In plain English
The seller contracts and pays for the main transport and clears the goods for export. But the risk moves early, when the goods are given to the first carrier. If the goods are damaged on the way, the buyer carries the loss, so the buyer should insure the goods.
It is the any-mode counterpart of CFR. If the seller must also buy insurance, the rule is CIP.
Why it matters when you ship
CPT is easy to misread. “Carriage paid” sounds like the seller is responsible all the way, but only the cost is the seller’s. The risk is already the buyer’s.
Example
A seller agrees “CPT Frankfurt airport”. The seller books and pays the air freight. The risk passes to the buyer when the goods are handed to the first carrier in the seller’s country.
Related terms
- CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)
- CFR (Cost and Freight)
- FCA (Free Carrier)
- DAP (Delivered at Place)
- Incoterms
CPT (Carriage Paid To): common questions
Who pays freight on CPT terms?
The seller pays the carriage to the named destination. The buyer pays import clearance, duties and any costs after arrival, and carries the risk from the first handover.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “CPT: Carriage Paid To Meaning”, https://transportli.com/glossary/cpt/, updated November 11, 2026.
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