international shipping methods

International shipping Methods

1. EXW (Ex Works) 

EXW (Ex Works) is the simplest shipping method for the seller. The buyer assumes the EXW price like customs clearances and logistic costs. 

Most responsibilities under this trade term are under the buyer. For instance, goods collected from the seller’s warehouse and the documentation for insurance paid.

Meanwhile, the seller only has to ensure that the products are delivered safely. The buyer may also request the seller to assist with export license acquisition.

2. FCA (Free Carrier) 

Under this trade term, the seller is responsible for export clearance at the export port. He is liable for goods delivery to the carrier at the stated final destination. 

If the seller’s location is the final delivery location, he only has to load the items. (unless otherwise agreed)

The buyer is responsible for loading charges, main carriage, onward discharge carriage, and import duties.

3. FAS (Free Alongside Ship) 

This trade term is only used for ocean freight shipping or sea freight. The seller is responsible for bringing the items free alongside the ship at the port dock. 

The seller is liable for customs processing fees at the point of origin. He must also handle all the freight costs and hazards until the goods are deposited at the export port. 

The buyer is responsible for all shipping expenses and risks for overseas transit. 

4. FOB (Free on Board) 

In FOB, the seller is responsible only until the goods arrive at the export port. Then, he can mark the transaction as complete. 

While not as extensive as EXW, most obligations are under the buyer in FOB (Free on Board).

The buyer will handle all documentation after the goods depart the port. For instance, custom clearance documentation, certificates of conformity (COC), and insurance cost. The FOB price might include other hidden costs.

5. CFR (Cost and Freight)

Under this trade term, the seller is responsible for the export customs clearance. The seller pays the shipping costs to the stated destination port and delivers onboard the ship. 

When the seller transfers the items to the ship, the buyer transfers the risk. The buyer bears any other shipping fee from the destination port. CFR should only be used for maritime, inland ocean shipping, or sea freight. 

6. CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

Under CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), the seller handles the cargo until it reaches the import port. The CIF shipping costs include freight costs and cargo insurance costs.

“Beyond the ship’s rails” and into the import port is commonly considered a formal point. The seller’s liability is transferred to the buyer at this point. The buyer pays the shipping costs from the port to the buyer’s warehouse under Cost, Insurance, and Freight.

7. CPT (Carriage Paid To)

Under this trade term, the seller is responsible for delivering the products to its carrier. He must complete the customs clearance at the export port. The seller’s responsibility is to arrange shipment costs. These costs will be factored into the selling price. 

In the CPT trade term, the risk like FCA is instantly transferred to the buyer when delivery is made. This trade term can be used in all modes of shipping for international trade.

8. CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)

In CIP, the seller is responsible for all risks until the items are delivered to the first carrier. Once this happens, all risks pass to the buyer. 

But, until the freight reaches the stated final destination, the seller is responsible for all the cost. He needs to have the insurance costs and costs of carriage paid. This is similar to CPT, but the seller must get the insurance paid for all-risk insurance coverage.

9. DAT (Delivered at Terminal)

DAT means that the seller delivers the products after unloading them from the arriving shipping method. Then, it is the buyer’s responsibility to handle the goods at the specified destination.

You can use DAT regardless of the shipping method. It can be used even when multiple modes of transportation are employed. The seller pays for export clearance where appropriate. The buyer takes responsibility for the import customs clearance process and pays the import duty.

10. DAP (Delivered At Place)

The seller is responsible for arranging shipment to the final destination under DAP. He bears all risks up to unloading. The buyer’s responsibility is to pay the unloading risks and costs incurred at the import port. 

Unless both parties agree otherwise, the seller cannot seek reimbursement for unloading costs. The seller pays for export customs fees that were relevant in this shipping agreement.

The buyer pays the duties and handles all the paperwork for import customs clearance.

11. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) establishes maximum seller’s responsibility and minimum obligation by a buyer. The seller is responsible for good delivery to the buyer’s final destination. 

The delivery duty paid includes inland transportation from the import port to the buyer’s final destination. The seller pays all the shipping costs, bears all risks, and holds the goods in the import port. The costs involved are import duties, taxes, customs fees, and others. 

12. Express delivery

Express delivery is the fastest form of shipping. The customer pays an extra shipping cost for this type of delivery, as the shipment will get transported to him anywhere between 24 to 72 hours. Delivery by express is the fastest delivery method.

FAQs

What are the most common TurkMall trade terms?

Some trade terms are applicable for any shipping mode. For instance, EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAT, DAP, DPP.

Some international trade terms are applicable for inland sea freight online. For example, FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF.

The most common trade terms are FOB, CIF, EXW, DDU, and DDP.

How to decide the most suitable international trade term?

You should decide the costs and risks you want to take control of. Though the Free on Board (FOB) price and EXW price are lower, you’ll carry more responsibilities.

Besides, you should know your counterpart’s trust level and mutual understanding. It is also crucial to decide on your shipping method.

What are the main differences between FOB and CIF?

Under the FOB trade term, the seller handles the goods to his nearest port. Buyers are recommended not to use FOB to ensure safe shipment.

Under the CIF trade term, the seller is responsible for the good’s delivery. It includes the insurance cost and risks until it reaches the buyer’s destination. delivered