Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping to Europe from Chicago
In Chicagoland, Doma Shipping operates 8 locations handling daily FCL consolidation and bookings for European delivery.
Full Container Load (FCL) shipping in Chicagoland connects your cargo to European ports every day. FCL fills one entire 20ft or 40ft container—no shared space with other shippers' goods. You pay lower per-unit costs and your goods reach Europe faster than parcel or LCL options. This page explains what FCL is, when it makes sense for your business, and how to book with Doma across our 8 Chicagoland locations.
Understand Full Container Load FCL
Meaning and When It Fits
Your Chicagoland Business
Your shipping choice depends on cargo size. Full Container Load means your shipment fills an entire 20ft or 40ft container with no shared space. You get lower cost per unit and faster delivery compared to LCL or parcel service.
The breakeven point is typically 12–15 cubic meters or 10–12 metric tons. Below that, parcel or LCL shipping may cost less. Above it, FCL saves money per unit and gets your goods to Europe faster.
Manufacturers exporting to European distributors often use FCL. E-commerce businesses consolidating bulk inventory to Europe do too. Wholesalers moving seasonal stock across the Atlantic benefit from dedicated container space. Doma’s 8 Chicagoland locations handle daily consolidation for European routes, so your shipment gets efficient routing and transparent pricing without hidden fees.
Chicagoland’s manufacturing and distribution base drives steady FCL demand to Western Europe. We know the typical cargo sizes, destinations, and timing that work best for European trade.
Calculate Full Container Load Shipping Rates and Weight Capacity for Chicagoland Shippers
Before booking with Doma, measure your cargo accurately. Count pallets, boxes, and items. Note the weight in kilograms and total cubic meters. Precise numbers prevent overage fees and container overflow surprises.
Chicagoland's standard pallet size is 48 by 40 inches. A typical warehouse ceiling is 20–24 feet tall, so you can stack pallets 6–7 high safely. A standard 40ft Doma container holds about 28 pallets or 25–27 metric tons maximum. A 20ft container holds about half that capacity. High-cube 40ft containers add extra height for tall or stacked goods.
Use these measurements to request an accurate quote from Doma. Your shipment will fit safely in our containers, and you'll avoid paying for empty space or dealing with loading delays at pickup.
Compare 20ft vs. 40ft Full Container Load Container Pricing for European Shipments
A 20ft container holds 33 cubic meters. A standard 40ft container holds 67 cubic meters. A high-cube 40ft holds 76 cubic meters. Choose the size that fits your cargo and your European destination.
For bulk goods to Western European ports, 40ft containers dominate. Smaller shipments or businesses with limited warehouse space may choose 20ft. Right-sizing cuts empty space and reduces your total cost to Europe. Doma ships both sizes from all Chicagoland locations, so the choice is yours based on your goods and budget.
Smaller containers cost less upfront but more per unit of cargo. Larger containers cost more upfront but less per unit. Talk to Doma about which container works best for your shipment and destination country.
Use a Full Container Load Shipping Cost Calculator to Compare Your Options
Transparent Pricing Matters
Tell us your destination country, commodity type, total weight in kilograms, total volume in cubic meters, and your preferred ship date. Our cost calculator shows exactly how these variables affect your FCL shipping price.
Firm Pricing
Doma offers firm pricing at all Chicagoland locations—no hidden fees, no surprise charges, no discounts that disappear. What you see is what you pay. This helps you compare FCL cost against parcel and LCL alternatives with confidence.
8 Locations
Provide your cargo specs to any of our 8 Chicagoland locations or visit domashipping.com. You’ll get an instant, transparent rate that reflects the true cost of moving your goods to Europe in a dedicated container.
Prepare Cargo and Book Your FCL Shipping Price with Doma in Chicagoland Today
Ready to ship? Stack your cargo safely inside the container.
Use wooden dunnage or bracing to prevent shifting during the ocean voyage to Europe. Label every pallet clearly with your company name, destination, and contents. Include a detailed packing list with weights and item counts.
- Create a weight certificate for your entire shipment. Doma will explain what customs forms you need based on your destination country. Cold Chicagoland winters mean you should weatherproof your goods if they're sensitive to moisture or temperature changes during the Atlantic crossing.
- Tell us your destination country, commodity type, weight, volume, and preferred ship date. We'll assign a container and schedule pickup or drop-off at one of our locations. Choose the location closest to your business in Chicagoland: Chicago Belmont, Chicago Harlem Ave, Chicago Archer Ave in Roselle, Palos Hills, Algonquin, Niles, Mount Prospect, or Melrose Park.
- Track your container every step of the way on domashipping.com. You'll see when it picks up, when it sails, and when it arrives in Europe. No express services—just reliable sea and plane options that get your goods to European destinations on schedule.
What is FCL and LCL Meaning in Shipping for Chicagoland?
Key differences between FCL and LCL:
- FCL costs less per unit for large shipments; LCL has lower upfront cost for small shipments
- FCL moves faster through European ports and experiences reduced handling damage; LCL waits for consolidation and takes longer
- FCL uses a dedicated container avoiding cargo mixing and customs delays; LCL shares space and increases risk of processing delays
Full Container Load means your shipment occupies an entire 20ft or 40ft shipping container with no shared space on the vessel to Europe. Less Than Container Load means your cargo shares a container with other shippers’ goods. Chicagoland businesses use Doma’s FCL service for heavy or high-volume cargo destined to European ports and customs zones.
FAQs
What is the difference between FCL and LCL meaning in shipping from Chicagoland?
FCL fills one container for lower per-unit cost on large shipments; LCL shares a container with other cargo; Doma offers both based on your shipment size.
How much does full container load FCL shipping cost from Chicagoland to Europe?
FCL pricing depends on destination country, weight, volume, and container size; use Doma’s cost calculator or request a quote at any Chicagoland location for exact rate.
What is full container load in kg and cubic meters for Doma's standard containers?
Standard 40ft holds 25–27 metric tons (25,000–27,000 kg) and 67 cubic meters; high-cube 40ft adds 9 cubic meters; 20ft holds approximately half that capacity.
Can I get full container load FCL shipping rates for partial cargo from Chicagoland?
Yes; Doma consolidates partial shipments from Chicagoland locations into FCL when it makes economic sense versus parcel or LCL rates to Europe.
What is included in your full container load shipping price from Chicagoland?
Container pickup or drop-off, documentation (bill of lading, packing list, customs forms), port handling, and domashipping.com tracking; no hidden fees.
How do I use a FCL shipping cost calculator to compare Chicagoland options?
Provide destination country, commodity type, total weight in kg, total volume in CBM, and preferred ship date; Doma generates instant transparent pricing.