6) I want to ship by ocean but I am not sure if I will need a full container. Can you let me know what is the capacity/size for FCL vs. LCL and associated cost differences?

Determining what and how much you want to ship can sometimes be a difficult process. Cost is the primary determinant for a majority of shippers. LCL shipments are meant for smaller size cargo. Your LCL shipment will share container space with other LCL shipments and therefore, the cost to you is less than what you would pay for a full container. Let’s say you want to ship only a few boxes, maybe a large LCD TV and perhaps just your couches. It would make economical sense to ship as LCL in that case.

On the other hand, if you know that you want to ship all or most of the furniture in your home and clothes, kitchen items, books, toys, tapes, etc then you want to think about FCL.

If you are not sure, do let us know and we will give you our LCL rates and FCL rates. The LCL rates are usually based on charges for minimum volume and then charges per cubic feet for every cubic foot in excess of the minimum volume. FCL rates are based on container size and either a flat rate for pack and load or hourly charges based on actual item spent. We provide a break-up in terms of packing and loading charges (including materials), door-to-door transportation and destination charges.

We also recommend that you go over the subsequent questions pertaining to container sizes and volume estimation to arrive at a decision.

Remember that whether you ship via FCL or LCL, estimating the volume you want to ship is the key to avoiding ‘cube shock’. ‘ube shock’ is referred to as surprises/shock received on seeing the final gross volume. This could mean charges due to additional volume in addition to what was planned/budgeted in case of LCL or it could mean inability to fit your items in the container during loading and having to throw/give them away. Either way it is not a situation you want to be in and can be avoided with proper planning and having realistic expectations.