Sea container shipping: FCL and LCL
Full container or a groupage share
A container to suit your cargo
Cargo movement and status tracking
From port to warehouse door
Access to major ports worldwide
Benefits of sea freight for business
Any major port in the world
All major ports are served by shipping lines, so goods can be shipped from almost anywhere in the world.
Safe for oversized cargo
Containers are a safe and convenient way to move large and oversized shipments.
Optimal route and transit time
There can be several routes, and a vessel may make several port calls. We compare the options and choose the best one for price and time.
Pay only for your volume
In a groupage container (LCL) the cost is shared between all shippers — you pay only for the space your cargo takes.
Transparent cargo status
You see your cargo’s movement and status, and the shipping line gives advance notice of arrival — usually 5–10 days ahead.
FCL — full container load
Full Container Load: the whole container carries only your cargo, port to port, with no reloading alongside other shipments.
- we match the container to the cargo: 20DV, 40DV, 40HC, 45HC, reefers or out-of-gauge
- container delivery to the port of loading and from the port of discharge
- moving cargo between terminals
- suitable for large and oversized shipments
LCL — groupage container
Less than Container Load: your cargo shares a container with other clients’ shipments — for smaller consignments.
- order from the manufacturer only as much as you will actually sell — no large batches
- no waiting for a full container: we find space on the next vessel
- cargo from different pick-up points can be combined into one shipment
- groupage cargo arrives at the port of Odesa, where it is unpacked and cleared through customs under our operator’s control
How to order sea freight
We handle the whole chain — from the quote to returning the empty container to the shipping line. You receive the cargo; we control every stage.
You send the cargo details
The goods, number of packages, weight of each package, packaging type and port of loading.
We plan the route and quote a price
We take transit time and port calls into account to offer the best option.
We contact the shipper
You give us the shipper’s contact and the cargo reference at the factory; we give you our agent’s details in the country of origin.
We agree the Bill of Lading
You check the bill of lading and request corrections if needed. You receive the final version once all details are confirmed.
Cargo in transit
You track the cargo’s movement and status, and the shipping line gives 5–10 days’ notice of arrival.
Port, customs and delivery to your warehouse
We clear port checks, book a truck from the port to your warehouse and return the container to the line.
Types of sea containers
We choose the container based on your cargo: volume, temperature or dimensions. Not sure which one you need? Describe the cargo and we will advise.
Standard dry
20DV, 40DV, 40HC, 45HC — for standard cargo. They differ in volume and height.
Reefer
20REF, 40RE — for cargo that needs temperature control.
Out-of-gauge
20OT and 40OT open-tops and 40FR flat racks — for cargo that won’t fit a standard container.
Tankcontainers
For liquid bulk cargo — food grade, such as oils or juices, and industrial.
Frequently asked questions about sea freight
International logistics is about precision, timing and safety.
We have collected the most common questions our clients ask so that you feel confident even before your first shipment.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
With FCL the whole container is yours. With LCL your cargo shares a container with others, and you pay only for your share.
What do you need for a quote?
What the goods are, the number of packages, the weight of each package, packaging type and port of loading.
How long does sea freight take?
It depends on the port of origin, the route and the number of port calls. We calculate transit time together with the price for each route.
How soon does groupage cargo ship?
Preparing the cargo usually takes no more than two days. It then leaves on the next weekly service.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The bill of lading is the key document of sea transport. It is issued once the cargo reaches the port; you check the details and receive the final version.
Do you help with customs and delivery from the port?
Yes. We clear port checks, handle customs clearance and book a truck from the port to your warehouse.
Request an international shipment
our experts will contact you and help with all your logistics tasks!
Logistics solutions for international shipping
We arrange international delivery and full logistics support: sea, rail, road and air freight, customs clearance and groupage delivery.
air
freight
Air freight
Air freight for business from the international logistics operator Customs Logistics Group.
We provide urgent international delivery along with logistics and customs brokerage as part of full cargo support.
sea
freight
sea freight
Safe and fast international sea freight to any port in the world.
Full support and flexible FCL and LCL solutions — so your cargo arrives on time and intact.
road
freight
Transportation by road
Efficient international road freight for cargo of any complexity.
We choose the right vehicle and route to deliver your cargo to any country — on schedule and without hassle.
rail
freight
Transportation by rail
The ideal solution for bulk cargo — rail container shipping and rail freight from Customs Logistics Group.
We arrange international rail freight between Europe and Asia with maximum benefit for your business.
groupage
cargo
groupage cargo
The most cost-effective solution for small and medium businesses. We consolidate your cargo with other shipments to minimise costs and ensure efficient delivery without compromising quality.
Customs
brokerage
Customs brokerage
Full support of your cargo through customs procedures and customs brokerage from the international logistics operator CLG.
We handle customs clearance and every detail of brokerage so your business keeps moving without delays.
Why do businesses trust Customs Logistics Group with their cargo?
We ensure reliable, safe and fast delivery. We optimise routes, choose the best transport, accompany cargo from shipper to consignee and advise you at every stage so your business runs without delays.
WE RESPECT DEADLINES
We value our reputation and meet every term and deadline. Each order is monitored at every stage of transportation so the cargo arrives on time.
wide reach
A network of agents in more than 120 countries lets us carry cargo from 10 kg to 200 tonnes with a wide choice of routes and delivery methods.
end-to-end service
We provide a full range of logistics and customs brokerage services for import and export. From paperwork to cargo support at every stage — we take care of every detail.
competitive rates
Years of experience and efficient processes let us offer affordable prices by optimising routes and consolidating cargo to save you money.
