What Is C&F Price? The Difference Between C&F, CIF, and FOB
Understanding Price Terms Before You Compare Quotations
When buying a used truck from Japan, you will see prices written as FOB, C&F, or CIF. These terms decide what is included in the price and who arranges shipping. Understanding them helps you compare quotations correctly.
What Is FOB?
FOB stands for Free On Board. An FOB price includes the vehicle and all costs until the truck is loaded on the ship at the Japanese port.
With FOB, ocean freight is not included. The buyer arranges or pays for shipping separately.
On our website, the FOB price shown on each truck is the price of the vehicle itself.
What Is C&F?
C&F (also written CFR) stands for Cost and Freight. A C&F price includes:
- Cost: the vehicle price
- Freight: ocean freight to your destination port
For example, "C&F Dar es Salaam" means the price covers the truck and its shipping until it arrives at Dar es Salaam Port. Marine insurance is not included.
We quote all our trucks on C&F terms.
What Is CIF?
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. It is C&F plus marine insurance during the voyage.
FOB vs C&F vs CIF at a Glance
| FOB | C&F | CIF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle price | Included | Included | Included |
| Loading at Japanese port | Included | Included | Included |
| Ocean freight | Not included | Included | Included |
| Marine insurance | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Import duties and taxes | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| Port clearance and registration | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| Who arranges shipping | Buyer | Seller | Seller |
Note that none of these terms includes import duties, taxes, or clearance in your country. These are paid by the buyer after the truck arrives.
Why We Quote C&F, Not CIF
For used vehicles, marine insurance only pays out when the vehicle is a total loss. In practice, the only case that qualifies is the ship itself sinking. Partial damage during the voyage is not covered, so insurance adds cost without giving real protection.
For this reason, we quote C&F to your nearest port, without marine insurance.
Which One Should You Choose?
C&F is usually easier for first-time buyers. The seller books the vessel and handles shipping, so you only need to prepare for clearance at your port.
FOB can suit experienced importers who already work with a shipping agent and can get competitive freight rates themselves.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Prices
A cheap-looking price is often an FOB price compared against another seller's C&F price. Before deciding, check:
- Is the price FOB, C&F, or CIF?
- Which destination port is the freight calculated to?
- If insurance is included, what does it actually cover for a used vehicle?
Comparing on the same terms avoids surprises. To see how the C&F price fits into the full budget, read How Much Does It Cost to Import a Canter? A Reference Example.
Conclusion
FOB is the price at the Japanese port. C&F is the price delivered to your port, including freight. CIF adds marine insurance on top of C&F. None of them includes duties and taxes in your country.
Knowing the difference helps you compare quotations correctly and plan your total budget. Please contact us for a C&F quotation to your nearest port.
