China Ocean Freight
Freightkim would be your best freight forwarding partner if you are planning to move your goods by sea from cities in China, like Xiamen,Shanghai, Ningbo,Qingdao,Guangzhou, shenzhen etc. We create tailor-made international sea shipping service to meet your time and price.
You should have known the FCL shipping container transport from China.
Here we comes to FCL shipping, the most common used shipping method for global export & import business.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about fcl logisitcs.
In particular, the fcl shipping container transport from China Ocean Freight service.
So if you want to save time and efforts for your fcl shipment , you will love this guide.
Let’s dive right in.
FCL Shipping Fundamentals
The Definition , Pros & Cons, What & What not.
Container Type and Dimensions
Description of 20FT,40FT,40HQ
FCL Shipping Process
The end-to-end procedure for a FCL shipping
FCL Shipping Costs
The calculation formula, quote, and payment
FCL Shipping Documents
What documents do you need to prepare ?
POL & POD
Port of loading in China and port of dishcarge
Shipping Lines & Container Tracking
Which carrier you are using ? And how to track ?
Shipping Abbreviation
VGM, GRI, CFFF..What’s that stand for ?
Useful Tips collection
10 proven ways to save shipping cost
Chapter 1
FCL China Ocean Freight service
Specifically, in this chapter you will learn fcl meaning.
I’ll also show you the advantagess and disvantages of fcl.
What’s more, when to consider fcl based on comparison of fcl vs lcl.
Let’s get started.
What is FCL？
FCL stands for full container load.
It describes cargo large enough to fill a full container when loading.
In practice, it means that the entire container is intended for one consignee.
Specifically, you don’t need to share container space with other importers like LCL.
You have the right to control the container when use FCL shipping service.
FCL container shipping is the most widely used modes of transportation among all the shipping methods.
At the same time, it is the most cost-effective solution.
The pros and cons of FCL shipping
FCL VS LCL
Advantages & Benefits
• Faster : FCL shipment don’t need devanning like LCL, which saves transit time during the transshipping.
• More Safe: You’re renting the entire container and you’re free to load the container what you like with it inside, means less handling and fewer risks of damage.
Disadvantages & Drawbacks
• Costly : Shipping larger volume and quantities means you need to buy more and pay more.
• Complicated : The whole process of FCL could be more complicated than LCL. You will need to know more knowledge to cope with the problems.
FCL VS AIR
Advantages and Benefits
• Load more : As you can image and see, a steamship can definitive have much more space than a airplane.
• Save cost: For big volume cargo, surely you will save a lot compared with using air service.
Disadvantages and Drawbacks
• Slower : Of course, vessel can’t be faster than plane. So FCL takes longer time.
When to book FCL shipment ?
As mentioned above pros and cons of FCL, you can choose FCL shipping when :
- Shipping Big volume ( Large than 10 CBM ) .Goods above this volume can be more competitive than LCL.
- When you need cargo more safety shipped, again, lower risk of damage during the devanning.
- When you need shipment arrive it time. FCL transit time could be more fixed than LCL.
What goods are not allowed by FCL？
Despite FCL is most used type of shipping, not all cargo can be shipped, especially the sensitive and dangerous cargo.
The list of prohibited or restricted goods potentially includes :
inflammable cargo ( such as petrol, ligher, gas, etc )
explosive material ( such as firework )
lithium batteries ( such as power banks and other electronic devices )
liquid ( such as nail polish,ink, etc )
powder ( such as chemical pigment )
magnetic (such as motor)
perishable goods ( like food )
Medicine
fine art ( like antique )
live animal
……
It doesn’t mean above cargo are 100% can’t be shipped, unless you meet the dangerous goods regulations.
• Ask supplier to offer MSDS, Chemical test report, DGM, UN 38.3 etc shipping documentation for verification before make the booking.
• Provide official statement and guarantee sheet that you’re in charge of all the risks
Chapter 2
Container Types and Dimensions
As you already know, FCL is full container load.
Now it is time to talk about things of container.
Specifically, I will show you 3 container types and dimensions, payload for each type of container.
It’s a very important knowleage you need to master.
With that, you can figure out how many cargo can be loaded and how many containers needed.
Keep reading.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets the standards for shipping container dimensions.
There are 3 kinds of standard containers : 20ft,40ft,40hq
20FT
40FT
40High Cube
Interior Dimensions ( M )
Width
Length
Height
2.35
5.896
2.385
2,35
12.035
2.385
2.35
12.035
2.697
Tare Weight ( KG )
2300 kg
3700 kg
3800 kg
Cubic Capacity ( CBM )
33 cbm
67 cbm
76 cbm
Payload(KG)
24850 kg
32500 kg
30200 kg
FAQ
How much weight is allowed in 20 ft and 40 ft container?
Despite the payload for 20ft is nearly 25 TON, and 28 TON for 40ft,
No shipping lines want to accept such heavy cargo any longer especially when the VGM policy came out.
Based on our operation experience, shipping line prefer cargo under 15 TON for 20ft and 20 TON for 40ft.
When overweight, special application is required.
And of course, addtional costs will be incurred.
How many pallets fit in a 20 or 40 feet container?
For FCL shipping, your pallets should ideally pack tightly into your shippingcontainer.
Depending on pallet type ( Euro , North America and Standard ) and size,
the number of pallets you will be able to load into a 20-foot container or 40-foot container varies.
How many cubic meters can 2oft and 40ft load ?
Despite dimensions may vary slightly, even these numbers should be very close, the shipping capacity are all theoretical value.
Due to cargo are in different packings, and in different dimensions, final capacity will differ a lot.
In most cases, volume under 25 CBM is recommended to use a 20ft container.
And 50-55 CBM in practice for 40ft container.
Chapter 3
FCL Shipping Procedures
FCL is the most complicated among all the shipping method.
Good news is it can be easy for you to understand when use the illustration and animation.
Well, how does it work by FCL shipping ? And how to book a FCL shipment ?
Take the step-by-step guide.
How does it work by FCL ?
How to book FCL shipments ?
Import and customs processes are complex.
Mistakes can be costly.
So having a shipping agent involved is an effective way of managing the risks and ensuring the process goes smoothly.
• Confirm the quote to your forwarder
• Give the contact information of the suppliers to your forwarder
• Bill instruction, especially the details of shipper & consignee.
Forwarder contact suppliers to make the booking
• Deliver or Picking up the cargo to port or airport
• Coordinating with supplier for Customs clearance
• Prepare necessary shipping documents like Packing List, Invoice, C/O , etc
• Cargo consolidation or palleting , labelling etc
• Buy insurance
And then you make the shipping payment based on the amount and bank account.
After that , shipment will be released.
• After that, you will need to clear the import Customs through your own agent or use forwarder’s door to door service.
• Later pay the bill for import Customs tax & duty
• Coordinate the delivery time to door
• Make comments, suggestions or Complains to the service.
With the fcl proess flow, you now know how fcl works.
Still got questions ? Try FAQ.
When can l make the payment ?
The payment condition for international shipping service is prepaid.
So you have to pay the freight payment before container released ( arrival to destination port ).
Can I have the container for my own use ?
The shipping container is COC ( Carrier owned container ).
Of course you can use own container SOC ( Shipper ownded container ) for shipping, or buy the container after cargo discharged, so that you don’t need to send the container back to terminal.
How much time allowed to clear Customs ?
For export Customs in China, normally the CUTOFF ( closing for export Customs ) is 2-3 days befor e ETD ( Estimated time of departure ).
Container better be delivered 1-2 days earlier than CUTOFF date.
If clear Customs at the very day, Customs inspection may easily occurred.
Chapter 4
FCL Shipping Costs
With above shipping process flow, you now have a clear understanding of booking the FCL shipment.
Now here comes to the cost , I believe it is the most important part you care like all the importers.
In this chapter, you will learn everything you need to know close related to FCL shipping cost .
Specifically,How to calculate FCL shipping charge ?
What’s the estimated container shipping cost from China ?
Let’s begin.
How to calculate by FCL shipping costs?
The weight and volume determin how many cargo can be loaded by a type of container.
It’s nothing to do with the container shipping cost.
FCL shipping = container type x container amount.
Interpretation
• Cost is different for each type of container.
• The chargeable unit by FCL shipping is quantity.
For Example
If you book 4 x 20ft + 2 x 40ft + 1 x 40hq rom Shenzhen to Logostics,
When the quote is USD 850 / 1200 / 1250 per 20ft/40ft/40hq ,
Then total FCL shipping cost is 850 X 4 + 1200 X 2 + 1250 X 1 = USD 7050
What’s the FCL container shipping cost from China ?
Looking for estimated container shipping cost price from China ?
Use our free container shipping cost calculator to get instant rates from China to global countries major ports.
Just simply select destination country or input the discharge port you need to ship.
FAQ
1.What's the minimum order of FCL shipping?
As you see, 20ft container is the smallest type of container.
So minimum order for FCL is 20ft container.
But how many CBM recommended to use 20 foot ?
Normally, if the volume above 10 CBM, FCL could be a good choice.
Otherwise, use LCL or Air service.
2.Can I get cheaper price for big quantities of container ?
Despite there are no interval price like LCL or Air freight
You can still negotiate a discount with your forwarder.
For example, suppose you book 2 x 40ft from Qingdao to Sydney with a price of USD 1100/ 40FT.
When the amounts increased to 5 or 10 x 40ft containers, normally your designated forwarder can offer you a discrease of USD 50/ container.
Consequently, you can save USD 250-400 for this shipment.
3.Are FCL shipping costs frequently changing ?
The answer is YES.
FCL container shipping price flutuate frequently.
An quote can’t be effective for too long, normally only can be used for 2 weeks, 1 month at most.
So in case you got a very cheap price compared with current market price, it may be truly exist, but few years ago.
Bottom line ?
Remember to cofirm the quote validity before booking.
The shipping cost are easily effected by seasons factor. July and August are the Peak Season, price are increased
And shipping costs will be increased before Chinese holiday like National Day, Chinese New Year.
After that, price tend to decrease.
4.What's Payment Terms and Conditions to ship by sea ?
For international shipping, freight prepaid is requested according to common rules.
Despite payment can be made after vessel sailing, it must be received before goods arrived at destination port ( i.e, Before shipment released actually )
T/T ( Telegraphic Transfer) is the most used payment tool.
Money Gram/Western Union is no more accepted by China forwarders due to the bank regulation more strict.
Paypal can only be used to accept small amount under $ 1000.
For some regular and valued clients, FreightPaul can provide freight collect service.
What’s the breakdown of the shipping cost ?
Take notice that FCL is just port to port service, not door to door.
The whole FCL shipping costs are consists of 3 parts :
1.Export charges in China
2.Ocean Freight port to port
3.Destination import fee
The given fcl shiping table price is just for cost of #2.
If you require door to door service, basic ocean freight charges #2 aside, the export charges in China #1 and import charges #3 must be consider when calculating your cost of import from China.
What’s more,The fees and charges in an international shipping cost are wide-ranging.
They cover anywhere from port and custom charges to additional fees implemented only under very specific circumstances.
Most fees form part of the overall container shipping rates quoted by freight forwarders and carriers.
But there are some that aren’t included and may apply depending on your shipment.
To help with your understanding, we have categorized these fees into different sections.
Here’s a breakdown of whole FCL shipping charge.
- “√” means necessary charge.
- The origin charge in China will be paid by your supplier when Incoterm is FOB.
Chapter 5
FCL Required Documents
Paperwork or documentation is a important part in international shipping.
This chapter is all about shipment documents when using FCL services.
I will show you what documents are necessary , what are optional and when needed
The key point ? Prepare in time.
Forwarder ( HBL )
*Yourself if you are a middle man ( Use your own doc for blind shipping )
*Us forwarder ( Value added service especially for cargo consolidation )
*Or Your forwarder
But recommended to reduce the import tariff
But recommended if the cargo value is high
Other documents may be required depending on the cargo itself and destination country.
Including :
• Dangersours Cargo ( MSDS , UN38.3, DGM, Chemical test report )
• Product certicate ( CCC, FDA, CE,etc )
• Invoice authentication ( Egypt )
• Form M ( Nigeria )
• Fumigation certificate for wooden packing to certain coutries like AU, US, etc
• ……
Chapter 6
Loading Ports in China and Best Discharge Ports
When forwarder ask the loading port and discharge port to quote,
Novice always answer like : ” Just give me the best price, no matter what the port is “
In fact, a veteran will give a accurate POL and POD.
They know it matters and can effect the shipping price a lot.
So, how is it like ?
Top 10 loading ports in China
Among the world’s top 10 ports in 2023, 7 of them are located in China.
No matter where your Chinese supplier located, your goods are never too far from one of the world’s largest and most productive ports.
You don’t have to pay much attention on the geographical location of your potential vendors in China.
But knowing a bit can help figure out the best POL ( Port of Loading ).
Top 10 ports in China
Which port do I need to ship ?
There are two criterias we normally use :
• Choose the closest port for main cargo.
Suppose you have two suppliers, one in Ningbo with 2 CBM, another in Shenzhen with 15 CBM.
Then the best way to consolidate the container is to deliver the goods in Ningbo to Shenzhen, load and ship the container from Shenzhen.
Don’t wrongly ship from Ningbo. The inland trucking delivery could be costly.
• Choose the main ports.
Taking one case in 2023,
A Dubai client need 18 x 40 HQ to Port Sudan, factory is Changzhou.
Despite there are barge service from Changzhou directly , we book the container from Shanghai.
Why ?
Main airports means more shipping companies with different routes, schedules and costs.
In short, more choice for you.
Chapter 7
Introduction to Major Shipping Lines
People always ask where is my cargo.
Tracking is one of the most important part in shipping process.
Question is how ?
First, you need to know the shipping line name and tracking website
Second, get the container number or B/L no.
In this charpter, we will list the the common shipping lines and tracking websites.
Different shipping line have different price, service level and standards, schedules ( route &time ), etc.
So it is reasonable for you to learn a little about the shipping lines.
How to track the container ?
So now you have know which shipping line is transporting your cargo,The next is to find the container number or bill number.
You can get both from the bill of lading.
Container Number is shown at the middle left of B/L.
And B/L no. is in the top right corner.
With that, you can get the orgin shipment status on shipping line’s system.
Chapter 8
A glossary of shipping abbreviation
POL : Port of loading ; POD : Port of discharge.
Well, what’s the meaning of VGM ? What stands for WCA ? How much of THC cost ?
This chapter is about the shortened form of a word or phase.
And they are common used in international industry.
Here I have get it classified
Here is a glossary of shipping terminology for FCL shipping.
In case you are confused some other shipping words, you can further check the the comprehensive artilce of shipping abbreviation
Dimensions
CBM/M³ – Cubic Metres
Height×Width×Length to work out the cubic metre of a shipment
KG – Kilograms
LB – Pounds
CF – Cubic Feet
LF – Linear Feet
R/T – Revenue tonnes
A billing unit used in the international freight industry.
W/M – Weight or Measure
Billing will be based on whichever is greater based on the converstion factor
Documents
B/L or BOL – Bill of Lading
A document issued by the carrier to the shipper as a contract of carriage, it must be presented at destination in order for the goods to be released it is a document of title for the goods
D.O. or D/O – Delivery Order
A document which orders the release of freight to another party. Unless in North America, do not mistake this for delivery instructions or a document of title for the goods. In North America a delivery order is a delivery instruction.
Freight Release
Referred to in North America as a document that orders the release of freight to another party.
L/C – Letter of Credit
This is a document issued by a bank to another bank to serve as guarantee for payments made to a specified person under specified conditions
MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet
Provides procedures for handling Dangerous Goods (DG) in a safe manner. It will confirm how the goods can travel and if they can be loaded with other Dangerous Goods
SLI – Shippers Letter of Instruction
A document filled in by the shipper providing all the details related to the shipment – Shipper and Consignee, dimensions and weight, description of the goods and shipping terms
Incoterms
People
CNOR/CNEE – Consignor/Consignee
Seller / Buyer
SHPR-Shipper
Chinese supplier or importer
Places
ATF – Approved Transtional Facility
Has site approval and an accredited MAF person to received and inspect import containers
CFS – Container Freight Station
Container freight handling depot
CY – Container Yard
Refering to the shipping lines container storage yards, they are likely to be inland ports
POL/POD – Port of Loading / Port of Discharge
Time
ATD/ATA
Actual Time of Departure / Actual Time of Arrival
ETD/ETA
Estimated time of Departure / Estimated Time of Arrival
CUTOFF/CLG
Closing time of Customs clearance
T.T
Transport time
Surcharges
AMS – Amercian Maritime Security
Compliance costs associated with USA border security laws and procedures
BAF/BUC – Bunker Adjustment Factor / Bunker Charge
Fuel Surcharge on a shipping vessel. The BAF applies according to the number of TEUs shipped and is charged by the shipping companies to compensate for fluctuations in fuel prices. This surcharge varies from route to route.
EBS-Emergency Bunker Surcharge
The EBS is similar to the BAF in the sense that it covers rise in fuel prices. The EBS can also vary according to the shipping container type and shipping route.
CAF – Currency Adjustment Factor
Charged to cover currency fluctuation.It typically applies when there are significant fluctuations in exchange rates and is charged as a percentage of the ocean freight rate.
CABAF – CAF and BAF charges combined
FAF – Fuel Adjustment Factor
Fuel charges on road units or on airfreight
GRI – General Rate Increase
Used by shipping lines to label general increase in ocean freight rates on particular trade routes
ISPS – International Ship & Port Facility Security
To cover security handling at the origin and destination ports/depots
SCA – Sea Cargo Automation Fee
Applied by Australian Customs to the computer system that coordinates and controls the reporting and delivery of import sea-cargo in Australia
AI-All Inclusive
The total price to move cargo from point of origin to destination (transportation costs only)
BL Fee-Bill of Lading Fee
The shipping line charges this fee for processing the bill of lading on behalf of their client.
CBP-Customs and Border Protection
This the duty and associated processing fee when shipping goods from one country to another.
CYRC/CYC: Container Yard Receiving Charge / Container Yard Charge
It’s a terminal handling charge. This fee is payable to a shipping line for receiving a full container load, storing it, and delivering it. Delivery is to the ship at the port origin or it is to the consignee at the destination port.
DDC-Destination Delivery Charge
This charge is based on container size. It is applied in many tariffs to cargo as an accessorial charge on base ocean freight. It covers crane lifts off the vessel as well as drayage of the container and gate fees at the terminal.
THC-Terminal Handling Charge
Terminal handling charges apply to origin . It’s charged to FCL shipments to cover the container handling cost at the shipping terminal, including the loading and unloading of the container from the truck, as well as the transportation of the container to and from the vessel.
DTHC-Destination Terminal Handling Charge Fee
Charged by the port of arrival or port of discharge to lift the container onto or off the vessel.
EIS-Equipment Imbalance Surcharge
A surcharge imposed by shipping lines, at times, for the movement of large quantities of empty containers. A lack of export activity from the country where they were shipped full typically creates the need to do so. This is a flat rate per container when it is charged.
ERR: Emergency Rate Restoration
A surcharge added to the cost of freight to cover increases in shipping costs.
ERS: Equipment Repositioning Surcharge
This fee is imposed for the movement of empty containers from one location to another when requested by a shipper.
ISF: Importer Security Filing
A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation requiring importers and vessel carriers to provide data electronically to CBP for in-bound ocean shipments.
GAS: Gulf of Aden Surcharge
Compensates shipping lines for additional costs incurred due to transit through the Gulf of Aden.
OWS/OWC: Overweight Surcharge / Overweight Charge
It is a fee charged by shipping lines when each container exceeds the designated acceptable weight range for its size.
SCS: Suez Canal Surcharge
Compensates shipping companies for additional costs incurred during transit through the Suez Canal
SES: Special Equipment Surcharge
Seldom use it
PSS-Peak Season Surcharge
Carriers implement PSS during the shipping peak season (between July and October) to cover the increase in operational costs.
This can greatly increase your overall international shipping costs as carriers are already charging higher freight rates during this peak period.
The PSS is limited to and applied during the shipping peak season.
PRE-PULL
A pre-pull fee is charged when an empty container picked up from the port early and stored at a yard in order to meet a specific loading schedule the following day. This is usually the case for cargo that needs to be loaded onto a container on very tight loading times or dates.
VGM-Verified Gross Mass
This fee is charged by accredited facilities licensed to weigh shipping containers to comply with SOLAS regulations requiring all containers loaded on shipping vessels to have their gross weight declared.
Modes
20FT, 20′, TEU – Standard 20 foot shipping container
40FT, 20′, FEU – Standard 40 foot shipping container
FR – Flat Racks
HC – High Cube container
OT – Open top container
RF/Reefer – Refrigerated Container
B/B, B/Bulk – Break-Bulk
A large shipment, usually too big for a shipping container, that can be loaded directly onto a ship
DG – Dangerous Goods
Goods that could be harmfully to people and the enviroment and may require special handling
FAK – Freight All Kind
Full container load with a combination of freight from different shippers
FCL – Full Container Load
For higher volume shipments at least over 15 cubic metres total
LCL – Less than Container Load
For smaller sea freight shipments that do not require a full container. Minimum shipment size is 1 cubic metre (CBM/M³) to 1 tonne
LSE – Loose Airfreight
Goods travelling by airfreight on its own and not in a consolidation with other freight
LO LO – Lift on Lift off
Term used by carriers when shipping containers are lifed off the vessel (import) or forwarders truck (export) onto the forwarders truck (import) or vessel (export)
GP – General Purpose Container
Otherwise known as a standard container
OOG – Out Of Gauge
When your shipment over hangs the dimensions of a shipping container
RO RO – Roll On Roll Off
When a shipment can either be driven or towed on and off a vessel
SOC – Shipper Owned Container
Shipping container owned by the shipper rather than the shippng line
Chapter 9
Useful Tips Collection
Let’s finalize the last chapter with the tips.
In this chapter, I’m going to instroduce some tips based on my 10 years experience of FCL shipment operation.
Each tip can be practical and useful to save shipping cost and time.
Keep reading.
1. Plan the shipment in advance
Plan ahead means you will have enough time to find a good freight forwarder , secure the booking and deliver in time.
The risks of Customs inspection for a hurry shipment are higher.
More delays of shipping could be occured in the holiday season like Chinese new year.
Meanwhile, container shipping cost can be higher in order to confirm the space.
By planning ahead, you can not only avoid overpaying, but also take advantage of some nice discounts.
Always remember to leave extra time and book early.
Time planning
2.Get container shipment well packed and insurance covered
All can nothing if without shipping safety.
Despite the risks of FCL is less than LCL, it still exists. After all, container takes a long journey on sea.
To avoid the damage, ensure your goods has a properly packing.
Cargo better be palletized or wrapped well.
Besides, buy the freight insurance for your cargo if it is valuable.
Shipping Sofety
3.Consolidate the shipments and ship goods together
If you have various shipments from different suppliers,
Don’t ship separately by LCL service, but consolidate to ship together with one full container.
Cargo Consolidation
CONCLUSION
That’s all for my guide to fcl shipping.
It cover 80% topic of the whole indutry. Of courese, I will keep updating.
If you plan to ship from China, now or in the future, please contact me, and I will provide you with a solution subsequently.
