Here’s another article from my International Shipping blog which is also relevant to shipping in SA..

There are different types of containerised service types available..

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, liablity 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..

In some countries for ex South Africa – there is no concept of LCL containers..

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 terms are considered as Terms of Shipment as well :

FCL/FCL – One shipper => One consignee

FCL/LCL – One shipper => Multiple consignees

LCL/FCL – Multiple shippers => One consignee

LCL/LCL – Multiple shippers => Multiple consignees