24/08/2026
| FOB vs CIF Contracts in Shipping/Maritime
What's the difference?
FOB (Free Onboard): Buyer arranges freight and insurance; risk transfers when the goods are loaded on board.
CIF (Contract, Insurance & Freight): Seller arranges freight and insurance to the destination port; risk nevertheless transfers when the goods are loaded on board at the port of shipment.
FOB gives the buyer more control. CIF gives the buyer greater logistical convenience.
Choose your Incoterm carefully.