Multimodal Transport: Incoterms 2024 for freight and cargo
When arranging an international trade contract, buyers and sellers are advised to use Incoterms to establish the conditions of the transport. Multimodal incoterms are used when the cargo is transported by combined means between road, air, sea or rail freight. The general Incoterms for all modes of transport can be added to any domestic or international freight contract. Learn more about the multimodal Incoterms from 2020 and start shipping your freight efficiently and safely.
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What are the Incoterms 2020 for multimodal transport?
Out of the 11 Incoterms, there are 7 Incoterms that are used for all modes of cargo transport (multimodal) and 4 exclusively used for sea freight transport. The multimodal incoterms valid in 2023 are EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DDP and DPU, being that with the 2020 update some have suffered changes. For instance, DAT (Delivered at Terminal) became DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) for more accuracy.
We have prepared an overview of the multimodal and intermodal Incoterms with the essential information. We recommend you read our guides for more detailed information about the specific Incoterms for multimodal cargo.
MULTIMODAL INCOTERMS
Incoterms for multimodal transport: the list of updated shipping terms
The multimodal Incoterms can be used when the cargo is transported by road, air or rail, or by multiple modes of transport and types of vehicles. You can also use the multimodal Incoterms from 2020 when combining sea freight with at least one other means of transport.
Ex Works (EXW)
When shipping under this multimodal Incoterm, the seller is responsible for making the goods available and properly packed at the designated location. The buyer must clear the goods for export, arrange the loading, pickup and transport from that moment on, as well as distribution and customs.
More about EXW
Free Carrier (FCA)
This Incoterm for all modes of transport indicates that the seller is responsible for delivering and loading goods, already cleared for export, on the selected vehicle at their premises or an agreed location.
More about FCA
Carriage Paid To (CPT)
Under the CPT Incoterm for multimodal cargo, the seller delivers the goods to the carrier and is responsible for paying the freight charges to a previously designated location. The seller’s responsibility ends when the goods are passed on to the freight forwarder and from that moment on the buyer assumes all the risks.
More about CPT
Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP)
The conditions of the CIP Incoterm for multimodal freight are similar to CPT. The main difference is that the seller delivers the goods to a carrier and is responsible for paying the freight transport and insurance coverage.
More about CIP
Delivered at Place (DAP)
When shipping under this Incoterm for multimodal cargo, the seller is responsible for clearing, transporting and unloading the goods at the place of delivery. The seller assumes all costs and risks until the load reaches the delivery location. The buyer is responsible for paying import duties, unloading goods and last-mile logistics from the place of delivery.
More about DAP
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
When using this multimodal Incoterm, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer, ready for unloading, with all the customs, taxes and import duties paid. The buyer is solely responsible for unloading the goods upon arrival.
More about DDP
Delivered Place Unloaded (DPU)
This multimodal Incoterm means that the goods are the seller’s responsibility until they are delivered to their address of destination. It is the seller’s responsibility to unload them. After that moment, the buyer is responsible for them.
More about DPU
How to use the multimodal Incoterms
The incoterms for multimodal transport are used to draft a trade contract and clarify the transport conditions. Before preparing the contract, the seller and buyer should agree on what multimodal incoterms will be used and which version to follow. You can learn more about how to use the multimodal Incoterms for your freight contract in our guide.
Learn how to use multimodal Incoterms
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