FCL – Full Container Load
FCL is suitable when your cargo needs a dedicated container. It can be planned for regular commercial shipments, larger volumes and cargo that benefits from dedicated container space.
Our Services
Sea Freight (FCL & LCL)
What Are Sea Freight Services?
Sea freight services involve moving cargo by ocean between ports. Depending on cargo volume and shipment requirements, businesses can use a dedicated container or share container space. Sea transportation can support regular import and export programs as well as larger commercial consignments.
Sea transportation is an important option for businesses moving commercial cargo internationally, particularly when shipment volume and overall logistics economics are key considerations. AR Global Logistics provides sea freight services with FCL and LCL coordination, documentation support and shipment management from origin to destination.
FCL & LCL Shipping
LCL – Less than Container Load
LCL is useful for smaller shipments that do not require a full container. Cargo is consolidated with other compatible shipments, helping businesses move smaller volumes without booking an entire container.
Container Options
Our ocean freight service covers standard dry containers, reefer containers, flat racks and open top containers. The specifications below are reference data; actual equipment can vary by carrier and container availability.
Dry Containers
Dry containers are designed for general cargo that fits within standard container dimensions and weight limits. Options include 20 ft, 40 ft, 40 ft High Cube and 45 ft dry containers.
| Container Specification | Inside / Container Dimension (mm) | Door Opening (mm) | Load Capacity (CBM) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Container – 20 Feet | 5,898 × 2,350 × 2,390 | 2,340 × 2,280 | 33.1 | 2,150 | 28,330 |
| Dry Container – 40 Feet | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,390 | 2,340 × 2,280 | 67.6 | 3,640 | 26,840 |
| Dry Container – 40 Feet High Cube | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,695 | 2,340 × 2,585 | 76.2 | 3,700 | 28,800 |
| Dry Container – 45 Feet | 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,697 | 2,340 × 2,585 | 86.0 | 4,650 | 27,850 |
Note: Container specifications are for reference. Actual dimensions and allowable payload may vary by equipment owner, carrier and individual container.
Reefer Containers
Reefer containers are designed for temperature-sensitive cargo. Refrigeration units circulate conditioned air through the cargo space and allow controlled fresh-air exchange. They are used for cargo such as food products, plants and pharmaceuticals when temperature control is required.
| Container Specification | Inside Measurement (mm) | Outside Measurement (mm) | Door Opening (mm) | Load Capacity (CBM) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reefer Container – 20 Feet | 5,456 × 2,288 × 2,263 | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 2,290 × 2,221 | 28.2 | 2,810 | 27,670 |
| Reefer Container – 40 Feet High Cube | 11,590 × 2,284 × 2,544 | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 2,290 × 2,502 | 67.5 | 4,490 | 30,510 |
Note: Container specifications are for reference. Actual dimensions and allowable payload may vary by equipment owner, carrier and individual container.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat racks are designed for cargo that is heavy, over-height or over-width and cannot be loaded into a conventional enclosed container. Collapsible end frames and lashing points help secure cargo for movement.
| Container Specification | Inside Measurement (mm) | Outside Measurement (mm) | Load Capacity (CBM) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rack Container – 20 Feet | 5,568 × 2,194 × 2,213 | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 28.4 | 3,100 | 35,000 |
| Flat Rack Container – 40 Feet | 11,652 × 2,208 × 1,955 | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 53.2 | 6,200 | 38,800 |
| Flat Rack Container – 40/HC | 11,658 × 2,374 × 2,264 | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 64.3 | 6,250 | 52,500 |
Note: Container specifications are for reference. Actual dimensions and allowable payload may vary by equipment owner, carrier and individual container.
Open Top Container Specifications
Open top containers are useful for over-height or lengthy cargo that may be difficult to load through a standard container door. A removable waterproof tarpaulin roof and internal lashing points secure the cargo during movement. Options include 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft High Cube.
| Container Specification | Inside (L×W×H mm) | Door Opening (W×H mm) | Roof Opening (L×W mm) | Swing Header (mm) | Capacity (CBM) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Top Container – 20 Feet | 5,898 × 2,350 × 2,348 | 2,340 × 2,280 | 5,680 × 2,252 | 1,940 | 32.5 | 2,240 | 28,240 |
| Open Top Container – 40 Feet | 12,022 × 2,350 × 2,348 | 2,340 × 2,280 | 11,798 × 2,230 | 1,940 | 66.3 | 3,880 | 26,600 |
| Open Top Container – 40/HC | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,653 | 2,340 × 2,585 | 11,806 × 2,192 | 1,940 | 75.1 | 3,890 | 28,610 |
Note: Container specifications are for reference. Actual dimensions and allowable payload may vary by equipment owner, carrier and individual container.
What's Included
- FCL and LCL ocean freight booking
- Container selection and coordination
- Port-to-port and door-to-door options
- Origin pickup and inland transportation coordination
- Container stuffing and cargo securing coordination
- Shipping instructions and Bill of Lading coordination
- VGM and shipment documentation coordination
- Export and import customs clearance coordination
- Transhipment and multi-port routing support
- Arrival, destination handling and delivery coordination
- Shipment milestone and status updates
How It Works
Step 1: Share Cargo Details
Provide commodity, volume, weight, packaging, origin and destination.
Step 2: Choose the Right Option
We compare FCL or LCL and consider suitable container or equipment options.
Step 3: Confirm Booking
Space, container, CFS and pickup arrangements are coordinated.
Step 4: Move Through Origin
Documentation, customs, stuffing and port handling are coordinated.
Step 5: Ocean Transit & Arrival
Shipment progress and arrival information are communicated.
Step 6: Clear & Deliver
Destination clearance, inland transportation and final delivery are coordinated.
Sea Freight (FCL & LCL): What You Need to Know
FCL Shipping
FCL shipping means Full Container Load. The cargo is allocated a dedicated container, making this option suitable when the shipment volume is sufficient to justify dedicated container space or when the shipper wants greater control over the containerized movement.
LCL Shipping
LCL shipping, or Less than Container Load, is used when a shipment does not require a full container. Cargo is consolidated with compatible shipments in shared container space. This can provide a practical option for smaller consignments, subject to cargo compatibility and consolidation schedules.
FCL and LCL: How to Choose
The choice between FCL and LCL depends on cargo volume, dimensions, destination, schedule, handling requirements and overall shipment plan. A freight forwarding partner can assess the shipment details and help determine the practical option.
Ocean Freight Coordination
AR Global Logistics coordinates the key stages of ocean cargo movement, including shipment planning, carrier coordination, container arrangements, documentation and destination delivery requirements. Clear coordination is especially important when shipments involve multiple parties and milestones.
For Importers and Exporters
Manufacturers, traders, distributors and other businesses can use ocean transportation for recurring import and export shipments. Shipment planning should account for cargo readiness, documentation, sailing schedules, port processes and final delivery requirements.
Sea Freight Documentation
International ocean shipments require accurate commercial and shipping documentation. Depending on the transaction and destination, documentation can include commercial invoices, packing lists and transport documents. Requirements vary by shipment and country.
Why Choose AR Global Logistics
Flexible Shipping
FCL and LCL options allow the shipment plan to match cargo volume.
Specialised Equipment
Dry, reefer, flat rack and open top requirements can be considered where applicable.
Clear Coordination
Freight, documentation, customs and inland movement can be coordinated through one team.
Cargo-Focused Planning
Container choice and handling requirements are considered around the cargo.
Responsive Communication
Important booking, transit and arrival milestones are shared with the customer.
Related Services
International Freight Forwarding – Air & Sea
AR Global Logistics provides reliable international freight forwarding solutions by air and sea for importers and exporters.
Explore International Freight Forwarding – Air & SeaImport & Export Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is an important part of every international shipment.
Explore Import & Export Customs ClearanceTransportation & Distribution
International cargo does not end at the port or airport.
Explore Transportation & Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
- i.What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
- FCL uses a dedicated container for the shipment, while LCL combines smaller shipments in shared container space.
- ii.When is LCL shipping useful?
- LCL shipping can be useful when the cargo volume is not sufficient to require a full container and the shipment can be consolidated.
- iii.Is ocean freight suitable for large cargo?
- Ocean transportation is commonly used for larger commercial shipments, but suitability depends on cargo characteristics, route, schedule and handling requirements.
- iv.What does AR Global Logistics coordinate for sea shipments?
- The company coordinates shipment planning, carrier arrangements, FCL/LCL requirements, documentation and destination delivery support.
- v.What is FCL shipping?
- FCL means Full Container Load. The shipment uses a dedicated container for the cargo.
- vi.What is LCL shipping?
- LCL means Less than Container Load. Smaller cargo volumes can be consolidated with other shipments in shared container space.
- vii.Which container should I use?
- The suitable container depends on cargo dimensions, weight, volume, temperature requirements and loading method. Our team can help coordinate the appropriate equipment.
- viii.Do you handle reefer cargo?
- Reefer container coordination is available for temperature-sensitive shipments, subject to equipment and route availability.
- ix.Can you handle oversized cargo?
- Specialised options such as flat rack and open top containers can be considered for suitable oversized, over-height or over-width cargo.
- x.Are container dimensions always the same?
- No. Individual containers may have different specifications. Final equipment details should be confirmed for the specific shipment.