由 lltx1822 What Are the Differences Among DDU, DDP, LCL, and FCL? A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis
To gain a clearer understanding of the differences among DDU, DDP, LCL, and FCL, we will conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis from multiple dimensions.
In terms of responsibility allocation, DDU clearly stipulates that the seller is responsible for the transportation of goods to the specified destination in the importing country but not for import customs clearance and duty payment. DDP requires the seller to assume all responsibilities before the goods are delivered, including customs clearance and tax payment. LCL and FCL are mainly related to the responsibilities during the goods packing and transportation process. Under LCL, multiple shippers jointly assume the responsibilities related to container consolidation, while under FCL, a single shipper is responsible for the transportation arrangement of the entire container of goods.
Regarding costs, under DDU, the seller’s costs are mainly concentrated on the transportation link, and the buyer bears the customs clearance and duty costs. Under DDP, the seller assumes all costs from the place of origin to the destination. LCL calculates freight according to the weight or volume of the goods, which is suitable for small – volume goods and has relatively flexible costs. FCL calculates freight according to the container. When the cargo volume is large, the unit cost is relatively low, but the shipper needs to bear the entire container cost alone.
The risk transfer points also vary. Under DDU, the risk is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods reach the specified destination. Under DDP, the risk is transferred only after the goods are cleared through import customs and delivered to the buyer. For LCL, there are many uncertainties in the risk of goods during transportation due to multiple loading and unloading operations. For FCL, the risk of goods is relatively concentrated during the packing and transportation process. Once the container is sealed, the risk is relatively controllable under normal transportation conditions.
In addition, in terms of document processing, DDU and DDP involve import and export – related documents, with DDP being more complex. LCL requires coordinating the documents of multiple shippers, while FCL has relatively simple document processing. These differences mean that when choosing terms, both trading parties need to comprehensively consider their own strength, characteristics of goods, and trade requirements.