GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 10, 2026

Incoterms® Rules for Containerized Cargo

Standard Incoterms® apply unchanged to container ships and containerized cargo.

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Last updated: 10 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://iccwbo.org/publication/incoterms-2020/

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Definition & Explanation

Standard Incoterms® apply unchanged to container ships and containerized cargo. The practical difference lies not in separate rules but in how they function in real operations: for maritime container shipments, FOB and CIF are especially common because they clearly define ship's rail and insurance during sea transit. For air cargo and multimodal container movements, the 2020 Incoterms® introduced the multimodal FCA term, which is transport-mode-neutral. Freight forwarders must ensure that the chosen Incoterm aligns with the transport method and that transfer points (such as container terminals) are unambiguously defined.

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Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen Check demurrage/detentionCalculate standing charges and free timeOpen Check sea freight costEstimate FCL/LCL costOpen

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Incoterms® Rules for Containerized Cargo

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Related Terms

LCL Groupage Cargo Operations

Maritime Cargo Risk Insurance Policies

Metric Ton Cargo Load Planning

Sea freight transportation

Importer Security Controls

Free on Board (FOB)

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