Helpful Hints

"FOB is the same everywhere, isn't it?"

Most people in shipping understand the term FOB. In essence, it means that the price quoted includes the cost of the goods, the packing and the delivery to wharf/terminal/place of receipt. It also includes documentation costs, that is, everywhere except the USA. In the USA, FOB means FOB truck. It means no inland, no receiving charges - nothing is included in the price, except the cost of the goods and packing. This unusual bend on international terminology is a trap for all new importers from the USA, so it is important to be aware of this.