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FOB discussion
Under an FOB-style discussion, the buyer usually focuses on loading port price and arranges main sea freight, subject to final agreement.
International petroleum and bitumen inquiries must define delivery term, risk transfer point, cost responsibility, document scope and payment structure. Without these details, a price request is incomplete and may lead to confusion.
This guide is written for commercial clarity. Final responsibilities must always be confirmed in the signed contract, proforma invoice and applicable Incoterms version agreed by the parties.
Under an FOB-style discussion, the buyer usually focuses on loading port price and arranges main sea freight, subject to final agreement.
Under CFR or CIF-style discussion, destination port and freight/insurance scope must be clearly defined in the offer.
The selected term affects invoice wording, freight responsibility, insurance discussion and shipping document handling.
The following summary is a commercial guide only and does not replace contract wording.
| Term | Commercial meaning | Buyer should check | Document impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOB | Price discussion around loading port responsibility | Main freight, insurance, destination costs | BL and loading documents |
| CFR | Seller-side freight to named destination port may be included | Insurance and destination charges | Freight-related commercial docs |
| CIF | Freight and agreed insurance discussion to named destination port | Insurance scope and exclusions | Insurance certificate if agreed |
| EXW/FCA | May be discussed only when practical and lawful | Pickup, export handling and local charges | Requires very clear responsibility |
| Payment terms | LC, TT or other agreed structure | Banking feasibility and document conditions | Invoice and contract wording |
A quotation is more accurate when the buyer defines delivery term and destination from the beginning.
Define the product, grade/specification and quantity clearly.
State FOB, CFR, CIF or another preferred term with port name.
List COA, TDS, inspection, BL, packing list and any special document requirements.
Final responsibilities must be written in the offer and contract before shipment.
Delivery terms influence which documents are needed and how they are worded.
Defines product, quantity, price basis, delivery term, payment term and validity.
Must match shipment structure, loading/destination details and buyer requirements.
COA, TDS and inspection reports support technical acceptance of cargo.
Relevant when insurance is included or separately required under the agreed term.
Use these pages to compare technical details, packing options and export routes before sending a final RFQ.
FOB is usually discussed around loading port responsibility, while CFR normally includes freight to a named destination port, subject to the final agreement.
Not always. CIF depends on insurance scope, freight conditions, destination and buyer preference.
Yes. Send preferred term, destination port, product, quantity and required documents for a more accurate offer.
No. It is a commercial guide. Final legal meaning depends on the contract and agreed Incoterms version.
Send grade, quantity, destination, packing method and preferred delivery term on WhatsApp. A serious inquiry should include the buyer company name and target shipment timing.