Full container loading

In contrast to a collective transport, where goods are sent from different senders to different recipients, in the case of a full container shipment the goods of a single sender are shipped. The complete loading of a container, also called Full Container Load (FCL), offers a number of advantages over other container shipments. For example, the type of container can be chosen completely freely and adapted to the goods to be shipped without having to consider other transport participants. For example, if the consignment consists of goods that have to be exposed to low temperatures or frozen during transport, a suitable refrigerated or frozen container is selected.

National and international companies offer a comprehensive service regarding full container loading. This type of transport can be carried out nationally as well as worldwide. After the selection of a suitable forwarding agency specialising in container transport for land- and sea freight, the process can begin. The container corresponding to the transport criteria of the goods to be shipped is usually loaded at the customer's premises and transported overland to the nearest seaport, which can carry out a full container load shipment. From there the ship calls at the port of destination. Once the container has reached its destination and is 'unloaded' (i.e. the container is unloaded), if there is only one recipient of the container contents, it is transferred to a suitable vehicle which delivers the goods to the recipient. If several addressees have to be delivered to, the forwarding agent carries out individual deliveries, i.e. the addressees are delivered one after the other until the entire transport process is completed. In the case of international or worldwide transport, various formalities, including those relating to customs law, must be observed. As a rule, the logistics company entrusted with seafreight takes care of this.

Since the transport after a full container loading is a quite demanding and extensive business, care should be taken when choosing the logistics company. After checking the reference list, the carrier's connection to a worldwide agency network should be guaranteed. A large selection of special container equipment for sea freight should be available. In order to avoid delays or even fines, the transport company should also have a direct connection to customs (ATLAS). If these criteria are observed, a successful journey of the goods by ship should be ensured.