Request the rule, its version and the precise delivery point. Use these details to assign origin tasks and compare costs to the same destination.
Start with the delivery location and operation
ICC Academy explains that under EXW the seller makes goods available without loading the collecting vehicle, and the buyer handles export formalities. Under FCA, the seller handles export; delivery depends on the agreed location. At the seller’s premises, it includes loading the buyer’s vehicle; elsewhere, goods arrive ready for unloading.
Ask the proposal to identify the Incoterms® 2020 rule and precise point. Review additional conditions with the parties before contracting.
Check that FOB fits the operation
ICC’s explanation places FOB delivery on board the vessel at the named shipment port and limits the rule to sea or inland waterway transport. For containers handed to a carrier before vessel loading, discuss FCA with the parties.
If a supplier uses “FOB” for a warehouse handover or air shipment, ask what is actually offered. Clarify the appropriate rule and actual scope in a revised proposal.
Turn the proposal into a task list
Complete this table with the seller and transport coordinator. Record the responsible party, included or outstanding cost, and confirmation needed. The table organizes the agreement; it does not replace the contract.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Origin task | Details to request | What to confirm in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Address, contact and hours | Who arranges the vehicle |
| Vehicle loading | Cargo format, weight and available resources | Who performs and takes responsibility for the operation |
| Transport in China | Start and handover locations | Which journey the proposal includes |
| Intermediate receiving | Location and receiving conditions | Whether this operation exists and who coordinates it |
| Export | Documents and responsible contact | Who handles the applicable formalities |
| Agreed delivery | Precise point and planned record | Which event completes the seller’s task |
Compare two offers to the same destination
Use equivalent products, quantities, packaging, dimensions and weight. Identify the supplier’s price separately from the logistics services you will contract. If both proposals include an item, ask how to avoid paying twice for the same work.
Mark costs that remain open. A proposal with outstanding tasks needs answers before comparison with another that includes them. Keep the currency, validity and cargo details used for each version.
Review where each proposal ends
Imagine two offers for the same lot: one leaves cartons at the factory and another provides for delivery to an agreed point elsewhere. Ask each seller to identify its precise location and tasks. Then request transport from those points to the same address in Mexico.
Check that collection needed for one offer has not also been added to the other unnecessarily. If the parties change the handover point, revisit the division of work and affected budgets.
Bring the purchase agreement to the logistics inquiry
Share the supplier proposal, stated rule and version, handover location and outstanding tasks. Add final cargo details and destination. MX Pacific Express will confirm which logistics scope it can assess for your operation.
Keep the commercial agreement and transport confirmations together with their dates. This helps identify who must act if the goods change location or are no longer ready for collection.
Sources and scope
Sources consulted on 26 October 2026. Checklists and examples are planning guidance prepared by MX Pacific Express. Other operators’ processes illustrate concepts; the conditions for your cargo are confirmed separately.
Prepare your next step
Share the product, packaging, weight, origin and destination. Identify any information still pending so your inquiry can be reviewed with the right scope.
Discuss transport from my handover pointRoutes, availability and delivery conditions are confirmed in each quote.