---
title: "What does FOB (Free On Board) mean in logistics | SSL"
description: "Incoterm for sea and inland waterway: the seller clears the goods for export and loads them on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-fob-free-on-board-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-fob-free-on-board-mean-in-logistics/
updated: 2026-09-29
lang: en-IN
publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited
---

[Logistics terms](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/glossary/) · Logistics terms

# What does FOB (Free On Board) mean in logistics?

Short answer

Incoterm for sea and inland waterway: the seller clears the goods for export and loads them on board the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port, where risk passes. The buyer pays the ocean freight.

The most widely quoted export term in India, although for containers FCA fits better because the exporter loses control of the box at the terminal gate, before it goes on board. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. [How we count](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

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## The numbers behind this answer

**Also called**: FOB

**Category**: EXIM & customs

**Related terms**: FCA (Free Carrier), CFR (Cost and Freight), Bill of lading (B/L), Incoterms 2020

## Sources

1. [SSL logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#incoterm-fob)

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

## Related questions

- [What does Bill of lading (B/L) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-bill-of-lading-b-l-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does CFR (Cost and Freight) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-cfr-cost-and-freight-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does FAS (Free Alongside Ship) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-fas-free-alongside-ship-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does FCA (Free Carrier) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-fca-free-carrier-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Incoterms 2020 mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-incoterms-2020-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-cip-carriage-and-insurance-paid-to-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

- [Logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#incoterm-fob)
- [FOB (Free On Board): related page](https://safeandsecure.in/tools/incoterms-guide/)

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---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-fob-free-on-board-mean-in-logistics/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-09-29). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/