FOB – Free on Board (or Freight on Board):
This basically means that the cost of delivering the goods to the nearest port is included but YOU, as the buyer, are responsible for the shipping from there and all other fees associated with getting the goods to your country/address.
CIF – Cost, Insurance and Freight:
In this case, the price also includes sea freight charges and insurance to deliver the goods to YOUR nearest port. But only to port – from that point onwards, you take the shipment into your hands.
CNF – Cost & Freight (or Cost, no Insurance, Freight):
Similar to CIF only this time insurance is not included.
What is LCL & FCL in shipping terms?
FCL = Full Container Load. LCL = Less than Container Load, aka Groupage or Consolidation. They are two of common shipping terms used in the international logistics industry for export and import ocean freight cargo. LCL means you share space with others, also share cost.
