LCL and FCL options
Share container space
Part loads move with other shipments. The comparison includes origin consolidation, destination deconsolidation and release charges, as well as the main freight.
Book a container
A container booking is considered against the volume, weight and loading needs of your goods. Inland delivery, unloading, empty return and free-time conditions still matter.
The practical choice depends on the cargo and the complete quote. There is no universal volume at which FCL is always cheaper.
Shipment stages
Goods become ready
Supplier completion, domestic delivery, agreed checks and consolidation happen before the sea leg starts.
Export and sailing
Booking, cargo cutoff, export handling and the actual sailing form the international movement.
Arrival and release
Terminal work, LCL unpacking where applicable, clearance and cargo release follow arrival.
The named handover
Collection or delivery finishes at the agreed point, with access and unloading arrangements identified.
The full sea-freight cost
| Cost group | What the proposal should identify |
|---|---|
| China preparation | Collection or supplier delivery, receiving, packing, export handling and documentation. |
| Main freight | LCL volume/weight basis or container type, minimum charge, surcharges and rate validity. |
| Arrival and customs | Terminal/CFS, unpacking, release, customs service, duties, VAT and any tax-payment fee. |
| Final handover | Inland transport, collection, delivery access, unloading and any additional attendance. |
| Exceptions | Inspection, storage, demurrage, detention, amendments or a changed delivery plan. |
China preparation
- What the proposal should identify
- Collection or supplier delivery, receiving, packing, export handling and documentation.
Main freight
- What the proposal should identify
- LCL volume/weight basis or container type, minimum charge, surcharges and rate validity.
Arrival and customs
- What the proposal should identify
- Terminal/CFS, unpacking, release, customs service, duties, VAT and any tax-payment fee.
Final handover
- What the proposal should identify
- Inland transport, collection, delivery access, unloading and any additional attendance.
Exceptions
- What the proposal should identify
- Inspection, storage, demurrage, detention, amendments or a changed delivery plan.
Packing list and cargo details
Illustrative structure
| Cargo information | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cartons and measurements | The number, dimensions, gross weights and total packed volume determine the transport basis. |
| Contents and suppliers | Product descriptions, order references and commercial invoices connect the cargo to the transaction. |
| Special handling | Fragility, heavy pieces, unusual dimensions and controlled attributes can change acceptance and handling. |
| Ready date and destination | Available sailings and inland arrangements depend on where the goods start and finish. |
Cartons and measurements
- Why it matters
- The number, dimensions, gross weights and total packed volume determine the transport basis.
Contents and suppliers
- Why it matters
- Product descriptions, order references and commercial invoices connect the cargo to the transaction.
Special handling
- Why it matters
- Fragility, heavy pieces, unusual dimensions and controlled attributes can change acceptance and handling.
Ready date and destination
- Why it matters
- Available sailings and inland arrangements depend on where the goods start and finish.
Use these fields to prepare your cargo details. Final acceptance depends on the goods and selected service.
Collection and delivery options
| Proposed endpoint | Items still to define |
|---|---|
| Port or CFS release | Who clears, settles destination charges and collects the goods. |
| Warehouse collection | The actual collection location, handling/storage rules and receiving authority. |
| Delivery to your address | Full address and postcode, business or residential access, appointment, unloading and receiving contact. |
Port or CFS release
- Items still to define
- Who clears, settles destination charges and collects the goods.
Warehouse collection
- Items still to define
- The actual collection location, handling/storage rules and receiving authority.
Delivery to your address
- Items still to define
- Full address and postcode, business or residential access, appointment, unloading and receiving contact.
Delays and additional costs
A supplier misses the receiving plan
Compare waiting with a split shipment before the cutoff. A change can affect packing, storage and transport minimums.
Documents or import funds are incomplete
The cargo may require further work before release. Keep a responsible contact and an agreed route for documents and payment.
Collection or unloading changes
A new address, delayed collection or unavailable unloading equipment can add storage, transport or attendance costs.
Prepare your sea-freight request
Begin with the goods, supplier locations, estimated packed volume and South African destination. Final carton measurements refine the proposal. Tell us the stock date you are working towards and whether some items can travel separately.
- Identify the intended importer and required customs records.
- State whether you need collection or delivery to an address.
- Read any schedule as an estimate with a defined start and endpoint, not a guaranteed door-to-door transit.
Reference library
Sources and reference material
01SARS: import and clearance proceduressars.gov.za02ICC: choosing delivery termslibrary.iccwbo.orgReviewed 27 October 2026