Transporting hazardous cargo by sea is not as simple as shipping regular goods. If you’re reading this, you likely need to ship dangerous materials—such as chemicals, flammable liquids, or pressurized gases—from Europe to Africa, but you’re unsure about the process, rules, or risks involved.
Ultimate Guide on Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping from Europe
Ultimate Guide on Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping from Europe
by Gius Gordon
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Table Of Contents
- Ultimate Guide on Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping from Europe
When looking for a safe, cost-effective, and timely shipping option for moving your cargo from Europe to Africa, Full Container Load (FCL) shipping might just be a suitable choice for you—especially when dealing with large, valuable items like vehicles and heavy equipment.
FCL shipping gives you full control over the container carrying your cargo, ensuring your goods are secure and delivered efficiently.
What Full Container Load (FCL) shipping is and how it works
The key advantages of FCL shipping
How to prepare your shipment for a smooth FCL process
Let’s explore why FCL shipping might be the perfect solution for your shipping needs.
What is Full Container Load (FCL)?
What is Full Container Load (FCL)?
Full Container Load (FCL) refers to a shipping method where an entire container is exclusively used for your shipment, whether or not it’s filled to capacity.
Unlike Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping, where multiple customers share space in one container, with FCL only your items are inside. This significantly reduces the risk of damage, theft, or delays.
FCL shipping is ideal for businesses that need to transport large volumes of goods or want to avoid sharing container space with other shippers.
With FCL, you have full control over the container, ensuring that your goods remain secured throughout the shipping journey.
5 Key Advantages of Full Container Load (FCL)
5 Key Advantages of Full Container Load (FCL)
Only your goods occupy the entire container, eliminating the need to share space with shipments from other businesses. This minimizes the risk of contamination, damage, or delays caused by other shippers' goods.
While FCL might seem more expensive upfront, it’s often more cost-effective for businesses shipping high volumes.
Since your shipment doesn’t need to be consolidated with other cargo, FCL often moves faster. There are fewer handling points, reducing the chance of delays.
Once loaded, your container goes straight to the ship and directly to its destination port. For businesses that rely on timely delivery, this reliability is a huge advantage.
The container is sealed at the departure point and remains sealed until it reaches its destination.
This minimizes the risk of tampering or theft during transit, thereby making FCL a preferred choice for shipping high-value or sensitive goods.
FCL gives you full control over how your cargo is loaded. This flexibility helps maximize container space and ensures everything is packed securely. You can:
Secure vehicles with straps and blocks to prevent movement
Add protective coverings or custom bracing for sensitive equipment
Load additional items or spare parts alongside your vehicle (if allowed)
Choosing the Right Container for Your Shipment
Choosing the Right Container for Your Shipment
Let’s explore the most common container options for shipping vehicles and heavy equipment:
20-Foot Standard Container: Perfect for one car or small machinery.
40-Foot Standard Container: Fits two standard cars or larger vehicles.
40-Foot High Cube Container: Offers extra height for taller equipment.
Our team of experienced shipping professionals can help you choose the best option based on your cargo’s size and weight.
The FCL Shipping Process
The FCL Shipping Process
The first step is securing the right container size for your shipment. A 20-foot container holds approximately 28 cubic meters, while a 40-foot container holds about 58 cubic meters.
Proper preparation ensures your FCL shipment arrives safely and on time. Follow these steps to prepare your cargo for shipping:
Clean and Inspect Your Vehicle or Equipment: Before shipping, thoroughly clean your vehicle or machinery. Then inspect and document the condition of your cargo. Take photos from multiple angles for your records.
Secure Loose Parts: Remove or secure loose items, such as mirrors and antennas inside the vehicle. For machinery, secure any detachable parts.
Drain Fluids if Required: Some shipping lines may require vehicles to have fuel tanks nearly empty and certain fluids drained to prevent leaks. Confirm these rules with your shipping provider.
Document Everything: Ensure all paperwork, including the bill of lading, customs forms, and insurance documents, is complete and accurate.
Next, the goods are loaded into the container. Since FCL gives you full control over how the container is loaded, you can ensure the optimal placement and security of your cargo in this phase.
Your shipment will need to go through customs at both the origin and destination ports. So ensure you have accurate documentation, including a bill of lading, packing list, and commercial invoice. Our experts can guide you in the documentation process to make things easier.
Finally, the sealed container is transported to the origin port in Europe, loaded onto a vessel, and shipped to your destination port in Africa.
When Should You Choose FCL Shipping?
When Should You Choose FCL Shipping?
FCL is the ideal shipping solution in these situations:
Why Choose Africa Shipping Company for Your FCL Shipping Needs?
Why Choose Africa Shipping Company for Your FCL Shipping Needs?
At Africa Shipping Company, we specialize in shipping cars, trucks, containers, and heavy equipment from Europe to Africa.
Ready to Ship? Let’s Get Started Today!
Ready to Ship? Let’s Get Started Today!
Now that you understand the benefits of Full Container Load (FCL) shipping, it’s time to take the next step. Whether you’re shipping a single vehicle or large machinery, we’re here to make the process smooth and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions about FCL
Frequently Asked Questions about FCL
Q: Is FCL always more expensive than LCL?
Q: What types of goods are best suited for FCL?
Q: How do I ensure my goods are secure during FCL shipping?
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