Full cargo

A full cargo is a parcel that fills the vessel to its deadweight or cubic capacity, chartering the whole ship to one cargo interest rather than sharing with other shippers. It is the standard basis of a voyage charter, where the owner commits the entire carrying capacity and the charterer guarantees a full and complete cargo. If the charterer ships less than the agreed quantity, deadfreight is payable on the shortfall to compensate the owner for the unused capacity. A full cargo contrasts with part-cargo or parcel trades, where several charterers share the holds.