Container Service Types
If you look at a bill of lading, in some of them you would see the terms FCL/FCL or LCL/FCL etc..
What do they mean..??
FCL : Full Container Load – this is when the full container is used by a single customer for his cargo..
FCL containers are usually packed and unpacked by the client at his premises at the origin and destination..
The client takes responsibility, liability for the packing and condition of the cargo packed in the FCL container..
LCL : Less than Container Load – this is when the same container is used for cargoes belonging to multiple shippers and consignees..
The clients deliver their cargo to the lines packing station (CFS – Container Freight Station) and the line then packs the delivered cargo on behalf of the client..
In the case of LCL containers, the shipping line takes responsibility and liability for the packing, condition and delivering of the cargo..
But the shipping lines do not offer LCL services in all countries..
For example in South Africa – there is no concept of LCL containers and LCL shipments are handled by Groupage operators..
GROUPAGE : Similar to LCL with the only difference that these containers, cargo packing etc are controlled by a Groupage operator instead of the shipping lines in the case of LCL containers..
The Groupage operator books the container with the shipping line as their cargo depending on how much cargo they have (20′ or 40′)..
Once the cargo is packed, they issue their own House Bills to their clients and collect the Master Bill of lading from the shipping line.. Example : CFR Freight
An additional aspect to consider here is that sometimes these service types are considered as Terms of Shipment in containerised shipments :
- FCL/FCL – One shipper => One consignee
- FCL/LCL – One shipper => Multiple consignees
- LCL/FCL – Multiple shippers => One consignee
- LCL/LCL – Multiple shippers => Multiple consignees
These terms indicate how the containers have been packed as..
There are some relatives to these above terms shown below which are used as “Delivery Terms” to indicate where the responsibility of the carrier or customer starts/ceases..
- CY/CY – Container Yard/Container Yard
- CY/CFS – Container Yard/Container Freight Station
- CFS/CY – Container Freight Station/Container Yard
- CFS/CFS – Container Freight Station/Container Freight Station
what is the format of MSDS. WHTHER THIS CERTIFICATE IS BEING ISSUUED BY ANY GOVT. AUTHORITIES OR IT IS TO BE ISSUED BY MANUFACTURER EXPORTER SELF ATTESTED.
PLS PROVIDE THE FORMAT OF MSDS
But sir who will pay demurrage and detention in groupage ?????
Dear Sir
Thank you very much, appreciate your commendable information. you are welcome if you want to work with Africa’s leading carrier Ethiopian Airlines.
Regards,
You need to mention the package type they were packed.
Dear Sir,
Actually we have shipped 3×40′ HC(1 shipper & 1 consignee), out of which one container contains few packages of sales promotional items. The shipper requires a separate BL for this sales promotional items. What is the package type that has to be mentioned in BL of sales promotion items & package type in the other BL.
Thanks a lot, sir
Hi Hariesh,
One query here in case of LCL/FCL and FCL/LCL service given by carrier and not groupage.
Let us take by example
If a shipper A wants to send a LCL cargo to consignees B and C to same destination D, If total cargo of B and C is equivalent to one FCL how will the carrier issue BL(s) to shipper would it be two BLs with FCL/LCL as container service type or one. In case of groupage this would have covering Master BL to show that both are travelling togather, what will be the covering document for the Line BL(s) that carrier issues in case of FCL/LCL service.
Thanks in advance
Regards,
Dewang Bhansali
Dear Sir,
transport term : CFS/CFS, LCL/LCL
GENERAL CARGO
POD/POL = JAPAN/DOHA
When we are trying to release the shipment from the port, Customs agent informed that, the container is not opened which includes hazards. why this is happened? and what about the storage charges after 3 days free time. pls advise thanks
Hello Sidhique, you need to liaise with the groupage agent to see when they will open the box and when you can secure your cargo.. Only after the box has been opened and your cargo has been unpacked you should be liable for storage incase you don’t clear it in time..
Dear sir.
ETA 24/2/15
Submited the docs and approved declaration by customs on 26/02
Released the shipment today 04/03
We paid storage chrgs of 5 days according to doha port Tarif.
Is this amount refundable? How the process? Pls advise
what is CFS/CFS? CFS/CY?
dear mr. Hariesh Manaadiar,
I could not understand the below 2. Can you please describe and post some image of bill of lading indicates this;
FCL/LCL – One shipper => Multiple consignees
LCL/FCL – Multiple shippers => One consignee
thanks
susmita golam
Bangladesh
what is direct and consignment shippment?
one mbl link 4 hbls same cnee name but address diffrent as per liner file manifest as part of FCL, w need to file as LCL if it is possible ?
Hi Nilesh, this depends on the customs in your country.. If your customs allows it, the shipping line will file MBL referring to your HBL(s) and then you can file your manifest with the various clients..
Can the GROUPAGE container service type explain why an importer will prefer LCL even though cargo size is almost 20GP full? We have FOB terms with all our distributors and our Canadian distributor always stresses me out when they insist on LCL arrangement and I’m stuck with the ridiculous origin charges. I’m wondering if they are able to avoid similarly ridiculous destination charges at their end because of this GROUPAGE service or some other reason. Appreciate your insight and experience. Thanks!
from today i hope i could get more knowledge from shipping line industry through this valuable website.
mahmoodlahhak
What is the CY / CY terms and Tackle / Tackle terms in container trade
CY/CY (Container Yard/Container Yard) is one of the main and predominant terms in the container trade.. As far as i know there is actually no equivalent to a Tackle/Tackle or Hook/Hook term in the container trade.. If you know or have heard of any such term, please do let me know..
It is a new informative for all. Thanks Mr. Manaadiar.
This is really knowledgeable site can you please up date me full shipping knowledge,
Regrds
Sohail