Containers

FCL/LCL Shipments: Single Shipper/ Multiple Consignees

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics , , , ,
FCL/LCL Shipments: Single Shipper/ Multiple Consignees

Full Container Load (FCL) refers to a single container or multiple containers are booked by a shipper to transport their cargo exclusively under a bill of lading.(1)

Less than Container Load (LCL) refers to cargoes owned by different shippers, grouped in a single container by the forwarding agent, allowing transportation of smaller volumes of cargo without paying for a full container; this is more cost effective for smaller shipments which cannot utilize a full container.(2)

In real world not all containerized goods are transported either by LCL/LCL or FCL/FCL basis, but in mixed options as well such as LCL/FCL or FCL/LCL.

On this page, I am going to explain FCL/LCL shipments.

FCL/LCL is an international shipping term, that is used when single shipper dispatches goods under FCL terms for multiple consignees.

A freight forwarder ships the cargo as a full container load at the export leg, but the cargo will be deconsolidated at the import leg and delivered to more than one consignees.

FCL/LCL Shipment Example:

An exporter in Italy sells leather bags to UAE. The exporter works with couple of importers in UAE.

The Italian exporter signs following proforma invoices with two UAE importers as follow:

  • Proforma Invoice 1: 10 Euro pallets of leather bags with importer 1.
  • Proforma Invoice 2: 14 Euro pallets of leather bags with importer 2.

The goods are sold on CFR Jebel Ali Port, Duba, UAE and shipment will be completed with a 40ft High Cube container.

40ft High Cube Container holds 24 Euro pallets.

Italian exporter completes the production and books a full 40ft High Cube container with his freight forwarder.Because goods are cleared by two different importers, Italian exporter prepares two sets of documents including bills of lading, certificates of origin, commercial invoices and packing lists.

The importers get in touch with the freight forwarders agent in Dubai and clears the goods with corresponding document sets that they have received from the Italian exporter.

References:

LCL/FCL Shipments: Multiple Shippers/ Single Consignee

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics , , , ,
LCL/FCL Shipments: Multiple Shippers/ Single Consignee

Full Container Load (FCL) refers to a single container or multiple containers are booked by a shipper to transport their cargo exclusively under a bill of lading.(1)

Less than Container Load (LCL) refers to cargoes owned by different shippers, grouped in a single container by the forwarding agent, allowing transportation of smaller volumes of cargo without paying for a full container; this is more cost effective for smaller shipments which cannot utilize a full container.(2)

In real world not all containerized goods are transported either by LCL/LCL or FCL/FCL basis, but in mixed options as well such as LCL/FCL or FCL/LCL.

On this page, I am going to explain LCL/FCL shipments.

LCL/FCL is an international shipping term, that is used when multiple shippers dispatch goods under LCL terms for a single consignee.

A freight forwarder consolidates at least two different shippers’ cargo into a full container load at the export leg, but the cargo will not be deconsolidated at the import leg.

One importer clears all goods from the customs.

LCL/FCL Shipment Example:

An importer in Germany buys different foodstuff from Egypt. The importer works with couple of exporters in Egypt.

The German importer orders following goods from three Egyptian exporters as follow:

  • Order 1: 6 Euro pallets of olives from exporter 1.
  • Order 2: 8 Euro pallets of cheese from exporter 2.
  • Order 3: 10 Euro pallets of canned peppers from exporter 3.

The goods are sold on FOB Alexandria Port, Egypt and shipment will be completed with a 40ft High Cube container.

40ft High Cube Container holds 24 Euro pallets.

Importer’s freight forwarder gets in touch with all exporters 2 weeks before shipment date and books the container.

As exporters locate relatively in close areas, it is decided that the goods will be loaded to the container at the exporters’ factories.

1 week before shipment date, the importer’s forwarder arranges inland transportation and brings the empty container from the port and sends to the exporters consecutively.

Inland transportation costs in Egypt up to Alexandria Port and Alexandria Port charges are paid by exporters proportionately according the FOB delivery term.

Although importer receives three sets of documents including three sets of bills of lading, the goods will not be deconsolidated and all goods inside the container will be collected by the same importer in Germany.

References:

Risks in LCL Shipments

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Risks in LCL Shipments

Less than Container Load (LCL) refers to cargoes owned by different shippers, grouped in a single container by the forwarding agent, allowing transportation of smaller volumes of cargo without paying for a full container; this is more cost effective for smaller shipments which cannot utilize a full container.(1)

In an LCL shipment, a freight forwarder finds at least two exporters, who would like to ship smaller volumes of cargo from the same port of loading to the same port of discharge.

Then the freight forwarder consolidates these smaller load units into one full container. Exporters share the freight cost proportionately, based on each volumes of cargo.

LCL shipments offer significant cost advantages, but they are not risk free.

On this post, I am trying to explain main risks factors associated with LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.

Risk 1: One of the Cargoes May not be Cleared from Export Customs in Time

As I have mentioned earlier, freight forwarders consolidate cargoes from at least two different exporters under LCL shipments.

Consequently, at least two different export customs operations must be completed without any problem in order the container to be released from its export customs obligations.

If one of the exporters could not complete its export operations in time, the container may be put on hold by customs authorities.

Risk 2: Damages Due to Insufficient Packing

Improper packing is one of the major risk factor in international shipments. Damages to the goods or even leakages from the containers could arise due to insufficient packing of goods.

Under LCL shipments probability of experiencing financial loses due to improper packing is significantly higher than FCL shipments, because of the fact that shippers must bear another exporter’s packing risks.

Risks 3: One of the Cargoes May not be Cleared from Import Customs

Although, the risk of being penalized by another shipper’s fault during the import customs operations under LCL shipments is significantly lower comparing to export customs operations, it must be taken into account as a risk factor.

The customs authorities may flag the container you share with an another shipper under LCL shipments due to other shipper’s fault that you have no control over.

Other Risk Factors:

Possible Delays at the Transshipment Port: As I have mentioned earlier, LCL shipments are handled by freight forwarders.

It is possible for a freight forwarder to arrange shipment via two different actual carriers: The first carrier may transport the goods from port of loading to the transshipment port; whereas the second carrier transport the goods from transshipment port to port of discharge.

In rare situations it is also possible the cargo may be offloaded at a transshipment port, where it will either get transported to another container or wait for more cargo to fill the container before continuing to its final destination.(2)

All these extra works at the transshipment port may add extra days to the transit times under LCL shipments.

Risks Associated with Freight Forwarders: Freight forwarders have to handle more complex procedures under LCL shipments than FCL shipments.

Consolidating cargoes into full container, container stowage, handling transshipment and deconsolidating cargoes into individual cargo units and delivering them to corresponding consignees at the port of discharge are the extra work that must be done by freight forwarders under LCL shipments.

References:

Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL): Explanations with Examples

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics , , ,
Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL): Explanations with Examples

Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation.

It is possible to load almost every type of manufacturing merchandise via containers  from consumer goods to big production lines by sea shipments.

Because international trade is generally materialized between the manufacturers and wholesalers or wholesaler and wholesalers, individual order quantities are high enough to fill a freight container.

But in some circumstances making the shipment by full containers do not make sense in economic terms. In these situations freight forwarders take the stage and consolidate cargoes into full containers.

Full Container Load (FCL)

Full Container Load (FCL) refers to a single container or multiple containers are booked by a shipper to transport their cargo exclusively under a bill of lading.(1)

Under Full Container Load shipments all containers stated on a bill of lading is booked and used by one party.

Important Note: Full Container Load term does not suggest how much the container is loaded. Which means that it does not matter how full the container is that is to be accepted as a FCL.

 

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Less than Container Load (LCL) refers to cargoes owned by different shippers, grouped in a single container by the forwarding agent, allowing transportation of smaller volumes of cargo without paying for a full container; this is more cost effective for smaller shipments which cannot utilize a full container.(2)

Example 1: Full Container Load Shipment from India to UAE

An Indian exporter signs a sales contract with an importer in United Arab Emirates. Delivery term is CFR Abu Dhabi Port, U.A.E and the payment method is letter of credit.

After production is completed, the exporter decides that the shipment is suitable to be carried on a 20′ standard dry container. As a result he gets in touch with his freight forwarder and gets a quotation for a 1 x 20 DC shipment.

The container is not shared by a third party as a result shipment is effected on Full Container Load (FCL). The container number is PONU 089402-9

The bill of lading assures this point by indicating FCL/FCL abbreviation.

Example 2: Less than Container Load Shipment from Italy to Bangladesh

An Italian exporter signs a sales contract with an importer in Bangladesh. Delivery term is CFR Chittagong Sea Port, Bangladesh and the payment method is letter of credit.

After production is completed, the exporter decides that the shipment is too small for booking a 20′ standard dry container. As a result he gets in touch with his freight forwarder and gets a quotation for a Less than Container Load (LCL) shipment.

The freight forwarder consolidates the shipment into a 1 x 40 HQ container.

The container is shared by two or more shippers as a result the shipment is effected on Less than Container Load (LCL) term. The container number is TCNU/455605/6.

The bill of lading assures this point by indicating LCL/LCL abbreviation.

References:

What are the Differences Between a Container Number and a Seal Number?

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics , , ,
What are the Differences Between a Container Number and a Seal Number?

A container number, also known as container identification number, is a reference number assigned to a freight container for legal and commercial purposes.

Container seal number is an identification number of a container seal. Each container seal has an individual identification number.

Both container numbers and seal numbers are important international transportation security and safety measures and monitored closely by customs offices during the import and import stages.

On this post, I will identify the main differences between a container number and a container seal number.

Differences Between Container Number and Seal Number:

Easy to Locate / Hard to Locate:

Container number is printed on three spots of each freight container: one on the doors end, one on the side wall and one on the top of the container.

It is very easy to locate a container number.

On the other hand, a seal number is affixed to each container seal, which is a small item.

It is not easy to locate a seal number comparing to a container number.

Tracking a shipment:

It is possible to track a shipment by a container number. On the other hand you can not track a shipment by a seal number.

International Coding Standard:

Freight containers are numbered by an international organization called BIC (The Bureau International des Containers) according to an internationally recognized ISO 6346 standard.

Container seals are numbered by each seal producer or container liners according to their internal corporate rules.

What is a Container Seal Number? Explanations with Examples

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics , , ,
What is a Container Seal Number? Explanations with Examples

Customs and Border Protection departments of countries have one basic goal.

Allowing the clean cargo pass through the customs, while detecting and preventing the entrance of illegal cargo such as narcotics, guns, some types of chemicals etc.

To achieve this objective, each party in international logistics have to follow certain security rules. Sealing freight containers with proper seals is one of these security measures.

It is compulsory for every shipping container to have at least one seal before a shipping line allows the container to be shipped.(1)

Seal number is an identification number of a container seal. Each container seal has an individual identification number.

Container Seal Documentation Process

Under Full Container Loads(FCL), it is shippers responsibility to inform the seal number along with other relevant information stated in the shipping instructions to the carrier, after securely stuffing and sealing the container.

Under Less Container Loads (LCL), it is the freight forwarder who stuffs and seals the container, not the shipper. As a result under LCL shipments, the freight forwarder must inform the seal number to the carrier.

In either way, the seal number must be properly documented.

Example:

G2382564 is a seal number that belongs to CMA CMG container liner group (APL) that is used to seal a 40HC container with container number APHU7124611.

References:
  1. How to seal a shipping container and how many seals should a container have..

What is a Container Number? Explanations with Examples

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics ,
What is a Container Number? Explanations with Examples

A container number, also known as container identification number, is a reference number assigned to a freight container for legal and commercial purposes.

Container number, which is one of the container markings, is printed on three spots of each freight container: one on the doors end, one on the side wall and one on the top of the container.

Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation.

They are mainly used to carry almost all types of manufacturing goods.

Some container types are also suitable for commodity transportation such as bulk containers and tank containers.

Because hundreds of thousands of containers are in circulation each day between the borders of the nations, it is very important to label each of them by an internationally accepted organization with an internationally recognized identification system.

Container numbers are assigned by The Bureau International des Containers, which was founded in 1933 as a neutral, non-profit, international organization whose mission is to promote the safe, secure and sustainable expansion of containerization and intermodal transportation.

BIC (The Bureau International des Containers) uses the ISO 6346 standard when assigning reference numbers to the shipping containers.

Understanding the Container Identification Number Structure:

Container Identification Number: BIC Code (Owner prefix) + Equipment Identifier + Serial Number + Check Digit

 

The identification system provides uniform international identification of containers, in documentation and in communication associated with the movement of containers from door to door. It consists of:

  • The Owner Prefix (BIC code): Three capital letters of the Latin alphabet to indicate the owner or principal operator of the container,
  • The Equipment Category Identifier: One capital letter as follows:
        • U for all freight containers,
        • J for detachable freight container-related equipment,
        • Z for trailers and chassis,
  • The Serial Number: Six Arabic numerals, left at owner‘s or operator‘s option,
  • The Check Digit: One Arabic numeral providing a means of validating the recording and transmission accuracies of the owner code and serial number. (1)

Examples:

Example 1:) MSKU 907032-3 is a container identification number referencing a Maersk Line container.

MSKU is a BIC code which belongs to Maersk Line. Serial number of the container is 907032 and the check digit is 3.

Example 2:) MRKU 953040-6 is a container identification number referencing a Maersk Line container.

MRKU is a BIC code which belongs to Maersk Line. Serial number of the container is 953040 and the check digit is 6.

Example 3:) MEDU 870768-8 is a container identification number referencing a MSC container – Mediterranean Shipping Company.

MEDU is a BIC code which belongs to MSC. Serial number of the container is 870768 and the check digit is 8.

References:

  1. Container Identification Number, Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal

Container Markings: How to Read Numbers, Symbols and Warning Plates on any Freight Container?

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics ,
Container Markings: How to Read Numbers, Symbols and Warning Plates on any Freight Container?

Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They increase efficiency and decrease costs in all stages of the transportation.

Containers used in international transportation must carry standard markings in order to:

  • easy container and cargo tracking
  • increase border protection measures and prevent illegal cargo traffic
  • increase efficiency at port operations etc.

On this post I explain container markings and how to read numbers, symbols and warning plates on a freight container.

Container Markings

Door End Markings:

Source: https://www.bic-code.org/identification-number/

At the container end on the container doors you can find main container markings.

  • High cube warning: Only high cube containers carry this warning symbol.
  • Container Identification Number: Container identification numbers are assigned by The Bureau International des Containers, which was founded in 1933 as a neutral, non-profit, international organization whose mission is to promote the safe, secure and sustainable expansion of containerization and intermodal transportation.

Container Identification Number: BIC Code (Owner prefix) + Equipment Identifier + Serial Number + Check Digit

The identification system provides uniform international identification of containers, in documentation and in communication associated with the movement of containers from door to door. It consists of:

         The owner prefix (BIC code): three capital letters of the Latin alphabet to indicate the owner or principal operator of the container,

         The equipment category identifier: one capital letter as follows:
U for all freight containers,
J for detachable freight container-related equipment,
Z for trailers and chassis,

         The serial number: six Arabic numerals, left at owner‘s or operator‘s option,

         The check digit: one Arabic numeral providing a means of validating the recording and transmission accuracies of the owner code and serial number.(1)

  • Size and Type Code: Each container has a standard size and type code assigned by BIC institution. Some examples are given below:

        • 45G1: 40′ High Cube Dry Container
        • 22G1: 20′ Dry Container
        • 42G1: 40′ Dry Container
        • 22R1: 20′ Reefer Container
        • 42R1: 40′ Reefer Container
        • 45R1: 40′ Reefer High Cube Container
  • Maximum Gross Weight: This is the maximum weight that the container can carry including tare weight.
  • Tare Weight: Tare weight is the weight of empty container.
  • Maximum Payload: Maximum amount of weight that the container can carry. This is a calculation based information. Most of the containers can not be loaded to the maximum payload because of the transportation weight limitations. Exporters must consult with their freight forwarders before shipment.
  • Capacity: Volume capacity of the container.
  • Height Warning: Is another compulsory transportation safety information.
  • Manufacturer’s Logo: Shows the manufacturer of the container.
  • Owner’s Logo: Shows the owner of the container.
  • Repair Recommendation: A container has to be operated either under an ACEP or a PES (Periodic Examination Scheme) from day 1. The first inspections isn’t required until 5 years, but it must have a scheme in place in order to be operated. Without a valid ACEP sticker or Next Examination Date (under the PES), the container should not be loaded on board a ship.(2)

Side, Top and Front End Markings:

On side, top and fronts ends containers carry only Container Identification Number and Size and Type Code markings.

Source: https://www.bic-code.org/identification-number/

Resources:

  1. Container Identification Number, Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal
  2. Container Markings – What do they really mean?, xChange Solutions GmbH

Container Loading Plans for Palletized Goods

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics , , ,
Container Loading Plans for Palletized Goods

There are two transportation equipment that play a key role in standardization of international logistics: Containers and Pallets.

Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are used to carry Unit Loads (ULD) safely and securely.

The most widely used Unit Loads in international transportation are pallets.

Pallets are designed for easy handling of all types of stackable items such as small cases, cartons or bags.

Pallets standardize cargo transportation and warehousing operations from an exporter’s factory to an importer’s warehouse.

Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) are two most frequently used pallets in international transportation.

On this post you can find standard dry, reefer and pallet-wide container loading plans for palletized goods.

PALLET LOADING PLANS

20′ Dry Container Pallet Loading Plans

How Many Pallets Fit in a 20′ Container?

A 20′ container is one of the most frequently used container type in international logistics with the following interior dimensions:

  • Length: 5900 mm
  • Width: 2352 mm
  • Height: 2395 mm

It is possible to fit 10 pcs of industrial pallets and 11 pcs of euro pallets in to a 20′ standard dry container.

40′ Dry Container Pallet Loading Plans

How Many Pallets Fit in a 40′ Container?

A 40′ container is one of the most frequently used container type in international logistics with the following interior dimensions:

  • Length: 12032 mm
  • Width: 2352 mm
  • Height: 2395 mm

It is possible to fit 21 pcs of industrial pallets and 24/25 pcs of euro pallets in to a 40′ standard dry container. (24 is safer)

20′ Reefer Container Pallet Loading Plans

How Many Pallets Fit in a 20′ Reefer Container?

Refrigerated containers are designed for the transport of perishable goods in a temperature-controlled environment (from -35°C to +35°C).

20′ reefer container has the following internal dimensions:

  • Length: 5450 mm
  • Width: 2280 mm
  • Height: 2159 mm

It is possible to fit 9 pcs of industrial pallets and 10 pcs of euro pallets in to a 20′ reefer container.

40′ High-Cube Reefer Container Pallet Loading Plans

How Many Pallets Fit in a 40′ High-Cube Reefer Container?

Refrigerated container, also known as reefer container or reefer, is a type of container which is equipped with an electrical appliance for the purposes of cooling or heating the air within the container.

40′ high-cube reefer container has the following internal dimensions: Length: 11599 mm, Width: 2290 mm and Height: 2425 mm.

It is possible to fit 20 pcs of industrial pallets and 23 pcs of euro pallets in to a 40′ reefer high-cube container.

20′ Pallet-Wide Container Pallet Loading Plans:

How Many Pallets Fit in a 20′ Pallet-Wide Container?

A Pallet Wide Container is manufactured approx 4 inches (10.2 cm) wider than a standard width container to enable the stowage of more pallets in a single tier thus eliminating the unused space that can occur in a standard width container.

20′ pallet-wide container internal dimensions:

  • Length: 5900 mm
  • Width: 2420 mm
  • Height: 2385 mm

It is possible to fit 10 pcs of industrial pallets and 14 pcs of euro pallets in to a 20′ pallet-wide container.

40′ High-Cube Pallet-Wide Container Pallet Loading Plans:

How Many Pallets Fit in a 40′ High-Cube Pallet-Wide Container?

A Pallet Wide Container is manufactured approx 4 inches (10.2 cm) wider than a standard width container to enable the stowage of more pallets in a single tier thus eliminating the unused space that can occur in a standard width container.

40′ High-Cube pallet-wide container internal dimensions:

  • Length: 12032 mm
  • Width: 2420 mm
  • Height: 2688 mm

It is possible to fit 24 pcs of industrial pallets and 30 pcs of euro pallets in to a 40′ High-Cube pallet-wide container.

45′ High-Cube Pallet-Wide Container Pallet Loading Plans:

How Many Pallets Fit in a 45′ High-Cube Pallet-Wide Container?

A Pallet Wide Container is manufactured approx 4 inches (10.2 cm) wider than a standard width container to enable the stowage of more pallets in a single tier thus eliminating the unused space that can occur in a standard width container.

45′ High-Cube pallet-wide container internal dimensions:

  • Length: 13624 mm
  • Width: 2420 mm
  • Height: 2694 mm

It is possible to fit 26 pcs of industrial pallets and 33 pcs of euro pallets in to a 45′ High-Cube pallet-wide container.

How Many Pallets Fit in a 40′ High-Cube Reefer Container?

Ozgur Eker (CDCS) Containers, Logistics , , , ,
How Many Pallets Fit in a 40′ High-Cube Reefer Container?

Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are used to carry Unit Loads (ULD) safely and securely.

The most widely used Unit Loads in international transportation are pallets.

Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) are two most frequently used pallets in international transportation.

Refrigerated container, also known as reefer container or reefer, is a type of container which is equipped with an electrical appliance (mechanical compressor) for the purposes of cooling or heating the air within the container.

Refrigerated containers are designed for the transport of perishable goods in a temperature-controlled environment (from -35°C to +35°C).

Two main sizes of reefer containers are very popular in international logistics: 20′ reefer container and 40′ high-cube reefer container.

40′ high-cube reefer container has the following internal dimensions: Length: 11599 mm, Width: 2290 mm and Height: 2425 mm.

On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 40′ high-cube reefer container.

As it is shown on the above figure it is possible to fit 20 pcs of industrial pallets and 23 pcs of euro pallets in to a 40′ reefer high-cube container.