Enter product and shipping information and AI will automatically calculate estimated export costs. Check shipping, tariffs, insurance, and cost-saving tips at once.
These are the terms that decide how you act on this tool's output. Pulled from our trade glossary.
Incoterms are trade rules established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define when cost, risk, and responsibility transfer from seller to buyer during transportation. Clear terms enable pre-agreement on transport, insurance, and customs cost allocation and accident liability scope. Confirming use of the latest version (Incoterms 2020) is important.
Read the full Incoterms definitionFOB (Free On Board) is a shipment delivery term where the seller bears costs and risks until the cargo is loaded on board the vessel at the designated port of shipment. Once loading is complete, risk immediately transfers to the buyer, who bears responsibility for damage, loss, and delays during ocean transit. Under Incoterms 2020, it's recommended for bulk and non-containerized cargo, while containerized cargo increasingly uses FCA. Contracts should clearly state port of shipment, vessel name, shipping deadline, and loading confirmation method to reduce disputes.
Read the full FOB definitionCIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) is an Incoterms condition where the seller bears ocean freight and minimum cargo insurance to the designated destination port. The seller is responsible for export clearance, on-board loading, ocean freight, and insurance procurement, but risk transfers to the buyer at the moment cargo passes the ship's rail at the port of shipment. Primarily used for bulk and non-containerized cargo, post-arrival customs clearance and inland transport at the destination port are handled by the buyer.
Read the full CIF definitionDDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the most comprehensive Incoterms condition where the seller bears all costs and risks—transport, insurance, export/import clearance, duties, taxes, and inland transport—to the buyer's designated location. The buyer simply receives goods at their door, while the seller must take responsibility for local regulations and taxes. Thorough pre-research is essential as unfamiliarity with local tax laws and customs requirements can cause unexpected costs and delays.
Read the full DDP definitionA Freight Forwarder is an international transport specialist who plans and coordinates logistics, acting as an agent for ocean/air freight contracts, booking, customs document preparation, warehousing, insurance, and inland transport. They manage complex shipping routes and regulations on behalf of shippers, leveraging negotiation power with carriers to optimize costs and lead times. They also provide customized solutions for LCL consolidation, hazardous goods transport, and special cargo (project cargo).
Read the full Freight Forwarder definition