Comparing FOB and CIF vehicle quotations

Compare the same car, port and included costs instead of choosing the lowest headline number.

A useful comparison starts with the same vehicle: chassis reference, year, mileage, condition and included accessories. Two similar model names can hide very different condition or specification. Ask which inspection material supports the quoted car.

An FOB quotation covers the vehicle and agreed export preparation up to loading in Japan. A CIF quotation adds the agreed sea freight and marine insurance to the named destination port. Ask for the actual inclusions in writing rather than treating a website calculator as a binding offer.

Compare the loading and discharge ports, shipping method, currency, quotation validity and payment terms. Ask whether inland transport and documentation charges are included. For insurance, confirm the cover, exclusions, excess and claims procedure; an insurance line on an invoice does not explain all of these.

Neither headline figure is a complete promise of your final local cost. Your clearing agent must confirm destination handling, customs duties, local taxes, compliance work and registration. Allow for schedule changes and ask how any revised freight charge would be approved before booking. Keep the agreed quotation with your vehicle documents so every later charge can be checked against it.