Short answer: EXW, FOB and CIF prices cannot be compared by the final number alone. Compare exactly where the supplier's responsibility starts and ends, which transport and port charges are included, who buys insurance, when risk transfers and which destination costs remain for the buyer.
Incoterms define delivery responsibilities and risk transfer; they do not define the complete technical scope, payment terms, installation or product warranty. The contract should state the named place or port and the applicable Incoterms edition. Buyers should confirm the interpretation with their freight forwarder and professional adviser.
| Term | Supplier scope normally reaches | Buyer must examine |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Goods made available at the named supplier location | Pickup, export handling, inland transport, customs, port, ocean freight, insurance and destination costs |
| FOB | Goods loaded on board at the named port of shipment | Ocean freight, insurance, destination port, customs, inland delivery and unloading |
| CIF | Cost, insurance and freight to the named destination port | Insurance level, destination charges, customs, inland transport, unloading and the actual risk-transfer point |
A CIF quotation can still exclude foundations, electrical cables, local pipes, unloading, cranes, installation labor and commissioning. An EXW quotation may include a more complete greenhouse equipment package than a lower CIF offer. Compare the technical bill of quantities separately from the logistics section.
Write the exact factory location, port of loading or destination port. A country name alone is not enough. Confirm whether the quote includes factory loading, inland trucking, export customs, terminal handling, documentation, sea freight and insurance. Ask how long the freight rate remains valid because logistics prices can change faster than equipment prices.
The number and type of containers depend on greenhouse dimensions, steel sizes, equipment, packing method, allowable bundle length and whether bulky systems are included. Do not accept a fixed container count based only on area. Request a preliminary packing estimate, then a final packing list before shipment. Use the shipping and container FAQ and loading checklist.
Confirm the insured value, covered risks, exclusions, claim documents and responsible party. Insurance does not replace packing quality or pre-shipment inspection. Record package marks, bundle quantities, photographs and container condition. The pre-shipment inspection checklist provides a control sequence.
Destination terminal and documentation charges
Import duty, tax, customs broker and inspection
Demurrage, detention and storage if clearance is delayed
Port-to-site transport, permits and route restrictions
Container unloading, crane, forklift and temporary storage
Return of empty containers
Local labor, accommodation and installation equipment
Incoterm, edition and exact named place or port
Technical bill of quantities and exclusions
Packing method, package marks and estimated containers
Freight validity, transit assumptions and route
Insurance level and claim procedure
Export and destination documentation
Destination port, customs, inland delivery and unloading costs
Installation, commissioning and spare-parts shipment
No. Compare destination charges, insurance, technical scope and freight assumptions, not only the quoted total.
Normally the buyer arranges ocean freight after loading at the named port, but the contract must state the exact scope.
Do not assume that. Cost coverage and risk transfer are different issues under Incoterms.
Only as an estimate; final quantities follow approved design, equipment selection and packing.
Send the equipment scope, destination port and preferred trade term through the contact page for a comparable logistics quotation.