F.O.B.
I bet I have been asked 1 million times by clients and prospects the meaning of the acronym FOB. Recently I shared this information with a current client and they thought I was pretty smart. With that revelation, I, at that moment, knew I needed to write this blog to further explain how this term actually is interpreted.
To begin, F.O.B. stands for Free On Board and indicates the point in a shipments life where the seller relinquishes ownership and the buyer accepts ownership of products purchased in a given transaction. Every buyer / seller relationship should have the FOB terms outlined in their PO purchase terms.
Along with purchase terms, shipping terms are equally as critical. Identifying both terms will determine ownership, liability, and cost.
Listed below in detail regarding domestic F.O.B terms and how they may impact your company;
F.O.B. Origin, Freight Collect:
“FOB Origin” refers to the legal fact that the buyer assumes title of the goods the moment the freight carrier picks up and signs the bill of lading at the origin pick-up location.
“Freight Collect” refers to the legal fact that the buyer is responsible for all freight charges. The buyer also assumes all risks of transportation, and therefore is responsible for filing claims in the case of loss or damage.
F.O.B. Origin, Freight Prepaid:
“Origin” refers to the legal fact that buyer takes ownership at the time of carrier pickup.
“Freight Prepaid” refers to the legal fact that the seller accepts responsibility for all freight charges and freight claims exposure.
F.O.B. Destination, Freight Collect:
“FOB Destination” refers to the legal fact that the seller retains title and control of the goods until they are delivered. The seller selects the carrier and is responsible for the risk of transportation and filing claims in case of loss or damage.
“Freight collect” refers to the legal fact that the buyer is responsible for the freight charges.
F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid:
“Destination” refers to the legal fact that the seller retains ownership until a claim free delivery is affected.
“Freight prepaid” refers to the legal fact that the seller is responsible for all freight charges.
Making sure the F.O.B. terms suit your company’s needs is a powerful way to equip your organization to gain a competitive advantage in your day to day operation when shipping and receiving goods.
Ken Clark
Your Guide in the Supply Chain World
Source: New feed
