the same load, because of its type.
Another fact is, in the shipping sector, the dry container is used for shipping.
Here we will show the calculation for the 20ft dry container.
Dimension:
- Exterior dimension in foot: Length- 20ft X Width- 8ft X Height- 8ft 6inches
- Internal dimension in foot: Length- 19ft 4inches X Width- 7ft 9inches X Height- 7ft 10inches
- Exterior dimension in metere: Length 6.10 meter X Width-2.44 meter X Height 2.59 meter
- Internal dimension in meter: Length- 5.898 meter X Width- 2.352 meter X Height 2.393 meter
Here we found the dimension and size of a 20 FCL container.
Weight Capacity:
Now, what is the weight capacity of an FCL 20 container?
On average, a 20ft FCL container’s weight is around 2300kg.
And the payload of a 20 FCL container is about 25400 kg.
This payload might change a little based on the type of goods.
The gross weight goes according to the container’s weight and weight capacity around 27700 kg for a 20ft FCl container.
9. How Much Does A 20ft FCL Container Cost?
This is a crucial point to answer.
Shipping cost is a thing that is always a changeable fact.
You can’t determine any fixed cost for a 20 FCL container from China to other countries.
The cost varies based on several factors.
They are the weight of the goods, type of the goods, the season of the shipment.
Also, every place from China to other countries is not within the same distance.
So, distance is one of the most crucial points here.
Your cost will not be the same for the shipments from China to Asian countries, and China to America.
Also, China to Africa, China to Oceania will be varied as well.
According to balance everything, we can show you a range of cost only.
You will have to pay $900 to $5500 for a 20ft FCL container for shipping from China to several places worldwide.
10. How Many Pallets Can A 20ft FCL Container Hold?
In terms of European pallet size, which dimension is 1.2 meters X 0.8 meters (3.937 foot X 2.625 foot), a 20ft FCl container can hold 11 pallets.
On the other hand, the American standard pallet size, which dimension is 1.016 meters X 1.219 meters (3.333 foot X 4 foot), a 20ft FCL container can hold 10 pallets.
Here the width makes the difference though the length is almost the same.
11. What Is A 40ft FCL Container?
40ft container is a standard 40-foot long container of ship or rail, which is used for shipping goods from China to worldwide.
It is called by its length of 40ft.
The dimension of the 40ft container is- Length 40 foot X Width 8 foot X Height- 8 foot 6 inches.
12. What Is The Weight And Volume Limit For A 40 Unit FCL Container?
The size of a 40ft is measured by the imperial method (foot).
The size is usually measured by external and internal systems.
Here we are going to discuss the dimension and the weight capacity of a 40 FCL container.
Dimension of a 40ft Full Container Load
- Exterior dimension in foot: Length 40 foot X Width 8 foot X Height- 8 foot 6 inches.
- Internal dimension in foot: Length- 39 foot 6inches X Width- 7 foot 9Inches X Height 7 foot 10 inches
- Exterior dimension in metere: Length 12.19 meters X Width 2.44 meters X Width 2.59 meters
- Internal dimension in meter: Length-12.025 meter X Width- 2.352 meter X Height 2.393 meter
The usable size of a 40ft container is 67.7 cubic meters.
Weight Capacity of a 40ft Container
The weight of a 40ft container is 3750kg.
The payload of a 40ft container is about 26300kg.
The gross weight goes to 30050 kg in total.
The payload might change based on the goods’ type.
13. How Much Does A 40ft FCL Container Can Cost On Average?
Like the 20 FCL container, the cost of a 40ft container also varies based on different types of entities like weight capacity, shipping season, goods’ types, etc.
Also here, the distance between the ports is one of the most vital points for determining the cost for a 40 FCL container.
Here are some examples of costs for a 40ft container from China to different places worldwide.
From China to America: $4000- $10000
From China to other Asian Countries: $1200- $4000
From China to Africa: $3500- $10000
From China to Latin Ameria: $4500- $12000
From China to Oceania: $5000- $14000
14. How Many Pallets Can A 40ft FCL Container Hold?
According to European standard pallet size, with the dimension of 1.2 meters X 0.8 meters (3.937 foot X 2.625 foot), a 40ft container can hold 25 European pallets.
The American standard pallet size, with the dimension of 1.016 meters X 1.219 meters (3.333 foot X 4 foot), a 40ft container can hold 21 pallets.
15. How To Ship By The FCL- Full Container Load?
For shipping goods through an FCL full Container Load, there are some procedures that you will follow.
Determine the need of container size, 20ft FCL, or 40ft FCL Full Container Load
First, you have to determine that what you need.
A 20ft container, or 40ft container?
It depends on the quantities of your goods.
If you are sending less than 25000kgs of goods, a 20ft FCL is enough for you.
But if your quantities of goods exceed 25000 kg, a 40ft FCL container is needed for you.
Prepare legal documents
Prepare your required documents that are needed for shipping your goods through the Full Container Load.
Book your container directly, or through an expert freight forwarder
Book the container for your shipment that you need.
You can directly book your container if you are experienced enough in the freight forwarding industry.
Either, you should take help from an experienced freight forwarder like HART for hassle less booking of your container.
Pay your shipping cost
Pay your shipping cost for FCL Full Container Load shipments.
You can pay the payment before the shipment, or after the shipment under respected incoterms.
16. Is Shipping With An FCL Container Cheaper Than LCL?
Yes, generally shipping by FCL container is cheaper than the LCL container shipping.
But, FCL container shipping will not always be cheaper.
If you ship goods below 33 CBM, it will cost you more for FCL container shipping.
Moreover, FCL container shipping is the full container load, that is why you have to choose this method to ship goods over at least 33 CBM (for a 20ft container).
So, if your package is a small one, you should go for LCL shipping.
But if your package is a bigger one then it will be better to choose FCL container shipping.
Therefore, the cheapest shipping depends on the package size and weight.
17. What Are the Required Documents For Shipping By Full Container Load?
For shipping goods through an FCL container, you will need different documents.
Let’s check the required documents for FCL Full Container Load from China to worldwide.
License
You will need an export/import license for shipping goods through the FCL container if you ship on your own.
If you take help from a freight forwarder, they will need the respective license for shipping goods.
Bill of Lading
Bill of lading contains the details about the goods that you are shipping by sea or rail.
It also represents the ownership of the shipments.
Who holds the bill of lading, is the owner of the shipment.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice contains every detail of your shipment such as the price of goods, the quantity of the goods, the customs value of the goods, delivery details, etc.
It may contain additional information like
- an order number
- purchase order number
- or some other customer reference number
You may also have additional banking and payment information.
Packing List
A packing list provides the information about the shipment to the exporter, importer, carrier about the packages that how they packed.
It also carries the weight and dimension of the packages.
Certificate of Origin
Certificate of origin shows that in which country the products are produced.
Most of the countries ask for the certificate even though you mention the originated country in the commercial invoice.
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
A Shipper’s Letter of Instruction is a letter that contains the instruction from the exporter to the freight forwarder, who is acting as the intermediary between the exporter and the carrier.
It explains, to whom and where the shipment is to be delivered.
This letter is granting permission for the freight forwarder to act as the authorized shipping agent of the shipment.
Dangerous Goods Form
If your goods are considered dangerous goods according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), or the International Maritime Organization (IMO), you must include a form of declaration of dangerous goods approved by the authority of the respective country.
There are other several documents needed for several countries, according to the respective country’s rules.
The mentioned documents are basic documents for shipping your goods through the FCL container.
18. Is There Any Weight Limit For An FCL Container To Ship From China?
In terms of shipping goods, there are no limitations for shipping goods through an FCL container.
You can ship as many as goods you want through the FCL container if you want.
It might be in different containers in different shipments.
But in the other sense of weight capacity of a container, either 20 FCL containers or 40 FCL containers, there is a weight limit for the containers.
This limit means the weight capacity of a container.
If the weight capacity exceeds, you must use another container for the remaining goods to ship from China to the destination country.
19. What Is The Difference Between A 20ft FCL And 40ft FCL Container?
The main difference between a 20 FCL container and a 40 FCl container is size.
You can load 25 tons of goods in a 20ft container.
On the other hand, the payload capacity of a 40ft container is 26 tons.
You might say, why I can’t load double in a 40ft, container than a 20ft container.
Actually, different sizes are developed of the container to carry different types of goods.
The 20ft container is basically designed and used for carrying more weight than volume.
For example, minerals, steel, metals, machinery, cement, paper, sugar, steel coils, and other heavy cargo.
On the other hand, a 40ft container is designed and used for more volume than the weight, or heavy cargo.
For example, furniture, cotton, tobacco, and other volume-based cargo.
You can understand more easily by this example.
The volumetric capacity of the 20ft container is 33.6 cubic meters, and the weight capacity is about 25000 kg.
Whereas the volumetric capacity of the 40ft container is 67.7 cubic meters, but the weight capacity is about 26000 kg.
Which is 1000kg more than the 20ft container.
To know more differences between FCL and LCL, let’s watch out this video:
20. Is Consolidated Shipping Available Through The FCL Shipping?
Yes, Consolidated shipping is available through the FCL Full Container Load shipping.
Your freight forwarder will gather all your LCL shipments from different suppliers, and send them to you through an FCL container.
Actually, consolidated shipping’s main application is through the FCL container shipping.
21. Is Insurance Available For FCL Full Container Load Shipping?
Yes, insurance is available for goods that are shipped through the FCL from China to other countries.
Insurance secures the safety of your goods during the shipment period.
Another information for you; you could choose third-party insurance for your shipment.
It will reduce the insurance costs than using the carrier’s insurance.
22. What Are The Advantages Of Shipping By FCL Container?
There are several advantages you will get by using the FCL container for shipping your goods.
- It ensures sufficient space for your bulk shipment from China to other countries.
- FCL Full Container Load shipping reduces the shipping cost than the LCL. Because, how much the quantity increased, the cost decreased respectively.
- There is no hassle for your goods because your hired spaces will not be used for other people’s goods.
- Needed shipping time will be less because after loading your goods to the containers, the carrier will not wait for other loadings.
- There will be little customs clearance time needed since the customs authority will check only your goods at a time.
So, we can say that the FCL Full Container Load is efficient, cost-effective, and a time saver if you are shipping bulk shipments.
Last Words
If you are an exporter or importer, you should know and do more study about different types of shipping methods and containing modes.
For conducting a successful and profitable business, you must keep an eye on your shipping cost.
And knowing about the shipping modes based on your needs is a must.
Otherwise, your business will be a slow run to a profit.
In this guide, we tried to cover the FCL container shipping for you.
This will be helping you to know about one of the most famous shipping methods, which is FCL Full Container Load.
We Hope, you will be benefitted from this article.
You also can know about other shipping methods and modes from our several articles on certain topics.
You also can take help from us.
We, the HART are always standing by to help you with shipping solutions of your goods from China to other countries, and from other countries to China.
So, why let?
Knock us hurriedly to get the best FCL solutions, along with other logistic solutions.