---
title: "Fot"
description: "Free on Truck. Loading and unloading of cargo to/from truck is NOT included."
url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/fot"
date: "2026-04-30T13:20:35+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp)

 # Understanding FOT (Free on Truck) in Global Freight Shipping

## What is FOT (Free on Truck)?

In the intricate world of international trade, Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) play a crucial role in defining the responsibilities of buyers and sellers. Among these, FOT, or "Free on Truck," is a less commonly used but important term, particularly in domestic or regional road freight. While not an official Incoterm published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), FOT is widely understood and applied in commercial contracts, especially within the UK and Europe, to specify the point at which risk and cost transfer from seller to buyer.

At its core, FOT signifies that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified truck at a named location. Once the goods are on the truck, the responsibility, cost, and risk transfer to the buyer. Crucially, and this is a key distinction, the cost and responsibility for the \*loading\* of the cargo onto the truck, and any subsequent \*unloading\* at the destination, are explicitly \*excluded\* from the seller's obligations under FOT terms. This means the buyer must arrange and pay for the loading at the origin and the unloading at the destination.

Ocean Cargo understands the nuances of various shipping terms and can help clarify your obligations, ensuring your cargo moves seamlessly from origin to destination. Our expertise in [road freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) ensures that whether you're dealing with FOT or other Incoterms, your goods are handled with precision.

## FOT vs. Official Incoterms: Key Differences

While FOT serves a similar purpose to some official Incoterms, it's vital to understand where it diverges. The most comparable official Incoterm is FCA (Free Carrier), but even here, there are critical distinctions:

- **FCA (Free Carrier):** Under FCA, the seller delivers the goods to the carrier or another person nominated by the buyer at the seller’s premises or another named place. The seller is responsible for loading the goods if delivery occurs at their premises. If delivery occurs at another named place, the seller is not responsible for unloading. This is a key difference from FOT, where loading is always excluded from the seller's responsibility.
- **EXW (Ex Works):** This places the maximum obligation on the buyer. The seller simply makes the goods available at their own premises. The buyer bears all costs and risks of loading the goods and transporting them to their final destination. FOT places slightly more responsibility on the seller than EXW, as the seller must get the goods onto the truck at a named location.
- **FOB (Free on Board):** Primarily used for sea and inland waterway transport, FOB means the seller delivers the goods on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment. The risk of loss or damage to the goods passes when the goods are on board the vessel. FOB includes the cost of loading onto the vessel, which FOT explicitly excludes for trucks.

The primary takeaway is that FOT is a specific agreement that explicitly carves out loading and unloading responsibilities. When using FOT, both parties must have a clear understanding of this exclusion to avoid disputes and unexpected costs.

## Seller's Responsibilities Under FOT

When shipping under FOT terms, the seller's obligations are clearly defined:

1. **Preparation of Goods:** The seller must ensure the goods are properly packed and ready for transport, suitable for the specified truck and journey.
2. **Delivery to Truck:** The seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the named location where the truck will be loaded. This could be the seller's warehouse, a specific depot, or another agreed-upon point.
3. **Documentation:** Providing all necessary commercial invoices, packing lists, and any other documents required for the buyer to take possession and arrange onward transport.
4. **Risk Transfer:** The seller bears all risks of loss or damage to the goods until they are placed on the buyer's nominated truck at the named point.
5. **Cost Transfer:** The seller covers all costs associated with getting the goods to the truck, excluding the actual loading operation.

It is crucial to remember that the seller's responsibility ends once the goods are on the truck. The physical act of lifting the goods onto the truck is the buyer's responsibility.

## Buyer's Responsibilities Under FOT

Conversely, the buyer assumes significant responsibilities under FOT terms:

1. **Nomination of Truck:** The buyer must nominate and arrange for the truck to arrive at the specified location at the agreed time.
2. **Loading Costs and Risk:** This is the most critical point: the buyer is responsible for the cost and risk associated with loading the goods onto the truck. This includes providing the necessary equipment (e.g., forklift, crane) and personnel.
3. **Main Carriage:** The buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for the main transport from the named FOT point to the final destination. This includes all freight charges, fuel surcharges, and any other transport-related costs.
4. **Unloading Costs and Risk:** At the destination, the buyer is responsible for all costs and risks associated with unloading the goods from the truck.
5. **Customs Formalities:** If the shipment involves international borders, the buyer is typically responsible for all import customs formalities, duties, and taxes. Ocean Cargo's [customs compliance services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) can be invaluable here, ensuring smooth passage through borders.
6. **Insurance:** While not explicitly mandated by FOT, it is highly advisable for the buyer to arrange comprehensive cargo insurance from the moment the goods are loaded onto the truck.

For complex shipments, especially those involving multiple legs or international borders, partnering with an experienced freight forwarder like Ocean Cargo is essential. We can manage the entire process, from coordinating truck arrivals to handling customs, ensuring your [sea freight to Canada](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/canada/sea-freight-canada) or [air freight to the USA](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/usa/air-freight-usa) arrives without issue.

## When is FOT (Free on Truck) Typically Used?

FOT is most commonly encountered in specific scenarios:

- **Domestic Shipments:** Within a single country or economic bloc (like the EU), where the complexities of international Incoterms might be overkill.
- **Regional Road Freight:** For cross-border movements between neighbouring countries where road transport is the primary mode.
- **Bulk or Project Cargo:** Where the loading and unloading operations require specialised equipment that the buyer is better positioned to provide or manage at both ends. For example, shipping [excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae) might involve FOT if the buyer has specific heavy-lift capabilities.
- **Buyer's Control:** When the buyer wants to maintain maximum control over the loading process and subsequent transport arrangements, often due to specific carrier contracts or logistical requirements.
- **Specific Industry Practices:** Some industries have established FOT as a standard practice in their contracts due to historical reasons or unique operational flows.

While FOT offers flexibility, it demands clear communication and agreement between buyer and seller to prevent misunderstandings regarding loading responsibilities. Ocean Cargo provides expert advice on the most suitable shipping terms for your specific cargo, whether it's [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia) or general cargo across Europe.

## The Importance of Clear Communication and Documentation

Regardless of the shipping term used, clear communication and meticulous documentation are paramount. With FOT, this is even more critical due to the specific exclusion of loading/unloading responsibilities. Both parties must:

- **Specify the Named Place:** Clearly define the exact location where the goods will be placed on the truck.
- **Agree on Loading Times:** Coordinate precise timings for truck arrival and loading operations.
- **Document Responsibilities:** Ensure the contract of sale explicitly states "FOT \[Named Place\]" and reiterates the exclusion of loading/unloading costs and risks from the seller's side.
- **Proof of Delivery:** The seller should obtain a signed proof of delivery (e.g., a Bill of Lading or consignment note) from the carrier, indicating that the goods were placed on the truck in good order.

Ambiguity can lead to delays, additional costs, and disputes. Ocean Cargo acts as your strategic partner, ensuring all documentation is accurate and all parties are aligned, providing peace of mind for your global shipments.

#### Is FOT an official Incoterm?

No, FOT (Free on Truck) is not one of the official Incoterms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). While widely understood and used in commercial contracts, especially for domestic or regional road freight, it's a commercial term rather than an internationally recognised Incoterm.

#### Who pays for loading the truck under FOT terms?

Under FOT (Free on Truck) terms, the buyer is explicitly responsible for the cost and risk associated with loading the goods onto the truck at the named place of delivery. The seller's responsibility ends once the goods are made available on the truck.

#### What is the main difference between FOT and FCA?

The main difference lies in the loading responsibility. Under FOT, the seller is never responsible for loading the goods onto the truck. Under FCA (Free Carrier), if the named place of delivery is the seller's premises, the seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the buyer's nominated carrier. If the named place is elsewhere, the seller is not responsible for unloading.

#### Why would a buyer choose FOT?

A buyer might choose FOT to maintain greater control over the loading process and the selection of the main carrier. This can be beneficial if the buyer has specific equipment, personnel, or preferred carrier contracts that offer better rates or service for the loading and onward journey.

#### Does FOT include customs clearance?

Typically, FOT terms do not include [customs clearance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance "customs clearance") for export or import. The seller is responsible for getting the goods to the truck at the named point, and the buyer is responsible for all subsequent transport, including any necessary export or import customs formalities, duties, and taxes. Ocean Cargo offers comprehensive [customs compliance services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) to assist with these complexities.

### Ready to simplify your global logistics?

Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping.

[Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us)

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