Two quotes for the same pallets can look wildly different — and the reason is usually the Incoterm. Incoterms are the international rules that decide who arranges transport, who pays freight, where risk passes from seller to buyer, and who insures the goods. Get them right and you compare quotes fairly; get them wrong and "cheap" stock arrives with surprise costs.
Why Incoterms matter for FMCG buyers
When you buy pallets or a full truckload for export, the headline price is only part of the story. The Incoterm tells you how much of the journey — and the cost and risk — is included. Always confirm it before you compare suppliers.
EXW — Ex Works
The seller makes the goods available at their warehouse (for Arcentli, Rotterdam) and nothing more. You arrange and pay for collection, freight, export clearance and insurance. EXW gives the lowest headline price and the most control — best if you have your own freight forwarder.
FCA — Free Carrier
The seller loads the goods onto the carrier you nominate and handles export clearance. Risk passes once the goods are loaded. FCA is the modern, container-friendly alternative to EXW and is often the cleanest term for FCL export.
FOB — Free On Board
The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the port of loading. Costs and risk up to that point sit with the seller; ocean freight and onward costs sit with you. FOB is a long-standing sea-freight standard.
CIF — Cost, Insurance & Freight
The seller pays the cost, insurance and freight to your destination port. It's the most "hands-off" term for the buyer up to arrival — though you still handle import clearance and final delivery. Great if you want a landed-at-port price without arranging shipping yourself.
DAP — Delivered At Place
The seller delivers the goods to a named address in your country, ready for unloading. You handle import duties and taxes. DAP is the simplest term if you'd rather not touch logistics at all.
So which should you choose?
- Have your own forwarder? EXW or FCA give you the most control and the lowest base price.
- Want a port-to-port price? Ask for CIF.
- Want it delivered to your door? Ask for DAP.
Arcentli trades on all of these. Tell us your destination and preferred term on your quote request, or read how we handle freight on our export & distribution page.