Ocean freight — FCL & LCL container shipping
Ocean container freight to Varna and Burgas from ports worldwide — FCL and LCL, with transparent surcharges and one responsible contact.
- FCL — full container (20', 40', 40HC, reefer) from around 15 CBM up
- LCL — groupage shipments from 1 CBM, you pay only for the volume you use
- Routes from Asia, the USA and the Middle East to Varna and Burgas
- Active management of demurrage and detention risk
KG Cargo arranges ocean freight to the ports of Varna and Burgas from origins worldwide: FCL (full container 20', 40', 40HC, reefer) and LCL (groupage from 1 CBM). You get a written quote for your specific cargo, transparent surcharges and a single contact from booking through to customs release.
FCL — full container (20', 40', 40HC, reefer)
FCL suits you when the cargo exceeds around 15 CBM or needs a controlled environment, with full control over temperature, humidity and security throughout the move. You book a whole container that is sealed at the shipper and opened at the consignee.
The standard container types and their internal volumes:
- 20' Standard — about 33 CBM, up to 28 t payload. For dense cargo (metal, tiles, concrete goods).
- 40' Standard — about 67 CBM, up to 26 t. The versatile choice for mixed or bulkier cargo.
- 40' High Cube (40HC) — about 76 CBM, +30 cm in height over a standard 40'. Suited to voluminous, light goods.
- 40' Reefer — controlled temperature from –25 to +25 °C. For food, pharmaceuticals and temperature-sensitive cargo.
We arrange both port-to-port and door-to-door with road pre-carriage/delivery and de-stuffing at the warehouse. Before booking you get a forecast of the demurrage and detention risk on your specific route. The standard free time at port is 5–7 days, then storage charges grow progressively.
LCL — less than container load (groupage)
LCL (Less than Container Load) is the answer when your cargo is between 1 and 15 CBM. You share a container with other shippers and pay only for the volume you occupy (a minimum of 1 CBM or 1 t, whichever is greater). For small and mid-sized importers this lowers the entry barrier to direct ocean freight.
The process involves consolidation at a Container Freight Station (CFS) at the origin port, an ocean leg in a shared container, and de-consolidation at a CFS at the destination. That adds a few days versus FCL, an acceptable trade-off at small volumes.
Main routes to and from Varna and Burgas
Ocean transit times have been fluid since late 2023: the lines bypass the Red Sea and route via the Cape of Good Hope, and the exact schedule depends on capacity, seasonality and carrier decisions. That is why we don't publish a fixed rate card or benchmark times. You get the exact dates for your route in the quote, against the current sailings. Our main discharge ports are Varna and Burgas.
| Route | FCL transit | LCL transit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai / Ningbo → Varna | confirmed at quote | confirmed at quote | Busiest route from Asia |
| Mumbai / Nhava Sheva → Varna | confirmed at quote | confirmed at quote | Frequent for the India lane |
| Laem Chabang / Bangkok → Varna | confirmed at quote | confirmed at quote | Consolidated groupage available |
| Ho Chi Minh → Varna | confirmed at quote | confirmed at quote | Often textiles and footwear |
| New York / Norfolk → Varna | confirmed at quote | confirmed at quote | Transhipment via Northern Europe |
| Dubai / Jebel Ali → Varna | confirmed at quote | confirmed at quote | Middle East transhipment hub |
What documents are required
To book and quote an ocean container we need:
- A commercial (or proforma) invoice with the HS code, value and Incoterms
- A packing list — number of packages, weight, dimensions and CBM
- Loading and unloading addresses (for door-to-door)
- Cargo details — nature, packaging and any dangerous characteristics
- A recommended readiness date
We also help with the choice of Incoterm (EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP). The choice decides who pays for the carriage, who bears the risk and who files the export declaration. The official Incoterms® 2020 rules are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The wrong Incoterm in a quote often costs more than the freight difference itself.
Why KG Cargo for ocean freight
- Transparent quotes — the ocean rate in writing + all local charges at destination + the current time for your specific route.
- No hidden charges — THC, BAF, CAF, ISPS, documentation — listed line by line before the booking.
- Demurrage risk management — we track the ETA and start the customs release before the container even touches the port.
- A single coordinator — one person runs the shipment from confirmation to delivery, you don't switch between departments.
- A forwarder since 2012 — we arrange the move with proven lines and partners, without being tied to a single carrier.
Have FCL or LCL cargo from Asia, the USA or the Middle East? Send the loading port and volume, and we’ll prepare a quote for your specific route.
Request a quoteOcean freight FAQ
When is FCL cheaper than LCL?
As a rule of thumb, around 13–15 CBM is the break-even point — above that volume a 20' FCL usually works out cheaper than the equivalent LCL, because LCL is priced linearly per CBM. Below 10 CBM, LCL stays the clearly better choice. Between 10 and 15 CBM it depends on the specific route, the season and the timings, so we quote both options in parallel on request.
What are demurrage and detention charges?
Demurrage is a charge by the port terminal for a container that stays past its free time (typically 5–7 days after discharge). Detention is a charge by the shipping line for holding the container away from the port after release. Both escalate progressively, which is why we start the customs release before the vessel even touches Varna.
How long does a shipment from China to Varna take?
Since late 2023 the shipping lines bypass the Red Sea and route via the Cape of Good Hope, so the exact time depends on the carrier's current schedule, capacity and seasonality. We don't publish a fixed benchmark, because the numbers date quickly. Send an enquiry with the loading port, volume and target readiness date — you get an accurate time (FCL and LCL) in the quote.
How soon will I get a quote?
Within 2 working hours we get in touch to clarify the details you’ve sent. We prepare a complete, transparent quote with all its terms once we have all the shipment data. For specific cargo (batteries, liquids, food and similar) that requires document checks, and for EXW, DAP and DDP delivery terms, we send the quote once we have all the costs in hand. We handle each shipment as per its specifics, so you get a correct and optimized quote. International logistics is a complex process, and considering every factor and cost sometimes takes time.
Send your shipment details and we’ll get in touch within 2 working hours.
Request a quoteOr reach us on the contact page.