Frequently Asked Questions
About FCL Shipping
What is FCL?
FCL stands for full container load, which involves filling an entire shipping container with one company’s shipments. In this cargo shipment, all goods inside the container are the property of the customer and are not shared with any additional shippers.
Why is FCL transport important?
FCL transport services allow any business to use the entire interior space of a container to load and store their cargo before transporting the container to its final destination. These services are designed to help companies prioritize their shipments rather than sharing space with another company.
What is the difference between FCL & LCL shipping?
While both methods of transportation offer their own benefits, it’s important to understand the difference between LCL and FCL transportation to determine which service is best suited for your needs.
FCL shipping involves filling an entire shipping container with the shipments from one company. There are various container sizes available, and your goods are delivered securely to their destination without any unnecessary stops in between.
LCL shipping involves sharing a shipping container with goods from another company in order to save money and allow customers to make smaller deliveries without having to order excess inventory to fill their own container.
How big is a full container load?
There are multiple container sizes that can be used for FCL transport services. The bulk of shipments are commercial goods, and the system of moving standardized, stackable steel boxes around the world has flourished thanks to the creation of International ISO standards. These ‘intermodal’ bulk containers can be conveyed by‘ Ships, Semi-trailers pulled by, trucks, and trains.
The most popular sizes are:
20 foot: 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8 ½’ high external (c. 6.1m x 2.4m x 2.6m)
40 foot: 40’ long x 8’ wide x 8 ½’ high external (c. 12.2m x 2.4m x 2.6m)
The Hi-Cube 40 foot, which has a 9 ½’ height, is being increasingly used by bulk shippers. There are also refrigerated containers, which can be broader at 2.6m width.
What are the loading times for full container load shipping?
The loading times for FCL services can vary depending on which option you select for your business.
If you opt for a Live Load, the container is brought to you, and you have 2 or 3 hours to load and secure the consignment before an hourly surcharge kicks in.
For customers looking for a less stressful solution, Drop and Pack services are available. In this case, the container is left with you for an arranged time of 1 day to a week and is a good option for people moving house abroad. This particular service can cost more than live load services.
Containers are used as temporary storage (or even as buildings) all over the country and can be bought or rented. If you want the flexibility of being able to hold a container for a longer period before sending it abroad, speak to your freight forwarders, and they will arrange it for you. Make sure you specify that it is for eventual shipping use because it must meet ISO specifications.
What is an FCL company?
An FCL company is a transportation and logistics company that specializes in FCL shipping. Through relationships with domestic and international terminals and ports and logistical expertise, a professional FCL company can facilitate international cargo shipments more effectively and efficiently.
Why do I need professional FCL services?
Navigating domestic and international freight delivery can be a complex and nuanced process. Professional FCL container specialists can help streamline this process and eliminate the need for a middleman — saving you both time and money.
With Metropolitan Logistics, we understand every business is unique in its operations. That’s why our services can be customized to reflect your company’s timelines and budgets. Our FCL solutions are designed to handle any type of cargo, from garments to healthcare supplies, construction equipment and more.
What are the advantages of FCL services?
FCL container services offer a wide range of benefits to companies in Canada and across North America, including:
Security
With FCL containers, your products are the only pieces of cargo inside your container, increasing the safety and security of your deliveries.
Direct Shipping
FCL ensures you avoid unnecessary stops and your container arrives at its designated port at its designated time.
Reduced Handling
FCL shipments are directly loaded from our warehouse and shipped to their destination without any middleman interfering or adding unnecessary steps to the process.
What should I look for in an FCL company?
When it comes to looking for professional FCL transport services, you need a transportation and logistics company with a proven record of experience and customer satisfaction. Navigating the logistics of any domestic or international delivery can be a complex and nuanced process. It’s important to look for a full-service company that can help you streamline your supply chain efforts and guarantee safe and efficient deliveries every time.
What sets Metropolitan Logistics apart from other FCL companies?
Metropolitan Logistics has provided safe and reliable FCL shipping solutions for over 15 years. We’ve facilitated tens of thousands of deliveries worldwide, thanks to our vast networks and diverse resources. We cut out the middleman by providing full-service shipping solutions and will arrange delivery from any terminal or port directly to the customer.
Our transportation services are designed to streamline our customers supply chains, from navigating oversized freight delivery to our custom warehouse and distribution solutions. Every step of our process is overseen by experienced logistical experts for your total peace of mind.
How much do FCL services cost?
The cost of FCL shipments can vary depending on several factors, from the logistical details and destinations to the number and size of containers required.
At Metropolitan Logistics, we work alongside our customers to determine the appropriate services for their business and will provide a comprehensive cost breakdown for their records. We’re committed to providing the most economical, cost-effective, and environmentally-conscious FCL container solutions in North America.
Where does Metropolitan Logistics offer FCL shipping?
Metropolitan Logistics provides quality FCL container shipping solutions in Canada with a variety of domestic and international delivery capabilities.
We help customers across North America redefine their supply chain efforts through affordable and reliable FCL shipments.
Our intermodal services are available in:
Contact us today by phone, email, or fill out our online form for your free quote!
