FCL (Full Container Load) shipping gives you a dedicated container for your cargo. No sharing, no consolidation — your goods are loaded at origin, sealed, and opened only at destination (or during CBCU inspection). V & S Freight arranges FCL services through Durban Port with competitive rates from all major shipping lines.
When FCL Makes Sense
FCL is the right choice when:
- Your shipment exceeds 12-15 CBM — cheaper than LCL at this volume
- You need maximum security — sealed container, no co-loading
- You're importing full production runs or bulk stock
- Faster transit — no consolidation/deconsolidation delays
- You ship hazardous goods requiring dedicated space
Container Types & Sizes
| Container | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Volume | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m | 33 CBM | 28,000 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 12.0m × 2.35m × 2.39m | 67 CBM | 26,500 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.0m × 2.35m × 2.69m | 76 CBM | 26,000 kg |
| 20ft Reefer | 5.4m × 2.28m × 2.25m | 28 CBM | 27,000 kg |
| 40ft Reefer | 11.6m × 2.28m × 2.25m | 60 CBM | 26,000 kg |
| 20ft Open Top | 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.35m | 32 CBM | 28,000 kg |
| 40ft Flat Rack | 12.0m × 2.40m × 2.14m | — | 40,000 kg |
Choosing the Right Container
- Standard — General merchandise, palletised goods, machinery
- High Cube — Voluminous but lightweight cargo (furniture, textiles)
- Reefer — Temperature-controlled food, pharmaceuticals
- Open Top — Tall or crane-loaded cargo (construction materials)
- Flat Rack — Oversized or heavy project cargo (mining equipment)
FCL Process
- Quote — Provide cargo details and we'll source competitive rates from multiple lines. Get a quote →
- Booking — We secure container space on the optimal vessel
- Container Release — Empty container is released for loading at origin
- Stuffing — Cargo is loaded into the container at the supplier's warehouse or CFS
- Export Clearance — Documentation processed at origin
- Ocean Transit — Container ships to Durban Port
- Import Clearance — We lodge customs entries via EDI. Duty and VAT calculated and paid
- Delivery — Container delivered to your premises, or cargo destuffed and delivered via road freight
FCL Rates to Durban
| Origin | 20ft FCL | 40ft FCL | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | R25,000-45,000 | R35,000-65,000 | R37,000-68,000 |
| India | R18,000-30,000 | R25,000-45,000 | R27,000-48,000 |
| UK | R22,000-38,000 | R32,000-55,000 | R34,000-58,000 |
| Germany | R20,000-35,000 | R30,000-52,000 | R32,000-55,000 |
| USA | R25,000-45,000 | R38,000-65,000 | R40,000-68,000 |
| UAE | R15,000-28,000 | R22,000-42,000 | R24,000-45,000 |
Rates are freight-only and subject to change. Customs duty, VAT, port charges, and our clearing fees are additional.
FCL Transit Times
| Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| China → Durban | 25-30 days |
| India → Durban | 14-18 days |
| UK → Durban | 21-25 days |
| Germany → Durban | 20-24 days |
| USA → Durban | 28-35 days |
| UAE → Durban | 12-16 days |
FCL Tips
- Maximise container utilisation — Fill the container to capacity to get the best cost per unit
- Container condition — We check containers before loading to avoid damage claims
- Weight limits — Don't exceed the max payload, especially for 40ft containers
- Documentation — Have your commercial invoice, packing list, and HS codes ready before cargo arrives
- Free days — Shipping lines provide 7-14 free days at port. Fast customs clearance avoids demurrage charges
FCL FAQ
What if my cargo doesn't fill a whole container?
If your shipment is under 12 CBM, LCL is likely more cost-effective. Between 12-25 CBM, compare both options — sometimes a 20ft FCL is cheaper than high-volume LCL.
Can I share an FCL container with other goods?
Standard FCL is a dedicated container. However, you can fill remaining space with other goods you're importing. You cannot share with other shippers (that's LCL).
How do I avoid demurrage?
Ensure all documents are ready before the vessel arrives. Our clearing team begins processing on arrival day to meet the free period deadline.
Book FCL Shipping
Request a Quote → | Call: 076 982 0036