FOB and CIF Vehicle Shipping
Choose the right trade term based on control, convenience, freight and insurance needs.
FOB and CIF explained for used-car exports
Both terms name a port in the contract, and that named port is what separates one quotation from another. Under FOB the buyer controls and pays for the main freight from the port of loading; under CIF the seller arranges and pays the freight and insurance to the named destination port. The vehicle price, the document set and the risk transfer point differ accordingly.
- FOB — the seller delivers the vehicle to the named port of loading and the buyer arranges the ocean freight and insurance. Costs become transparent item by item, and the buyer can use their own forwarder.
- CIF — the seller arranges the ocean freight and insurance to the named destination port. One quotation covers more of the journey, but the freight line is less transparent to the buyer.
What is included, and what is not
- Inland transport to the port of loading is confirmed per order and stated in the quotation.
- Destination charges — terminal handling, customs duty, tax, conformity and local delivery — are outside both FOB and CIF and fall to the buyer.
- The risk transfer point follows the agreed Incoterm, so the named port must be checked against the contract.
- Insurance scope under CIF depends on the cover arranged; buyers needing wider cover should confirm it in writing.
Freight availability, container or RoRo space and transit time depend on the route and the sailing schedule, so a quotation is confirmed for a specific sailing rather than held open indefinitely.
How to choose between FOB and CIF
- Check whether you already have a freight forwarder you want to use in the destination market.
- Compare the FOB price plus your own freight quotation against the CIF price for the same named port.
- Confirm which side handles insurance and at what cover.
- Confirm the destination charges are understood before the order is agreed.
Review the export document set · See how condition evidence is prepared
Frequently asked questions
Can APXAUTO quote both FOB and CIF?
Yes. Tell us the destination port and we will quote the term that suits your arrangements, or both for comparison.
Do you ship in containers or RoRo?
Both container and RoRo arrangements are used in vehicle export. Availability depends on the route, the vessel schedule and the unit, so it is confirmed for the specific sailing.
Can several vehicles be shipped together?
Multi-unit and mixed-model shipments are arranged where the shipping method and schedule allow it. Volume and vehicle dimensions affect how units can be combined.
Who pays destination customs duty?
The buyer. Duty, tax, customs clearance and conformity costs in the destination market are outside the FOB and CIF price.
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