In today’s globalised world, efficient shipping has become an essential aspect of doing business. Freight forwarding is a crucial service that helps companies transport their goods from one place to another. However, the shipping industry can be confusing, especially for those new to it. With a plethora of trade terms and acronyms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Moving Solutions comes in – as your trusted freight forwarding partner, we’re here to demystify the shipping process and help you understand the top 15 shipping trade terms.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand what freight forwarding entails. A freight forwarder is a company that specialises in arranging the storage and shipping of goods on behalf of their clients. They utilise their expertise to negotiate the best transportation rates and routes, coordinate with various carriers, and ensure smooth and timely delivery of goods.
To ensure seamless communication and transactions within the shipping industry, a set of standardised terms and acronyms are used. These are known as Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), which provide a common language for buyers and sellers worldwide. Here are the top 15 shipping trade terms you need to know:
Under Ex Works, the seller is responsible for making the goods available at their premises, and the buyer assumes all risks and costs associated with the transportation of goods. For example, if a company in the US is selling machinery to a buyer in Germany, the US seller is only responsible for having the machinery ready at their warehouse, while the German buyer takes care of shipping arrangements.
With Free Carrier, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified location, at which point the risk transfers to the buyer. For instance, if a company in China is selling electronics to a buyer in the UK, the Chinese seller would deliver the goods to a designated carrier in China, and the UK buyer would take over responsibility for the shipment.
In a Cost, Insurance, and Freight arrangement, the seller is responsible for covering the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight up to the destination port. Once the goods are at the destination port, the buyer assumes responsibility for all additional costs, such as customs clearance and transportation to the final destination.
Delivered Duty Paid means that the seller assumes all responsibilities and costs, including customs clearance and duties, up to the point of delivery at the buyer’s location. This is the most comprehensive Incoterm, providing the buyer with the least amount of responsibility during the shipping process.
In a Delivered At Place arrangement, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified location, with the buyer assuming responsibility for import clearance and any applicable taxes and duties. For example, a company in India selling textiles to a buyer in the US would be responsible for shipping the goods to a designated location in the US, with the buyer taking care of import clearance and associated costs.
Under Carriage Paid To, the seller covers the cost of transporting the goods to a specified destination, but the risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are handed over to the carrier. For instance, if a company in Brazil is selling coffee beans to a buyer in Italy, the Brazilian seller would pay for shipping to Italy, but the Italian buyer would be responsible for any damages or losses that occur during transportation.
Cost and Freight is similar to CIF, but without the insurance coverage. The seller is responsible for the cost of transporting the goods to the destination port, but the risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the ship. For example, if a company in Japan is selling cars to a buyer in the UK, the Japanese seller would pay for shipping to the UK port, but the UK buyer would be responsible for any damages or losses that occur during transportation and would need to arrange insurance coverage if desired.
In a Free on Board arrangement, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port of shipment and loading them onto the vessel. The buyer assumes responsibility for the cost and risk of shipping, insurance, and unloading the goods at the destination port. For example, if a company in Australia is selling wine to a buyer in Canada, the Australian seller would deliver the wine to the port and load it onto the ship, while the Canadian buyer takes care of shipping and insurance costs.
Free Alongside Ship requires the seller to deliver the goods alongside the ship at the specified port of shipment. The buyer assumes responsibility for loading the goods onto the vessel, as well as all subsequent costs and risks. For example, if a company in South Africa is selling raw materials to a buyer in Europe, the South African seller would deliver the goods alongside the ship, and the European buyer would be responsible for loading and shipping the goods.
Carriage and Insurance Paid To is similar to CPT, but the seller also provides insurance coverage for the goods during transportation. The seller is responsible for the cost of transporting and insuring the goods to a specified destination, but the risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are handed over to the carrier. For instance, if a company in Mexico is selling electronics to a buyer in the US, the Mexican seller would pay for shipping and insurance to the US, but the US buyer would be responsible for any damages or losses that occur during transportation.
Delivered at Terminal means the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified terminal, such as a warehouse, container yard, or cargo terminal, at the destination. The buyer assumes responsibility for import clearance and any applicable taxes and duties. For example, a company in Thailand selling furniture to a buyer in France would be responsible for shipping the goods to a designated terminal in France, with the buyer taking care of import clearance and associated costs.
EXW (Ex Works) indicates the seller’s responsibility is limited to making the goods available at their premises. In an EXW arrangement, the buyer assumes all risks and costs associated with transporting the goods from the seller’s location to the final destination. This term offers the least responsibility for the seller, as they are not involved in any part of the shipping process beyond preparing the goods for pickup.
For example, a furniture manufacturer in the United States is selling a set of dining chairs to a buyer in France under an EXW arrangement. In this case, the US manufacturer would prepare the chairs for pickup at their warehouse. The French buyer would be responsible for all aspects of the shipping process, including arranging transportation, insurance, and any customs clearance requirements. The buyer would also bear the risk of any damage or loss that occurs during transportation from the US warehouse to the final destination in France.
Understanding the top 15 shipping trade terms is crucial for navigating the shipping industry and making informed decisions. Familiarising yourself with these terms will help you effectively communicate with your shipping partners and ensure smooth transactions. And remember, Moving Solutions is always here to help you demystify the freight forwarding process and provide expert guidance.
Q1: What is the role of a freight forwarder?
A: A freight forwarder is a company that specialises in coordinating the storage and shipping of goods on behalf of their clients. They work with multiple carriers to negotiate the best rates and routes, ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of goods.
Q2: Why are shipping trade terms important?
A: Shipping trade terms, or Incoterms, provide a standardised language for buyers and sellers in the shipping industry. They help clarify responsibilities, allocate costs, and reduce misunderstandings during the shipping process.
Q3: How do I choose the right shipping trade term for my transaction?
A: The right shipping trade term depends on various factors, such as the nature of the goods, shipping route, and the level of responsibility each party is willing to assume. It’s essential to discuss these factors with your shipping partner, like Moving Solutions, to determine the most suitable term for your specific needs.
Q4: Can a freight forwarder help me with customs clearance?
A: Yes, many freight forwarders, including Moving Solutions, offer customs clearance services. They can help you navigate the complex customs procedures and ensure your goods are in compliance with the regulations of the importing country.
Q5: What is the difference between CIF and CFR?
A: Both CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and CFR (Cost and Freight) require the seller to cover the cost of transporting the goods to the destination port. The main difference is that CIF also includes insurance coverage, while CFR does not. Under CFR, the buyer is responsible for arranging insurance coverage if desired.
