Container & Incoterm guide

Know what to put on the request.

Two decisions shape every ocean quote: the equipment and the Incoterm. This is the short version.

Equipment

20GP

20' General Purpose

Dense, heavy cargo. ~28,000 kg payload, ~5.9 m internal length.

40GP

40' General Purpose

Light, voluminous cargo. Often cheaper per CBM than two 20s.

40HC

40' High Cube

40GP plus 30 cm: 2.69 m internal height. Palletised, bulky goods.

20RF

20' Reefer

Temperature-controlled. Needs power at every port.

40RF

40' Reefer

Temperature-controlled, high volume.

20OT

20' Open Top

No roof; over-height cargo loaded by crane.

40OT

40' Open Top

No roof; long, tall cargo.

20FR

20' Flat Rack

Out-of-gauge machinery, vehicles, equipment.

40FR

40' Flat Rack

Out-of-gauge, long cargo.

LCL

LCL (shared)

Less than a container load, priced per CBM/tonne.

Dimensions and payloads are typical values; individual containers vary by owner. Your specialist will confirm equipment specs with the carrier.

EXWEx WorksSeller makes goods available at their premises. Buyer carries all cost and risk from there, including export clearance.

FCAFree CarrierSeller delivers to the buyer's carrier at a named place, export-cleared.

FASFree Alongside ShipSea only. Seller delivers goods alongside the vessel at the origin port.

FOBFree On BoardSea only. Seller is responsible until goods are loaded on the vessel; risk passes to the buyer at that point.

CFRCost and FreightSea only. Seller pays freight to the destination port; risk passes once goods are on board.

CIFCost, Insurance and FreightSea only. Like CFR, plus the seller buys minimum cargo insurance. Risk still passes on loading.

CPTCarriage Paid ToSeller pays carriage to a named destination; risk passes when handed to the first carrier.

CIPCarriage and Insurance Paid ToLike CPT, plus the seller insures the cargo.

DAPDelivered at PlaceSeller delivers to the named place ready for unloading; buyer handles import clearance and duties.

DPUDelivered at Place UnloadedSeller delivers and unloads at the named place; buyer handles import clearance.

DDPDelivered Duty PaidMaximum seller obligation: delivered, import-cleared, duties and taxes paid.