22/10/2022
Ocean freight shipping to the United States
The United States economy is the most powerful in the world, contributing to over 26% of total global consumption. That said, ocean freight to the United States is an important driving factor of the North American economy.
The US is the world’s largest importer, dealing over $2.2 trillion worth of goods with its main partners - China, Mexico, Japan, Canada, and Germany - in 2016. Its exports reached $1.47 billion, making it the world’s largest second exporter.
FCL or LCL for your ocean freight to the United States
One of the most important aspects of your ocean freight to the US includes deciding between a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less than a Container Load (LCL). As its name suggests, an FCL means you have the entire container to yourself and can occupy its entire space. Depending on the amount of cargo, you can choose between a 20-foot or 40-foot FCL, which carries a total of 10 or 21 standard American pallets respectively. The standard American pallet measures 47.24 inches long and 39.37 inches wide. If you’ll be occupying over half of the container space, it’s more ideal to opt for an FCL because it allows you to take greater advantage of the transportation cost. Plus, it prevents risk of damages and contamination.
LCL, on the other hand, means you will have to share container space with other shippers. If your cargo is more durable and less sensitive to damages and contamination, this is the better choice. It helps you save on shipping costs as you will be sharing the cost of the container with other parties.
