What Is CFS and CY in Logistics?

Knowing your shipping terminology is important when managing international freight. Two terms you may come across are container freight station (CFS) and container yard (CY). These terms outline how your cargo is handled at the origin and destination ports, affecting everything from costs to delivery times.

Whether you’re shipping a few pallets or full container loads, understanding the difference between CFS and CY shipping helps you choose the most efficient and cost-effective method for your cargo.

What Is a Container Freight Station?

A CFS is a cargo handling facility where less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments are grouped or separated. It’s a sorting and grouping center for cargo that doesn’t fill an entire container.

Container freight station shipping handles the logistics of combining multiple smaller shipments from different customers into a single container for transport. As a destination, CFS facilities separate combined cargo and distribute it to various recipients.

How CFS Shipping Works

The CFS shipping process follows a straightforward path:

1. Your cargo arrives at the origin CFS facility, where it’s inspected, documented and prepared for shipping.
2. The facility consolidates your shipment with other LCL cargo heading to the same destination.
3. Once the container is full, it’s transported to the port and loaded onto a vessel.
4. At the destination CFS, your cargo is separated, cleared through customs if necessary and prepared for final delivery.

What Is a Container Yard?

A CY is a large, secure parking lot for shipping containers. The CY meaning in logistics refers to the designated area within or near a port where full container load (FCL) shipments are stored, organized and handled before being loaded onto vessels or after being unloaded.

Container yard logistics focus on the efficient management of complete containers. Unlike CFS facilities, a CY stores sealed containers that belong to a single shipper. These yards make sure that containers are properly positioned for loading, safely stored during transit delays, and are ready for collection or onward transport.

How CY Shipping Works

Container yard shipping operates with a simpler process than CFS:

1. You fill an entire container at your facility or a nearby location.
2. The sealed container is transported to the origin container yard at the port.
3. The container is stored in the yard until the vessel is ready for loading.
4. Once loaded, the container travels by sea to the destination port.
5. At the destination CY, the container is unloaded and stored until it’s picked up.
6. You or your designated carrier retrieves the full, sealed container for transport to the final destination.

Difference Between CFS and CY

While both CFS and CY are important components of container yard logistics, they serve different purposes and handle cargo in distinct ways.

Feature	Container Freight Station (CFS)	Container Yard (CY)
Cargo Type	Mixed cargo that doesn’t fill a container.	Single Shipment that fills an entire container.
Function	Consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo.	Storage and handling of complete containers.
Location	Within the surrounding area around the port.	Within or immediately adjacent to the port.
Services	Packing, customs clearance, inspection and sorting.	Storage, stacking and gate management.
Cost Structure	Charged per cubic meter or by weight.	Charged per container.
Handling	Multiple handling points as cargo is packed/unpacked.	Minimal handling and the container remains sealed.
Transit Time	It can take longer due to the consolidation process.	Generally faster with fewer stops.
Best For	Small to medium shipments.	Large volume shipments.

How to Know That CY Is the Right Choice

Container yard shipping is the ideal solution when:

• You have enough cargo to fill a container: If you’re shipping 10 or more pallets of cargo exceeding 15 cubic meters, FCL through a CY is more cost-effective.
• Speed is a priority: CY shipments move faster because your container doesn’t wait for consolidation with other cargo.
• You want enhanced security: Your container remains sealed from origin to destination, reducing handling and the risk of damage or loss.
• You’re shipping fragile or high-value goods: Fewer touchpoints mean less opportunity for damage.

When to Choose CFS Shipping

CFS shipping is the better option when:

• Your cargo doesn’t fill a full container: For smaller shipments, paying only for the space you use through LCL is more economical.
• You’re shipping to multiple destinations: CFS facilities can split your consolidated shipment for distribution to various final locations.
• Budget is your primary concern: LCL rates are lower for smaller volumes, even though the per-unit cost may be higher than FCL.
• You ship infrequently: If you don’t have regular, high-volume shipments, CFS provides flexibility without requiring the minimum quantities.

How Are CFS and CY Used in Shipping?

CFS and CY describe where cargo is received and picked up. These four common combinations explain how freight moves from the starting point to the final stop, and understanding these options can help you speak clearly with freight forwarders.

CY/CY

Yard-to-yard is the standard FCL shipping method. Your cargo is loaded into a full container at or near the origin port’s container yard and delivered as a full, sealed container to the destination port’s container yard.

• Best for: Businesses shipping large volumes that can fill an entire container and want the fastest, most secure option with minimal handling.

CFS/CFS

Your LCL cargo is consolidated with other shipments at the origin CFS, travels as part of a shared container and is divided at the destination CFS before final delivery.

• Best for: Smaller shipments that need the cost savings of shared container space and benefit from grouping and separation services at both ends.

CY/CFS

A full container leaves the origin as FCL but is deconsolidated at the destination CFS. This happens when you’re shipping a full container to a location where the cargo will be split among multiple final recipients.

• Best for: Distributors or retailers shipping bulk inventory that needs to be separated and delivered to various locations at the destination.

CFS/CY

Your LCL shipment is consolidated with the others at the origin CFS, but the entire container is delivered to a single recipient at the destination CY. This is less common but can occur when multiple shippers send cargo to the same large receiver.

• Best for: Situations where you’re sending a smaller shipment that is consolidated with other cargo bound for the same destination facility.

Partner With EMO Trans for Your Logistics Solutions

Navigating CFS and CY shipping options doesn’t have to be complicated. At EMO Trans, we use our global network to match your cargo with the most efficient shipping method, including full track and trace visibility through our QuickTrack portal throughout your entire shipment journey.

We handle the complexity of container yard logistics so you can focus on running your business. Request a quote today to speak with our team and get advice on whether CFS or CY shipping is the best fit for your needs.