How big is FCL?

1, Capacity analysis of FCL
The capacity of FCL mainly depends on the type of container used. At present, the most commonly used container types in international logistics include two standard sizes: 20 feet (TEU, Twenty foot Equivalent Unit) and 40 feet (FEU, Forty foot Equivalent Unit).
20 foot container: This is one of the most common container sizes, with external dimensions of approximately 6.058 meters long, 2.438 meters wide, and 2.591 meters high (including top lifting equipment). The effective loading size inside is slightly reduced, but sufficient to accommodate a large amount of cargo. A standard 20 foot container has an internal volume of approximately 33 cubic meters and a maximum load capacity that varies depending on the container material and design, but typically ranges from 22 to 24 tons.
40 foot container: Compared to a 20 foot container, a 40 foot container provides greater loading space. Its external dimensions are approximately 12.192 meters long, 2.438 meters wide, and 2.591 meters high (including the box top lifting device), and the effective loading size and volume inside have correspondingly increased. A standard 40 foot container has an internal volume of approximately 67 cubic meters and a corresponding increase in maximum load capacity, typically between 26 and 28 tons.
It is worth noting that in addition to the two standard sizes mentioned above, there are also variants such as the 40 foot High Cube (HC), which have an increased height compared to the standard 40 foot container, providing greater loading space.
2, Types and Applications of FCL
FCL is not limited to standard 20 foot and 40 foot containers, but also covers multiple types to meet the transportation needs of different goods. For example, refrigerated containers (REEFER) are used to transport goods that require maintaining a specific temperature; Open Top Container is convenient for loading oversized or wide cargo; Flat Rack Container is suitable for the transportation of heavy machinery and equipment.
The application scope of FCL is extremely wide, covering almost all types of goods that require long-distance transportation. From raw materials, semi-finished products to finished products, from mechanical equipment, electronic products to daily necessities, FCL has become an indispensable mode of transportation in international trade due to its advantages of high efficiency, safety, and economy.
3, The Importance of FCL in Modern Logistics
Improve transportation efficiency: FCL allows shippers to monopolize the entire container without sharing space with other goods, thereby avoiding mutual interference and delays between goods. This independence ensures that goods can be transported quickly and accurately from the place of origin to the destination, improving transportation efficiency.
Reduce transportation costs: Although the initial investment of FCL may be higher (such as container leasing fees), for large quantities of goods, its unit transportation cost is often lower. In addition, FCL also helps to reduce the overall transportation cost for shippers by reducing the risk of loss and damage during transportation.
Enhancing cargo security: The sturdiness and sealing of containers provide effective protective barriers for cargo. In FCL mode, the entire transportation process of goods from the origin to the destination maintains independence and integrity, greatly reducing the risk of damage or loss of goods.
Promoting international trade: FCL, as one of the most commonly used modes of transportation in international trade, provides convenience for the exchange of goods between countries. It breaks the limitations of geography and time, enabling rapid circulation and exchange of goods worldwide, promoting the prosperity and development of international trade.