International Maritime Transportation
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- Full Container FCL
Full Container FCL
Full Container Load
As freight forwarders, we handle shipments of full containers. We cover imports, exports and crosstrade operations, addressing various logistical needs in ports worldwide.
Full Container Load service
This maritime transportation service allows a single shipper to use an entire container to ship his/her cargo. This option is suitable for shipments whose volume matches or comes close to the interior capacity of a container, which can be either 20 feet (6 meters long) or 40 feet (12 meters long).
Its advantages include greater control over the cargo and more precise transit times.
What's included in the service
Management and Procedures
Depending on the shipping conditions required by our clients, we can offer anything from a door-to-door service with all necessary procedures to a service only up to the port of loading or only up to the port of discharge. We can also intervene solely in the pickup, document procedures, or delivery, if the shipment requires it.
Shipping options
Different Packaging Options
When hiring a full container, there is no specific requirement on how the cargo should be packed, except for hazardous goods. In a full container, cargo can be in boxes, on pallets, in drums, or even bulk. In addition to being a more practical shipping option for some shippers, it is also a safer option because the container will travel with a security seal; and it is also faster because it avoids the handling of cargo caused by groupage both at origin and destination.
Types of merchandise
General cargo
Commercial shipments of various non-specialized goods that do not require temperature control or other specific considerations. This category includes a wide variety of products, from packaged foods to manufactured goods. Such shipments should be packaged in regular packaging materials such as boxes, drums, big bags, etc., and finally placed on pallets.
Dangerous goods
These are commercial shipments that require specific considerations based on their IMO classification. The range of products can vary widely, from lithium batteries to corrosive liquids or toxic gases. These shipments must be accompanied by a safety data sheet and packaged according to the instructions provided in the sheet.
Personal effects
According to customs regulations, this is the only type of cargo that individuals or private individuals can send, and only when it involves a change of residence. These goods typically consist of personal items such as clothing, furniture, books, etc. In any case, these items must be properly packaged in boxes or bubble wrap, and then palletized and shrink-wrapped for correct handling during shipment.
Temperature-controlled cargo
These are commercial shipments of perishable products and are typically classified into two main groups: food and pharmaceuticals. There are very few temperature-controlled groupage routes, so it will be necessary to check with the shipping line to see if the service is available. Such shipments must be packaged according to specific regulations and should be placed in boxes on pallets.
Vehicles
These can be both commercial shipments and shipments from private individuals. There are no restrictions on the type of vehicle. The type of container used will be determined by the vehicle’s dimensions and weight. Vehicles must be securely lashed inside the container with the battery disconnected and the fuel tank empty to avoid being classified as dangerous goods.
Types of containers available include
Standard
Specifically designed for loading from the rear.
High Cube
Specifically designed for loading from the rear. It has an interior height 30 cm greater than the Standard.
Open Top
Specifically designed for top loading. Suitable for oversized cargo.
Flat Rack
Specifically designed for top or side loading. Suitable for cargo with oversized width and/or height.
Reefer
Specifically designed for rear loading and for temperature-controlled cargo.
Isotank
Specifically designed for bulk cargo (grains, liquids, or powders). Shipping lines do not provide this type of container, though they accept to ship them. The shipper must provide the container.
Most containers listed above are available in 3 sizes:
– 20 feet: 5.89 meters of interior length
– 40 feet: 12 meters of interior length
– 45 feet: 13.6 meters of interior length
Documentation
For the transportation of general cargo:
Commercial invoice.
Packing list.
For the transportation of dangerous goods:
Commercial invoice.
Packing list.
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or Safety Data Sheet.
For the transportation of temperature-controlled goods:
Commercial invoice.
Packing list.
Original phytosanitary certificate.
For the transportation of personal effects:
Table of Contents.
Copy of ID card or residence permit.
For vehicle transportation:
Copy of the vehicle's technical specifications.
Copy of the vehicle's registration certificate.
Copy of the vehicle's deregistration certificate. The deregistration must be permanent for exportation (if shipping outside the EU).
Other important topics
Importing certain types of goods may require the importer to have specific registrations and/or licenses. Below are the most common cases.
Importing food products: Health registration for the importer. Health registration for the destination warehouse.
Importing pharmaceutical products: Sanitary license issued by the Medicine Agency (Agencia del Medicamento).
In all cases, and for any type of importation, it will be necessary for the importer to activate their EORI number through the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).
Container dimensions
| STANDARD | 20 FEET | 40 FEET |
|---|---|---|
| Inner length | 5,896 m | 12,032 m |
| Inner width | 2,350 m | 2,350 m |
| High interior | 2,393 m | 2,393 m |
| High door | 2,274 m | 2,274 m |
| Long roof | – | – |
| Wide roof | – | – |
| Maximum capacity | – | – |
| HIGH CUBE | 40 FEET | 45 FEET |
|---|---|---|
| Inner length | 12,032 m | 13,556 m |
| Inner width | 2,350 m | 2,352 m |
| High interior | 2,697 m | 2,698 m |
| Door width | 2,34 m | 2,34 m |
| High door | 2,577 m | 2,585 m |
| Long roof | – | – |
| Wide roof | – | – |
| Maximum capacity | – | – |
| OPEN TOP HIGH CUBE | 40 FEET |
|---|---|
| Inner length | 12,032 m |
| Inner width | 2,352 m |
| High interior | 2,653 m |
| Door width | 2,34 m |
| High door | 2,292 m |
| Long roof | 11,552 m |
| Wide roof | 2,192 m |
| Maximum capacity | – |
| FLAT RACK | 40 FEET |
|---|---|
| Inner length | 11,630 m |
| Inner width | 2,440 m |
| High interior | 2,260 m |
| Door width | – |
| High door | – |
| Long roof | – |
| Wide roof | – |
| Maximum capacity | – |
| REEFER | 20 FEET | 40 FEET |
|---|---|---|
| Inner length | 5,896 m | 12,032 m |
| Inner width | 2,350 m | 2,350 m |
| High interior | 2,393 m | 2,393 m |
| Door width | 2,34 m | 2,34 m |
| High door | 2,274 m | 2,274 m |
| Long roof | – | – |
| Wide roof | – | – |
| Maximum capacity | – | – |
| ISOTANK | 20 FEET |
|---|---|
| Inner length | – |
| Inner width | – |
| High interior | – |
| Door width | – |
| High door | – |
| Long roof | – |
| Wide roof | – |
| Maximum capacity | 26.000 L |
