What are the similarities and differences between the three traditional trade terms "delivery at the port of shipment" and "delivery to the carrier"?

Compared with the traditional trade terms FOB, CFR and CIF, namely FCA, CPT and CIP, there are three similarities:

(1) are all symbolic goods, and the corresponding sales contract is the delivery contract.

(2) Exporters are responsible for export customs declaration and related expenses, while importers are responsible for import customs declaration and related expenses.

(3) The transportation and insurance responsibilities undertaken by the buyer and the seller are corresponding. That is to say, FCA, like FOB, is handled by the buyer, who pays the freight, insurance and insurance premium. Like CPT, CFR is handled by the seller and pays the freight, while the buyer handles the insurance and pays the premium. CIP, like CIF, is responsible for transportation, insurance and payment.

The main differences are:

(1) Different modes of transportation are applicable. FCA, CPT and CIP are applicable to all modes of transportation, while FOB, CFR and CIF are only applicable to sea and inland river transportation.

(2) The transfer point of risk is different. Under FCA, CPT and CIP, the risk and expense liabilities of the buyer and the seller are defined as "the goods are delivered to the carrier", while the traditional trade term is defined as the loading port beyond the "ship's rail".

(3) The burden of loading and unloading costs is different. The carrier is responsible for FCA, CPT and CIP. FOB sometimes needs to redefine the loading fee, and CFR and CIF sometimes need to redefine the unloading fee.

(4) The obtained bills of lading are different. Ocean bill of lading has the nature of document of title and can be transferred, while sea waybill, air waybill and railway waybill do not have this nature. The CFR and CIF terms emphasize that the transport documents submitted should be negotiable ocean bills of lading, but CPT and CIP do not have this requirement (even in the mode of sea transport).