Free on Board (FOB) in the shipping industry
Shipping internationally is often done FOB, which means “Free on Board.” It transfers liability from the seller to the buyer. One party will be responsible for replacing the goods if they are destroyed or damaged along the way. The FOB price includes the cost of shipping the goods. When goods are transferred from buyer to seller, free on board (FOB) indicates who is responsible for damages or destruction during transportation. Once a product is shipped, the buyer assumes all risk.
Shipping nationally and internationally using FOB
It is almost universally used in shipping transactions to use FOB. In order to move the product to its destination, both the seller and buyer have to decide who is going to pay for shipping, insurance, inspection, and all other costs. When it comes to eCommerce, retailers usually handle the entire process, from the point of origin to the point of delivery, from the point of origin to the place where the product is being stored or manufactured to the point where it reaches the customer.
Companies or individuals can assume responsibility for shipping an item to another country, starting at their home or business and continuing until the product arrives. The item may also be delivered by a third party. Any damage would be the responsibility of the third party in that case.
FOB agreements differ from one another. The carrier or company may only be responsible for part of the journey before handing it off to another company.
Should you Ship with FOB
Creating the FOB should take into consideration how much of the journey the company would like to be responsible for. The key to handling these items with care is to err on the side of caution when taking on responsibility for them.
When moving overseas, it’s important to hire reliable parties with a good track record. Depending on the company, some goods are only responsible while in their possession. The carrier or customer is responsible for it as soon as it leaves the warehouse.
In the case of company-owned vehicles, the company will assume responsibility while the goods are in transit. Upon delivery to the port, the FOB ends. Shipping the goods overseas will trigger a new FOB.
How to Ship Safely?
To ensure the safety and security of your goods, use these tips when taking them into your possession:
To ensure that your goods will fit on the pallet, use a pallet container. When traveling overseas, all goods are transported on pallets. It may be returned to its origin if your package does not fit onto a pallet or is deemed unstable.
To keep track of your inventory, consider using industrial wire baskets if you are moving them yourself. Without opening the container, your workers can assess the condition of your goods. As well as reaching inside and grabbing what they need without touching the lid, they can also reach inside and grab what they need.
Ensure Goods are protected in transit
Adding Gaylord boxes to a pallet is also an option. Keeping dozens of containers together during transit is a great way to prevent them from becoming separated. Even more savings can be found by looking for used Gaylord boxes.
If you want to get your goods through customs as quickly as possible, use plastic or metal pallets. In accordance with ISPM-15, wood pallets must be inspected for wood-borne pests and bacteria.
Use international shipping crates when shipping goods with irregular dimensions or custom-made items for more stability and support. Building and customizing these containers is easy, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
As a shipper or manufacturer, FOB makes your life easier. Regardless of whether you’re shipping it yourself or hiring a third party, you should make sure your products are in good hands. For a smooth delivery process, keep these tips in mind if you’re responsible for transportation.
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