Freight terms glossary

CPT freight terms explained for China shipments

CPT means Carriage Paid To. The seller pays freight to a named destination, but buyers still need to understand where risk transfers, what charges are included, and what delivery responsibilities remain.

freight terms cpt

Quick answer

Confirm the sourcing, package, and route risks before quoting.

Use this page when a China purchase, sourcing request, or shipment needs a practical review before money moves or cargo leaves the supplier. JTL first confirms named CPT destination in the supplier quote, then checks named place and freight scope in the CPT quote so the next step is based on real operating constraints rather than a generic rate.

Use it to decide whether the request should start with supplier sourcing, buying support, warehouse checks, consolidation, DDP screening, or a freight quote.

Key takeaways: confirm the product and supplier context, collect packed carton data as early as possible, and ask for route review before committing to payment, pickup, or door delivery.

What JTL decides before quoting

Use this compact view to see whether the request is ready for sourcing, warehouse control, DDP screening, or freight.

Service fit

Buyers reviewing supplier quotes with CPT terms

Quote readiness

Named CPT destination in the supplier quote; Cargo description, carton count, and shipment value

China-side control

Named place and freight scope in the CPT quote; Whether destination charges or customs costs are excluded

Risk flag

Assuming CPT always includes final door delivery

Who this helps

Use this route when the shipment needs control before booking.

Most China shipments go wrong before the carrier is selected. Supplier timing, package data, cargo restrictions, warehouse receiving, and delivery scope should be checked first.

Best for 01

Buyers reviewing supplier quotes with CPT terms

Best for 02

Importers comparing quoted shipping scope and real landed cost

Best for 03

Procurement teams that need clearer responsibility boundaries

Quote preparation

What JTL checks before a route is recommended

Send final package details where possible. If the supplier has not packed the goods yet, JTL can still screen the route and confirm what must be measured later.

Quote inputs · 4 items

Quote inputs

Named CPT destination in the supplier quote
Cargo description, carton count, and shipment value
Whether customs, duties, and final delivery are included
Expected pickup and delivery timeline

Control checks · 4 items

Operational checks

Named place and freight scope in the CPT quote
Whether destination charges or customs costs are excluded
Where risk transfers under the agreed terms
Whether a separate freight quote would be clearer

Risk flags · 4 items

Mistakes to avoid

Assuming CPT always includes final door delivery
Ignoring destination charges or customs responsibility
Comparing CPT quotes with EXW or FOB quotes without adjustment
Not confirming the named place in writing

Route notes

Practical routing guidance

Route note 01 Guidance

CPT is a trade term, not a guarantee that all destination costs are included.

Route note 02 Guidance

The named place matters because it defines the seller-paid transport scope.

Route note 03 Guidance

Ask JTL to review supplier freight terms before comparing landed cost.

FAQ

Questions buyers ask before shipping

What does CPT mean in freight terms?

CPT means the seller pays carriage to a named destination, but the buyer must still understand risk transfer and any charges not included in the quote.

Should I use CPT for China supplier orders?

It can work, but buyers should confirm the named destination, included charges, risk transfer point, and whether customs or final delivery are excluded.