FCL Shipping for Timber: The 40'HC Container Explained

For B2B timber importers, the Full Container Load (FCL) is the standard unit of trade. Understanding how FCL shipping works — container types, how to fill them, and what to expect from origin to destination — is essential before placing your first order.

---

What is an FCL shipment?

FCL (Full Container Load): You book an entire container, which is loaded exclusively with your cargo. The container is sealed at the origin warehouse and opened only at your destination port. You get a single Bill of Lading, full control of the cargo, and direct accountability from the exporter.

FCL is the standard for Brazilian timber exports because:

• Brazilian mills produce in full-container quantities
• Timber products with phytosanitary requirements are cleaner to handle without cargo mixing
• The economics per m³ are significantly better than any consolidation alternative
• Documentation is simpler: one B/L, one phytosanitary certificate, one customs entry

---

Container types: 40'HC vs 20ft

The 40'HC (High Cube) is the standard container for Brazilian timber exports.

Container	Internal dimensions	Usable volume	Typical timber load
20ft standard	5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39m	~28m³	18–22m³
40ft standard	12.0 × 2.35 × 2.39m	~56m³	35–42m³
40'HC (High Cube)	12.0 × 2.35 × 2.70m	~68m³	44–55m³

The 40'HC is preferred because:

• The extra 30cm of height allows taller stacks, maximising cubic utilisation
• It is the standard container at Brazilian export terminals (Paranaguá, Santos, Itajaí)
• Freight cost per m³ is lower than a 20ft at equivalent fill rates

Export Brazil Pine's minimum order is one FCL 40'HC.

---

How many sheets fit in a 40'HC?

Approximate sheet counts for 1220×2440mm plywood stacked flat:

Thickness	Approx. sheets per 40'HC
9mm	1,400–1,600
12mm	1,000–1,200
15mm	800–950
18mm	650–750
21mm	550–650
24mm	480–560

Actual counts vary with stacking density, dunnage, and packing method. Our export team provides exact volume calculations when preparing your proforma invoice.

---

Booking process

1. Inquiry and proforma — Submit your product specs (grade, thickness, size, volume). We prepare a proforma invoice within 24 hours.
2. Deposit — Typically 30% T/T to confirm production.
3. Production — 4–8 weeks depending on product and mill schedule.
4. Pre-shipment inspection — Photos provided on request before loading.
5. Container loading and sealing — Cargo loaded at the mill or port warehouse.
6. Booking confirmed — Vessel booking, ETD and ETA provided.
7. Documents — Commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, phytosanitary certificate, and certificate of origin issued.
8. Balance payment — Typically 70% T/T against copy of B/L.

---

Transit times from Brazil

Destination	Typical ETD port	Transit time
USA East Coast (NY, Baltimore)	Paranaguá / Santos	14–18 days
USA Gulf (Houston, New Orleans)	Paranaguá / Santos	18–22 days
Europe (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe)	Paranaguá / Itajaí	18–25 days
Middle East (Jebel Ali, Dammam)	Santos / Paranaguá	22–30 days
Australia (Melbourne, Sydney)	Santos	30–38 days

---

Mixed container loads: more than one product

Many buyers load more than one product type on a single container. Common combinations:

• Pine plywood A/B (furniture grade) + CDX (structural) in the same 40'HC
• Plywood + MDF panels on a single bill of lading
• Different thicknesses of the same grade (e.g. 12mm + 18mm + 24mm)

Mixed containers require a combined packing list identifying each product batch separately. The phytosanitary certificate covers all timber in the container as a single consignment. No additional documentation complexity arises.

Our Container Load Calculator lets you input multiple products and thicknesses to model the container fill in advance.

---

How to maximise container utilisation

Container utilisation directly affects your cost per m³. Tips for maximising fill:

1. Specify 1220×2440mm (4×8 ft) sheets — this is the most space-efficient size for a standard 40'HC
2. Mix thicknesses — if ordering 18mm and 12mm, stack the thinner sheets in the spaces above the thicker bundles where headroom allows
3. Use flat stacking only — plywood should always be stacked flat; vertical stacking risks panel damage and reduces stability
4. Avoid over-specifying dunnage — EBP's export packing team uses steel strapping and minimal dunnage to maximise cargo space without compromising load security
5. Request a CBM calculation before confirming — our export team provides a precise cubic metre calculation for every order configuration so you can optimise before the proforma is final

---

Insurance and risk during transit

Who bears the risk depends on your Incoterm:

• FOB — risk transfers to the buyer when the goods cross the ship's rail at Paranaguá. Buyer arranges marine insurance.
• CIF — EBP arranges freight and minimum insurance (110% of CIF value, Institute Cargo Clauses C) to destination port. Buyer takes risk at destination port.

For most B2B timber shipments, buyers should consider All-Risk marine cargo insurance (Institute Cargo Clauses A) rather than the minimum CIF coverage. Timber is susceptible to wetting damage in transit; All-Risk coverage provides broader protection.

Marine insurance is typically 0.8–1.1% of the shipment's CIF value per voyage.

---

First-container checklist

Before your first FCL shipment from Brazil, confirm:

• Product specification agreed (grade, thickness, sheet size, certifications required)
• Port of discharge agreed and local customs broker appointed
• Incoterm agreed (FOB or CIF)
• Marine insurance arranged (if FOB)
• CARB P2 required? (US market) — confirm at order stage
• EUDR documentation required? (EU market) — confirm at order stage
• FSC required? — confirm at order stage
• Payment terms confirmed: 30% deposit / 70% against copy B/L

---

Related reading

FOB vs CIF: Which Incoterm Is Right for Your Timber Import? · Import Duties on Plywood: USA, EU, UAE & Australia · Plywood Container Load Calculator · Pine Plywood

Request a FCL quote →