Container Service Types
On several bills of lading, you might have noticed the terms FCL/FCL, LCL/FCL etc. What do they mean? Full Container Load – this is when the full container is used by a single customer for his cargo. FCL containers are usually packed and unpacked by the client at his premises at the origin and destination. The client takes responsibility, liability for the packing and condition of the cargo packed in the FCL container. Less than Container Load – this is when the same container is used for cargoes belonging to multiple shippers and consignees. The clients deliver their cargo to the lines packing station (CFS – Container Freight Station) and the line then packs the delivered cargo on behalf of the client. In the case of LCL containers, the shipping line takes responsibility and liability for the packing, condition and delivering of the cargo. But the shipping lines do not offer LCL services in all countries. For example in South Africa – there is no concept of ...