Looking for guidance on container cargo packing and handover methods? Or searching for shipping containers for sale and container parts? CIMC Equilink’s supply chain team breaks down international container practices—covering FCL/LCL packing and four core handover types, with real customer scenarios for clarity.  

1. Container Cargo Packing Methods

International container packing is divided into two main types, based on cargo volume and consolidation needs:  

(1) Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL refers to cargo that fills an entire container, consigned as a single box unit. It’s ideal for shippers with enough goods to load one or more full containers.  

• Process: Rent containers from carriers or leasing companies → Empty containers delivered to factories/warehouses → Shipper packs goods under customs supervision → Seal containers with aluminum seals → Hand over to carriers for a dock receipt → Exchange receipt for bill of lading/waybill.  

• Scenario: Customers buying our shipping container floor (container floors) often have large orders, shipped via FCL for efficiency.  

(2) Less Than Container Load (LCL)

LCL is for small-lot cargo that doesn’t fill a full container. Carriers (or agents) classify goods by type and destination, consolidating shipments to the same location into one container.  

• Process: Shippers deliver small-ticket cargo to container freight stations (CFS) or inland depots → Carrier sorts, consolidates, and packs goods → At destination, carrier unpacks and distributes to consignees.  

• Scenario: Our Australian customers frequently purchase container parts (container corner castings, container locking device, lashing equipment, twist lock, container corner post, container cross member) in small, multiple batches. Since they’re in different regions of the same country, LCL is their preferred choice.  

2. Container Cargo Handover Methods

Handover methods correspond to FCL/LCL packing, with four standard international practices:  

(1) FCL Delivery → FCL Pickup (FCL/FCL)

• Shippers deliver full containers to carriers at factories/warehouses.  

• Consignees receive the same sealed full containers at the destination.  

• Responsibility: Shipper handles packing/unpacking; carrier manages container transport.  

(2) LCL Delivery → LCL Pickup (LCL/LCL)

• Shippers deliver small-lot cargo to CFS or inland depots.  

• Carrier consolidates, packs, transports, and unpacks at destination CFS.  

• Consignees collect goods with receipts; carrier handles all packing/unpacking.  

(3) FCL Delivery → LCL Pickup (FCL/LCL)

• Shippers deliver full containers to carriers at factories/warehouses.  

• Carrier unpacks at destination CFS/inland depots.  

• Multiple consignees collect their respective goods with receipts.  

(4) LCL Delivery → FCL Pickup (LCL/FCL)

• Shippers deliver small-lot cargo to CFS/inland depots.  

• Carrier sorts and consolidates goods for the same consignee into a full container.  

• Consignees receive the sealed full container at the destination.  

Key Summary

FCL/FCL handover is the most effective—it maximizes container advantages, ensuring goods arrive intact with minimal handling. For large-volume shipments (like container floors) or bulk purchases, FCL is optimal; for small-batch container parts or scattered destinations, LCL offers cost savings.  

Your Container Solutions Partner

Whether you need help with packing/handover logistics, want to inquire about shipping containers for sale, or source container parts (corner castings, twist locks, lashing equipment), CIMC Equilink is here to assist.  

Contact us via email (info.equilink@cimc.com) or submit a quick quote for personalized support. We’ll help streamline your international container shipping process.  

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