← Back to Glossary

What is Cost and Freight (CFR)

Cost and Freight (CFR) is an international commercial term (Incoterm) where the seller is responsible for paying the transportation costs to bring the goods to the buyer’s designated port of destination. However, the risk of loss or damage transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the shipping vessel.

Real-World Example

A furniture exporter in Italy agrees to a CFR term with a U.S. importer. The exporter covers the freight cost to the Port of New York, but once the goods are loaded onto the ship in Italy, the risk shifts to the U.S. importer, even though the seller is paying for the transportation.

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages

Challenges

What We Do

MET CO is a logistics provider built for speed, precision, and growth. We specialize in cross-docking, short-term warehousing, and wholesale distribution, with a strong track record in the grocery and automotive sectors.

As our clients scale, so do we—expanding into eCommerce fulfillment, value-added services, and just-in-time delivery. Our operations are designed to handle both bulk and high-frequency inventory with minimal friction and full visibility.

Whether you need rapid turnarounds, zone-based storage, or reliable outbound execution, MET CO acts as an extension of your supply chain—lean, fast, and aligned to your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CFR and CIF?

Under CFR, the seller pays shipping costs but does not insure the goods. Under CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), the seller also provides insurance coverage for the goods until arrival at the destination port.

When does risk transfer to the buyer in a CFR agreement?

Risk transfers to the buyer as soon as the goods are loaded onto the vessel at the port of shipment, even though the seller continues to pay for the freight costs.

Is CFR suitable for air freight shipments?

No. CFR is intended for sea or inland waterway transport. For air freight or multimodal shipments, other Incoterms like CIP or CPT are typically used.

Loading form...