Blog
No Responses December 3, 2024

A Guide to FBA Full Container and LCL Pricing

Shipping to the U.S. can be complex, especially when deciding between FBA full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL). Let’s break down the costs and details to help you make an informed decision.

Full Container Load (FCL) vs. Less-Than-Container Load (LCL)

When shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses via sea freight, FCL rates are generally much more economical than LCL. Sea freight services are available in two main categories: FCL and LCL. For FCL shipments, there are three standard container types:

  • 20GP (20-foot small container): Holds about 28 CBM of cargo.
  • 40GP (40-foot standard container): Holds about 58 CBM of cargo.
  • 40HQ (40-foot high cube container): Holds about 68 CBM of cargo.

Weight Restrictions

While sea freight has a weight limit of 20 tons per container, the U.S. domestic transportation weight limit is 17.3 tons. As a result, it’s best to keep shipments under 18 tons to avoid complications.

LCL Shipping Costs for FBA

Here are the typical fees for LCL shipments to U.S. FBA warehouses:

  1. Ocean Freight to East/West Coast Ports: Approx. $XX–$XX/CBM depending on the destination port.
  2. Destination Agent and Warehouse Fees: Ranges from a few hundred dollars, depending on cargo volume, weight, and packaging (pallets or cartons).
  3. Customs Clearance Fee: $100–$125 per shipment.
  4. ISF Filing Fee: $25–$50 per shipment.
  5. Use of U.S. Trade Company Credentials (if required): Flat fee per shipment.
  6. Single Bond Fee: Based on cargo value, typically a few dozen dollars.
  7. ISF Bond Fee: Flat fee per shipment.
  8. Delivery Fee: Varies by quantity and distance, generally a few hundred dollars.
  9. Palletizing Fee: $20–$25 per pallet.

Note: Additional costs like duties, customs inspections, and waiting fees for Amazon delivery are not included.

FCL Shipping Costs for FBA

For FCL shipments, the costs are typically as follows:

  1. Origin Port Fees (in RMB):
    • Small container (20GP): Around ¥1,000+
    • High cube container (40HQ): Around ¥2,000+
  2. Ocean Freight to U.S. Ports (in USD):
    • West Coast ports (e.g., LA):
      • 20GP: ~$1,000
      • 40HQ: ~$1,400
    • East Coast ports (e.g., NY):
      • 20GP: ~$1,500
      • 40HQ: ~$1,800
  3. Customs Clearance Fee: $100–$125 per shipment.
  4. ISF Filing Fee: $25–$50 per shipment.
  5. Use of U.S. Trade Company Credentials (if required): Flat fee per shipment.
  6. Single Bond Fee: Based on cargo value, typically a few dozen dollars.
  7. ISF Bond Fee: Flat fee per shipment.
  8. Delivery Fee: Ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on distance and quantity.

Note: Additional fees, such as detention charges (e.g., demurrage), can be significant. Most ports offer a 3-day free period, after which detention fees may reach hundreds of dollars per day.

Final Thoughts

Shipping to the U.S. requires careful planning and an understanding of the various fees involved. Whether you’re shipping via FCL or LCL, knowing these costs upfront can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

For more insights into international shipping and cost-effective logistics solutions, feel free to reach out to Zcyt Logistics. We specialize in seamless and reliable freight forwarding services tailored to your needs.