The stowage methods for container shipping cargo can be divided into two types based on the number of containers loaded:
1. Full Container Load (FCL)
2. Less than Container Load (LCL)
Full Container Load (FCL)
Cargo is loaded, counted, and the shipping document is completed by the shipper, and the container is sealed by customs. Unstuffing of an FCL container is generally handled by the consignee; it can also be entrusted to the carrier for unstuffing at a freight station, but the carrier is not responsible for damage or shortage of the cargo inside the container, unless the consignee provides evidence that the damage was indeed caused by the carrier's liability. The carrier takes delivery of the FCL container as a unit. As long as the container's exterior remains the same as when received and the seal is intact, the carrier has fulfilled its carriage responsibility. The FCL bill of lading must include the clause: "Container loaded, counted, and sealed by the shipper."
Less than Container Load (LCL)
A method where the shipper consigns individual or small quantities of cargo, and the carrier is responsible for container loading. After receiving such cargo, the carrier classifies it by nature and destination, and consolidates cargo with the same destination and similar nature into the same shipping container for transport.
LCL can be further divided into direct consolidation or transshipment consolidation
Direct Consolidation
Refers to cargo in an LCL container being loaded and discharged at the same port, with the container not being unstuffed before reaching the destination port; in other words, the cargo is for the same discharge port. Transit time is short, fast, and convenient.
Transshipment Consolidation
Refers to cargo in the same container being shipped to different ports; because it requires unstuffing and sorting at the transshipment port to transfer to connecting vessels, the delivery time can be relatively slower. This point should be noted when consolidating LCL shipments.
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