FCL vs LCL: Which Option Is Right for You?
| Feature | FCL (Full Container Load) | LCL (Less than Container Load) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Shipments filling 50%+ of a container | Shipments under 15 CBM (cubic meters) |
| Cost basis | Per container (20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC) | Per CBM or weight (whichever greater) |
| Transit time | Faster — direct port-to-port | Slightly longer — consolidation adds 3-7 days |
| Cargo security | Higher — your goods are isolated | Shared container with other shippers |
| Minimum volume | No minimum (pay for full container) | From 1 CBM |
Ports We Ship From
Guangzhou Nansha
Primary port for Guangdong-sourced goods. Direct weekly sailings to Middle East, Europe, Africa, and SE Asia.
Shenzhen Yantian / Shekou
High-volume port with extensive direct service to US, Europe, and global routes. Excellent for FCL.
Shanghai Yangshan
China's busiest port. Best for northern China suppliers and fastest transit to US East Coast and Europe.
Typical Transit Times
| Destination Region | FCL Transit | LCL Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) | 18–25 days | 22–30 days |
| East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) | 22–30 days | 28–38 days |
| West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana) | 28–38 days | 35–45 days |
| North Europe (UK, Netherlands) | 28–35 days | 33–42 days |
| Mediterranean (Italy, Turkey) | 25–32 days | 30–38 days |
| US West Coast | 14–18 days | 20–26 days |
| US East Coast | 25–32 days | 30–38 days |
| Southeast Asia | 7–15 days | 12–20 days |
| Australia / New Zealand | 18–25 days | 22–30 days |
Transit times are approximate and vary by carrier and routing. Door-to-door times include inland transport at both ends.
What's Included in Our Sea Freight Service
- Freight rate sourcing and carrier selection (multiple carrier options per route)
- Container booking and space reservation
- Inland transport from factory to port (truck or rail)
- Export customs declaration and clearance at Chinese port
- All export documentation: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Fumigation Certificate where required
- Real-time shipment tracking with weekly updates
- Coordination with your destination customs broker (import clearance handled by your local broker)
Special Cargo We Handle
- Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo — Industrial machinery, corrugated production lines, and oversized equipment on flat-rack or open-top containers
- Hazardous materials (DG cargo) — Batteries, chemicals, and IMDG-classified goods with proper documentation
- Refrigerated cargo (Reefer) — Temperature-controlled shipping for perishables
- Breakbulk — Very large machinery that cannot be containerized
Incoterms We Work With
We ship under all standard Incoterms 2020 — EXW, FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, and DDP. We'll recommend the best term for your situation during quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a freight quote?
Share your cargo dimensions (CBM), weight (kg), factory location (city), destination port or address, and target shipment date. We provide a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Do you handle import customs at the destination?
We handle all export customs from China. Import customs clearance at the destination is typically handled by your local customs broker. We can recommend reliable brokers in major markets.
Can you consolidate multiple supplier shipments?
Yes. We regularly consolidate cargo from multiple factories into one container or LCL booking, saving you on freight costs and simplifying logistics.
What documents are required to export from China?
Standard documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin. Additional certificates may be required depending on product type and destination country. See our customs documentation guide.
Get a Sea Freight Quote
Share your cargo details and destination — we'll send a competitive rate within 24 hours.