FCLs & LCLs

FCL - Full Container Load , doesn’t mean that the container is indeed FULL, it may be partially filled also.  It means that the shipper is responsible for stuffing / sealing the container. The shipper is responsible for the proper stuffing as well as the contents inside the container. FCL supposed to reach the consignee as it left the shipper’s premises.  The line is not responsible for the condition of the cargo unless the seal has been tampered with or the container is damaged while it is in their custody.

FCL/FCL – The shipper is responsible for stuffing at the load port and consignee is responsible for de-stuffing at the discharge port.

LCL – Less than Container Load is same the conventional cargo and the liability is same as for break-bulk cargo. The line ( or forwarder / NVOC) is responsible for stuffing and de-stuffing of the container (LCL/LCL) . Generally the cargo gets consolidated and stuffing/de-stuffing happens at CFS  on both ends.

LCL/FCL – The line (forwader/NVOC) consolidate cargo from various shippers and organise stuffing at the load port. The full container would be delivering to a single consignee at the POD.

FCL/LCL – This happens when one shipper wishes to supply more than one consignee at the discharge port. In this case shipper is responsible for stuffing.

How do containers hold together on-deck ?

 

The containers on-deck is secured to each other by means of TWIST LOCKS and lashing rods. The twist lock is designed for very close tolerance and very rough use and is consists of two sets of rectangular projections, one at the top and other at the bottom. 

How it work?

 

Four twist locks are inserted to the four corner castings (small rectangular holes) of a container and the next container will be placed on top in such a manner that the corner castings of the second container fit into the upper rectangular part of the twist lock. After that , the lock is twisted or turned by 90 degrees. In this position the width of the rectangular projection is more than the width of the hole and hence cannot be removed.