FCL & LCL Container
Shipping

Yes. Pallet2Ship arranges FCL sea freight services worldwide using established shipping line partners. We handle container booking, customs documentation, and door-to-door coordination. Contact our team or submit your details via the Sea Freight page for a tailored FCL quote.

FCL (Full Container Load) shipping means one container is used exclusively for your freight. Your goods are not consolidated with other shipments and move directly from origin to destination within a sealed container.  FCL is typically used when: 

• You are shipping enough cargo to fill or nearly fill a container (typically 10–26+ pallets, depending on size)
• You require exclusive container use
• Your cargo is high value or sensitive
• You want minimal handling
  

FCL pricing depends on: 

• Container size (20ft, 40ft, 40ft high cube)
• Route and port pair - Weight and cargo type
• Collection and delivery requirements
• Customs clearance and documentation needs 

Choose FCL when:

• Your cargo fills most of a container
• You need a dedicated container
• You want fewer handling points
• Your goods are fragile, heavy, or high value
• Your shipment exceeds approximately 13–15 CBM, at which point FCL is usually more economical per unit than LCL 

Typical container capacities: 

• 20ft container: approximately 10–11 UK pallets
• 40ft container: approximately 20–24 UK pallets
• 40ft high cube: similar footprint but extra internal height

Approximate internal dimensions (may vary slightly by manufacturer): 

• 20ft: 5.9 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × 2.39 m (H) 
• 40ft: 12.03 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × 2.39 m (H) 
• 40ft high cube: 12.03 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × 2.70 m (H) 

Yes. Oversized or non standard freight can be loaded into containers if it fits the internal dimensions and weight limits. For cargo exceeding container limits, Oversized Pallets or flat rack solutions may be required.

In most cases, yes.  FCL is often faster because: 

• There is no cargo consolidation 
• Containers are sealed at origin 
• Fewer handling stages are involved 

FCL becomes cost effective when:

• You are shipping high volumes 
• You approach full container capacity 
• Your shipment exceeds approximately 13–15 CBM 

FCL usually requires a manual quotation due to routing, container type, and port selection. You can submit your details via our Sea Freight page and receive a tailored response.

Usually yes. Container loading typically requires: 

• Forklifts 
• Loading bays 
• Or professional warehouse handling 

Yes. FCL is commonly used for: 

• UK exports to global ports 
• Imports into the UK
• Intercontinental container movements 

You will typically need: 

• Commercial Invoice 
• EORI number 
• HS codes 
• Incoterms 
• Packing list 
• Bill of Lading (issued by the carrier) 

A Bill of Lading (BL) is the official shipping document issued by the carrier confirming cargo receipt and the contract of carriage. It is required for most sea freight movements and serves as proof of shipment, receipt of cargo, and, in some cases, document of title.

Certain hazardous goods can be shipped under IMDG regulations with correct documentation, packing, and carrier approval. Alcohol is not handled on any service. Contact us before booking if you are shipping controlled goods.

Yes. Container tracking is available through shipping line and port systems. Updates are provided through the carrier or via our operations team.

Changes after dispatch may incur fees and delays. Always confirm cargo dimensions, weight, and port details before booking.

FCL is widely used by: 

• Manufacturers 
• Wholesale distributors 
• Automotive suppliers 
• Industrial exporters 
• Bulk importers

Yes. Machinery can be loaded securely into containers if dimensions and weight allow. Ensure proper securing inside the container and accurate weight declaration.

Yes. Insurance can be added for FCL shipments. Cover is available for loss or damage during transit when goods are correctly packed and declared accurately. For high value cargo, contact our team for tailored cover.

LCL (Less Than Container Load) shipping means your cargo shares container space with other shipments in international sea freight. You pay only for the volume your goods occupy.

Yes. Pallet2Ship arranges LCL sea freight worldwide for UK exports and imports. Submit your shipment details via the Sea Freight page or contact our team for pricing.

LCL pricing is based on: 

• Cubic metre volume (CBM) 
• Weight 
• Port pair 
• Handling requirements 

Choose LCL when: 

• Your cargo does not fill or nearly fill a container 
• You want to reduce upfront shipping costs 
• You are shipping smaller or irregular volumes 

LCL may take slightly longer due to: 

• Consolidation at origin
• Deconsolidation at destination 

Yes, but charges are calculated based on whichever is higher: 

• Volume (CBM) 
• Weight (W/M rule) 

Yes. Tracking updates are available via shipping line systems and our operations team.

Yes. Because cargo is consolidated: 

• It is loaded and unloaded at consolidation warehouses 
• It passes through container freight stations (CFS) 

CBM (cubic metre) is the standard measurement used to calculate LCL charges. It reflects the total volume your shipment occupies inside the container.

Multiply: Length × Width × Height (in metres) This gives total cubic metres (CBM). Always measure the loaded pallet, including packaging.

Yes. Palletised freight is common in LCL shipments, provided it fits container constraints and weight limits.

Yes. Consolidating cargo maximises container utilisation and reduces partially filled containers moving across shipping routes, which lowers overall emissions.

The documentation is essentially the same as for FCL: 

• Commercial Invoice 
• EORI number 
• HS codes 
• Incoterms 
• Packing list 

Under declared volume can lead to: 

• Re rating 
• Delays 
• Additional charges at consolidation warehouses 

Yes, but additional internal protection is required. Use robust packaging and internal cushioning, and consider adding insurance for high value cargo.

In most cases, yes. LCL is typically the most economical option for non urgent international freight. For time critical shipments, air freight remains faster but more expensive.

Yes. Insurance can be added for LCL shipments. Cover is available for loss or damage during transit when goods are correctly packed and declared accurately.

Yes. Personal effects can be shipped via sea freight using FCL or LCL services. For air freight and road freight personal effects shipments, these are handled via DHL. All personal effects require detailed inventory lists and customs documentation.

Yes. Multiple consignments can be grouped under one booking if they are destined for the same port and consignee, which can simplify handling and documentation.

Common causes include: 

• Port congestion 
• Weather conditions 
• Customs holds 
• Incorrect or missing documentation 

Demurrage is the charge applied when a container remains at the port beyond the agreed free time period before collection. Detention is the charge applied when a container is kept outside the port (at your premises, for example) beyond the agreed return period. Both can be avoided by clearing and returning containers promptly.

If your cargo volume increases before departure, switching from LCL to FCL may be possible. Contact our team immediately so we can review options with the shipping line.

Yes. Pallet2Ship arranges FCL and LCL shipping worldwide, including Europe, USA, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and other major trade lanes. Our sea freight services reach all major global ports, and for destinations such as the USA, delivery can extend to inland cities beyond the port of entry.

Ideally: 

• 5–7 days before sailing for LCL 
• 7–10 days for FCL 

Yes. Depending on the route, you can choose: 

• Door to port 
• Port to door 
• Door to door 

Port to port means: 

• You arrange delivery to the origin port 
• The consignee arranges collection from the destination port 

Door to door includes: 

• Collection from your premises 
• Ocean freight 
• Customs coordination 
• Final delivery to the consignee 

Yes. Sea freight often accommodates longer or heavier cargo than road or air. For extreme dimensions, flat rack or open top containers may be required. See our Oversized Pallets page for guidance.

Submit your shipment details via our Sea Freight page or contact our team directly. Provide dimensions, weight, origin, destination and preferred timing so we can quote accurately and propose the best FCL or LCL option.