FOB
FOB (Free On Board) is a common shipping term used in international trade and logistics. It helps clearly define who is responsible for shipping costs and risks between buyers and sellers. When someone uses "FOB" in their resume, they typically have experience managing international shipments where they had to coordinate the movement of goods from sellers to shipping vessels. Other similar terms include CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) or EXW (Ex Works). These are all called "Incoterms" - standard international shipping terms that help trade run smoothly.
Examples in Resumes
Managed FOB shipping arrangements for $5M worth of imports from Asia
Negotiated FOB terms with international suppliers, reducing shipping costs by 15%
Handled documentation for FOB and Free On Board shipments from 20+ global vendors
Typical job title: "Logistics Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Logistics Coordinators
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a dispute over FOB shipping terms with an international supplier?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss negotiation strategies, knowledge of international trade laws, documentation requirements, and risk management approaches. They should mention the importance of clear contracts and maintaining good supplier relationships.
Q: How do you optimize shipping costs when working with FOB terms?
Expected Answer: Should explain strategies for comparing different shipping options, consolidating shipments, negotiating with freight forwarders, and understanding seasonal pricing variations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What documentation is required for FOB shipments?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and explain key documents like Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations, and explain their purpose.
Q: Explain the difference between FOB Origin and FOB Destination.
Expected Answer: Should clearly explain that FOB Origin transfers responsibility to the buyer at the shipping point, while FOB Destination maintains seller's responsibility until delivery.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What does FOB mean and when is it used?
Expected Answer: Should explain that FOB means Free On Board and is used in international shipping to determine when responsibility for goods transfers from seller to buyer, typically at the port.
Q: What are the basic responsibilities under FOB terms?
Expected Answer: Should explain that the seller is responsible for getting goods to the port and loaded onto the ship, while the buyer takes responsibility once goods are on board.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of shipping terms
- Processing shipping documentation
- Coordinating with freight forwarders
- Track shipment status
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing international shipments
- Negotiating with suppliers
- Problem-solving shipping issues
- Cost analysis and reporting
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic shipping planning
- Vendor relationship management
- Risk management
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of international shipping documentation
- Unfamiliar with basic Incoterms
- Lack of experience with customs procedures
- Poor understanding of shipping costs and responsibilities
Related Terms
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