FCL means you have the entire container exclusively — loaded and sealed at the origin port, shipped intact to the destination without mixing, lowering damage and loss risk. LCL means multiple shippers share a container, billed by CBM, suited to small shipments under 15 CBM. FCL has a lower unit cost but requires sufficient cargo volume.
How to choose between 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ container types?
20GP (20-ft standard): ~28 CBM capacity, 22-24 t payload — ideal for dense cargo like machinery parts and metal materials. 40GP: ~58 CBM, 26 t payload. 40HQ (40-ft high cube): ~12% more capacity than 40GP (~68 CBM) — ideal for bulky but light cargo like furniture, apparel, and consumer electronics. For short-haul Southeast Asia / Middle East routes 20GP is common; for long-haul Europe / North America 40HQ delivers the best value.
What is included in an FCL quote, and what is charged separately?
Standard inclusions: Ocean Freight (O/F), BAF (bunker adjustment), CAF (currency adjustment), THC (terminal handling), and DOC (documentation). Typically excluded: ORC (origin receiving charge), ISPS (security), VGM, inland trucking, and destination THC / DDC / delivery (unless DDU door-to-door). Always confirm the full breakdown with your forwarder upfront to avoid surprise charges on arrival.
What is the FCL booking process?
Shipper provides POL, POD, cargo description, weight/volume, and container type → forwarder/carrier quotes → sign Booking Confirmation → complete loading, customs declaration, and VGM submission 48-72 hours before cut-off at origin port → carrier issues MBL/HBL → consignee exchanges B/L for D/O at destination and clears customs. Typical end-to-end timeline: 7-10 business days.
How can I check real-time sailing schedules and cut-off times?
Use the "Cargo Tracking / Sailing Schedules" tab — enter vessel/voyage or POL-POD to see 2-3 weeks of schedules ahead, with cut-off time, VGM cut-off, ETD, and ETA per sailing. Before booking, compare departure frequency from different carriers on the same route; in peak season, reserve a backup sailing as space tightens.
Can FCL be delivered DDU / DDP door-to-door?
Yes. DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) delivers to the consignee's address but excludes import duties — the consignee handles clearance. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) bundles customs clearance and duty prepayment via the forwarder, so the consignee just receives the goods. DDP suits importers with limited customs experience or those wanting to lock in total door-to-door cost; pricing typically runs 10-30% above DDU.
FCL Ocean Freight Rates · Real-Time Sailing Schedules from Global Ports
Awice Logistics delivers real-time FCL ocean freight rate quotes for exporters worldwide. Compare 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ rates from 100+ carriers across 4,200+ ports, updated daily. Filter by Port of Loading, Port of Discharge, and carrier; review base ocean freight against surcharges like THC and ORC; combine with sailing schedules and transit times to pick the optimal option. Register and sign in to request quotes, place bookings, view full bills of lading, and track containers.
