FCL Ocean Freight for Containers Worldwide
Since 1988, we have been operating as a strictly neutral NVOCC and handling FCL (Full Container Load) shipments exclusively for freight forwarders. We do not have our own end-customer business. We manage your FCL exports and imports as a seamless process chain and ensure that the procedures are clear and transparent for our customers.
(Customer account required)
How FCL Ocean Freight Works with SACO Shipping
We manage FCL ocean freight as an end-to-end transport chain. This includes pre- and post-carriage, customs clearance, packaging, and cargo securing. For your FCL shipments, we have our own packing facility, PPS. There, containers are loaded at our own facilities and secured in accordance with CTU standards. This provides an additional layer of operational control, particularly for heavy cargo, special cargo, and sensitive shipments.
Specialized Transportation & Project Cargo
We have a dedicated department for OOG (Out of Gauge), special equipment, and project cargo. We handle your FCL exports according to established guidelines and coordinate directly with all relevant parties. Thanks to our high volume of bookings and our location at the Port of Hamburg, we also have direct access to shipping lines. This facilitates the predictable coordination of capacity, transit times, and operational requirements.
MySACO consolidates bookings, shipment statuses, and relevant documents into a single digital platform. All key information is available to you in one place, supporting transparent processing in day-to-day operations. A customer account is required to make a booking; you must register for one in advance.
Your Benefits
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Neutral NVOCC: We work exclusively for freight forwarders, ensuring that your customer relationships remain protected.
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Global network: Connections to over 180 direct port locations and over 600 transshipment destinations.
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Complete process coverage: Pre- and post-processing, customs clearance, packaging, and specialized solutions are all included.
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Digital Processing: Booking, container tracking, and documents via MySACO.
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Dedicated contacts: Direct communication with experienced teams.
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Flexible solutions for special cargo: Integration of special equipment and project shipments.
FCL vs. LCL – An Overview of the Differences
FCL and LCL ocean freight differ primarily in terms of shipment volume, container availability, transit time, handling, and cost structure. The following comparison summarizes the key operational differences:
| Criterion | FCL – Full Container Load | LCL – Less than Container Load |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | For complete containers (20′ / 40′) | For partial loads |
| Cost | Flat rate per container | Charged by chargeable weight |
| Transit time | Usually shorter, as there is no handling at the CFS | Additional time due to consolidation and deconsolidation |
| Security | Sealed transport without third-party goods | Handling in a shared consolidation container |
Whether it’s a full container load or a less-than-container load, we’ll find the right solution for your shipment.
(Customer account required)
Additional Services
LCL - Less than Container Load
We consolidate smaller shipments into a consolidated container. This allows you to ship flexibly, efficiently, and with global connectivity.
LCL Ocean Freight at SACO
Air Freight with SACO Air
When time is of the essence, our air freight solutions complement your ocean freight strategy.
Air Freight with SACO Air
Hazardous Materials
Safe storage and transport of your hazardous materials in accordance with all legal requirements—using certified infrastructure and specialized processes.
Discover Solutions for Hazardous Materials
All Services at a Glance
Import, export, and additional services—all from a single source. Discover the full range of SACO services here.
Back to OverviewFAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About FCL Ocean Freight
FCL stands for “Full Container Load” and means that an entire container is used exclusively for a single shipment. The shipment is not consolidated with other shipments.
You rent an FCL container exclusively. After loading, it is sealed directly at the factory or packing facility and remains unopened until it reaches the recipient.
This is the safest form of container shipping, as it virtually eliminates the risk of damage during transit caused by repeated handling.
Common container sizes include 20′, 40′, and 40′ high-cube containers. Specialized containers are also available to meet specific requirements.
Costs depend on the route, container size, market conditions, and optional additional services. We provide customized quotes based on your requirements.
Typical Incoterms include FOB, CIF, and DAP. They govern the allocation of costs and risks between the parties. We can help you choose the right one.
We have specialized infrastructure for dangerous goods in Classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.
Whether it’s a consolidated container or an FCL shipment, we review your IMDG declaration in advance to proactively prevent any issues during shipping.