FOB, CFR or CIF? Incoterms for pulses buyers

Almost every pulses or grains contract is quoted on one of three terms: FOB, CFR or CIF. They are Incoterms — internationally agreed rules that define exactly where the seller's job ends and the buyer's begins. Picking the right one decides who arranges freight, who insures the cargo, and where risk passes from us to you.

FOB — Free On Board

The seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, loaded on board the vessel at the port of shipment — for us, typically Novorossiysk. From that point the buyer arranges and pays for ocean freight and insurance, and carries the risk.

Choose FOB if you have your own freight rates or a forwarder you trust and want to control the shipping leg. You see the cleanest origin price, and you manage the sea freight yourself.

CFR — Cost and Freight

The seller delivers on board and pays the ocean freight to the named destination port — for example CFR Chattogram or CFR Jebel Ali. Risk still passes to the buyer once the goods are on board, but the seller books and pays the carriage. Insurance is the buyer's responsibility.

Choose CFR if you'd rather receive one landed-to-port price and let us handle the freight booking, while you arrange your own cover.

CIF — Cost, Insurance and Freight

Same as CFR, but the seller also arranges marine insurance for the voyage (to the minimum cover level, unless a higher level is agreed). The buyer takes over at the destination port.

Choose CIF if you want the simplest single price to your port with freight and basic insurance included — common where the buyer prefers the seller to bundle the whole shipping package.

Which should you ask for?

There is no single "best" term — it depends on your freight access and how much of the logistics you want to run. Buyers with strong freight relationships often prefer FOB; buyers who want a clean delivered-to-port number lean to CFR or CIF. We quote all three, so the practical step is to tell us your destination port and preference, and compare the landed cost.