100% Free Incoterms 2020 Sourced

Logistics English — Free Incoterms 2020 & Supply Chain Terminology

Termify is a 100% free app that teaches logistics English including all 11 Incoterms 2020 rules, freight forwarding terminology, customs documentation vocabulary and supply chain KPIs with native pronunciation and career quizzes.

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Definition

What Is Logistics English?

Logistics English is the specialized English vocabulary used in international trade, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, supply chain management and warehouse operations. It encompasses the technical terms, abbreviations, document titles and regulatory language that logistics professionals use daily when coordinating cross-border shipments, clearing customs, managing inventory and reporting supply chain performance.

Unlike general business English, logistics English requires precise understanding of trade terms defined by the ICC (Incoterms 2020), shipping documentation standards established by the FIATA, dangerous goods regulations from IATA and customs procedures governed by the WCO. A single misinterpreted term in a Bill of Lading or Letter of Credit can cause shipment delays, financial penalties or cargo disputes.

Termify's Logistics module teaches this specialized vocabulary with native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions, real-world dialogue scenarios between freight forwarders, customs brokers and supply chain managers, and career quizzes with shareable PDF certificates. Termify is 100% free — no subscription, no hidden fees.

International Trade

Incoterms 2020, trade finance, export compliance and cross-border documentation vocabulary.

Freight Forwarding

Multimodal transport, carrier booking, consolidation, deconsolidation and freight rate terminology.

Customs & Documentation

Bill of Lading, Letter of Credit, Certificate of Origin, customs declaration and HS code vocabulary.

Supply Chain KPIs

OTIF, lead time, fill rate, inventory turnover, perfect order rate and warehouse utilization metrics.

Terminology Coverage

Key Logistics English Topics in Termify

Termify's Logistics module covers hundreds of specialized terms across international trade, freight forwarding, customs operations and supply chain management — all free.

Incoterms 2020

ICC International Trade Rules

Termify teaches all 11 Incoterms 2020 rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce. Each rule is taught with its English definition, native pronunciation, IPA transcription, buyer/seller obligation breakdown and real-world application context.

EXW FCA FAS FOB CFR CIF CPT CIP DAP DPU DDP
  • Rules for any mode — EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP
  • Rules for sea/waterway — FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF
  • Risk transfer points — seller-to-buyer obligation shifts
  • Cost allocation — freight, insurance, duties, terminal handling
  • Common mistakes — using FOB for container shipments, CIF vs CIP confusion

Customs & Trade Documentation

Customs Brokers • Trade Compliance

Termify covers the English terminology for all essential customs and trade documents that logistics professionals handle daily. Each document name is taught with its English abbreviation, full title, purpose description and contextual usage in cross-border trade.

Bill of Lading Letter of Credit Customs Declaration HS Codes
  • Shipping documents — B/L, AWB, CMR, multimodal transport document
  • Financial documents — L/C, commercial invoice, proforma invoice
  • Compliance documents — Certificate of Origin, phytosanitary certificate
  • Customs procedures — import declaration, export declaration, ATA Carnet
  • Classification — Harmonized System codes, tariff schedules, duty rates

Warehouse Management & Last Mile Delivery

Warehouse Managers • Distribution Centers

Termify teaches the English terminology used in modern warehouse operations and last mile delivery. From receiving and put-away to picking, packing and final-mile logistics, every stage of the distribution process is covered with industry-standard vocabulary.

WMS Pick & Pack Cross-Docking Last Mile
  • Receiving & storage — goods-in, put-away, slotting, bin location, FIFO/LIFO
  • Order fulfillment — wave picking, batch picking, zone picking, packing slip
  • Distribution — cross-docking, hub-and-spoke, milk run, route optimization
  • Last mile delivery — proof of delivery (POD), delivery exception, failed delivery attempt
  • Technology — WMS, TMS, barcode/RFID, real-time tracking, geofencing

Supply Chain KPIs & Performance Metrics

Supply Chain Managers • Procurement

Termify covers the English terminology for key logistics performance indicators used in supply chain reporting, vendor scorecards and management dashboards. Each KPI term includes its English abbreviation, full name, calculation method and contextual usage.

OTIF Lead Time Fill Rate Inventory Turnover
  • Delivery performance — OTIF (On-Time In-Full), on-time delivery rate, transit time variance
  • Inventory metrics — inventory turnover, days of supply, carrying cost, shrinkage rate
  • Order accuracy — perfect order rate, fill rate, order cycle time, backorder rate
  • Cost metrics — freight cost per unit, cost per order, warehousing cost ratio
  • Capacity utilization — warehouse utilization, dock-to-stock time, labor productivity
Incoterms 2020

All 11 Incoterms 2020 Rules Explained

Incoterms 2020 are 11 international trade rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define buyer and seller responsibilities for cost, risk and insurance during shipment. Termify teaches every rule with native pronunciation and contextual examples — 100% free.

Rules for Any Mode of Transport (7 Rules)

These seven Incoterms 2020 rules can be used for any mode of transport including road, rail, air, sea and multimodal. They are the most versatile and commonly used in modern containerized shipping.

EXW — Ex Works

The seller makes goods available at their premises. The buyer bears all costs and risks from the seller's location to the final destination, including export clearance. EXW places minimum obligation on the seller.

FCA — Free Carrier

The seller delivers goods cleared for export to the carrier nominated by the buyer at a named place. Risk transfers when goods are handed to the carrier. FCA is the recommended replacement for FOB in containerized shipping.

CPT — Carriage Paid To

The seller pays freight to the named destination, but risk transfers to the buyer when goods are handed to the first carrier. CPT is the multimodal equivalent of CFR.

CIP — Carriage and Insurance Paid To

Same as CPT, but the seller also obtains insurance coverage (ICC Clause A — all risks) to the named destination. Under Incoterms 2020, CIP requires maximum coverage, unlike CIF which requires only minimum coverage.

DAP — Delivered at Place

The seller delivers goods at the buyer's disposal at the named destination, not unloaded and not cleared for import. The seller bears all costs and risks to the destination point.

DPU — Delivered at Place Unloaded

The seller delivers goods unloaded at the named destination. DPU is the only Incoterm that requires the seller to unload at destination. Formerly known as DAT (Delivered at Terminal) in Incoterms 2010.

DDP — Delivered Duty Paid

The seller bears all costs and risks including import duties, taxes and customs clearance to deliver goods at the buyer's premises. DDP represents maximum seller obligation — the opposite of EXW.

Rules for Sea and Inland Waterway Transport Only (4 Rules)

These four Incoterms 2020 rules apply exclusively to sea and inland waterway transport. They should not be used for containerized cargo that is handed to the carrier at an inland terminal — use FCA, CPT or CIP instead.

FAS — Free Alongside Ship

The seller delivers goods alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers when goods are placed alongside the ship. The buyer arranges and pays for loading, freight, insurance and unloading.

FOB — Free On Board

The seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers when goods pass the ship's rail. FOB is one of the most commonly used Incoterms in international maritime trade. Note: ICC recommends FCA for containerized shipments.

CFR — Cost and Freight

The seller pays freight to the named port of destination, but risk transfers when goods are loaded on board the vessel at the port of shipment. The buyer must arrange insurance. CFR is the sea-only equivalent of CPT.

CIF — Cost, Insurance and Freight

Same as CFR, but the seller also obtains minimum insurance coverage (ICC Clause C) to the named port of destination. Under Incoterms 2020, CIF requires only minimum coverage while CIP requires all-risks coverage. CIF is the sea-only equivalent of CIP.

Target Audience

Who Needs Logistics English?

Logistics English is essential for any professional involved in the international movement of goods. Whether you coordinate shipments, clear customs, manage warehouses or negotiate contracts, mastering English logistics terminology directly impacts your career and your organization's operational accuracy.

Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders coordinate multimodal shipments across borders. They must communicate carrier bookings, consolidation schedules, Bills of Lading and freight rates in English with shipping lines, airlines and trucking companies worldwide.

FIATA Multimodal Carrier Relations

Customs Brokers

Customs brokers prepare and submit import/export declarations, classify goods using HS codes, calculate duty rates and ensure compliance with trade regulations. English is the primary language for international customs documentation and WCO communications.

HS Codes Trade Compliance WCO

Supply Chain Managers

Supply chain managers oversee end-to-end logistics operations, negotiate Incoterms in contracts, analyze KPIs like OTIF and lead time, and report performance to stakeholders. English is the standard language for global supply chain management systems and reporting.

S&OP KPI Reporting Vendor Management

Procurement Specialists

Procurement professionals negotiate purchase orders with Incoterms, manage Letters of Credit with banks, evaluate supplier proposals and coordinate cross-border payment terms. English proficiency in trade finance vocabulary is critical for cost optimization.

Sourcing Trade Finance Incoterms

Warehouse Managers

Warehouse managers coordinate receiving, storage, picking, packing and dispatch operations using WMS systems. They communicate with carriers, customs agents and distribution teams using English logistics terminology for inventory control and order fulfillment.

WMS Inventory Control Fulfillment

Import-Export Officers

Import-export officers handle trade documentation, verify Letters of Credit, coordinate with freight forwarders and customs brokers, and ensure regulatory compliance across jurisdictions. English-language documentation proficiency prevents shipment delays and financial penalties.

Documentation L/C Compliance Regulations
Certification Prep

Logistics Certification Exam Preparation

Termify helps logistics professionals prepare for international certification exams by teaching the English terminology that appears in exam questions, case studies and practical assessments — all 100% free.

FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding

International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

The FIATA Diploma is the most recognized international qualification for freight forwarding professionals. Termify covers the English terminology used across all FIATA Diploma modules including multimodal transport, customs procedures, marine insurance, dangerous goods and trade documentation. Understanding these terms in English is essential because FIATA examinations are conducted in English or use English-language reference materials worldwide.

Multimodal Transport Customs Procedures Marine Insurance Trade Documentation

CILT International Certification

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

CILT offers professional qualifications from Certificate to Chartered Fellow level. Termify covers the English supply chain management, logistics operations and transport planning vocabulary that CILT certification candidates encounter. CILT certifications are recognized in over 30 countries and English proficiency in logistics terminology significantly improves exam performance for non-native speakers.

Supply Chain Management Transport Planning Logistics Operations Procurement

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)

International Air Transport Association

IATA DGR certification is mandatory for professionals who accept, handle, store or transport dangerous goods by air. Termify teaches the English terminology for dangerous goods classification, packaging instructions, labeling requirements, shipper's declaration and emergency response procedures. IATA DGR reference materials and examinations use English-language terminology exclusively, making English proficiency a prerequisite for certification.

DG Classification Packaging Instructions Labeling Shipper’s Declaration
Dialogue Scenarios

Real-World Logistics English Dialogue Scenarios

Termify includes realistic dialogue scenarios that simulate professional logistics conversations. Practice the exact English phrases used between freight forwarders, customs brokers, supply chain managers and their clients.

Shipper-Forwarder: Booking a Containerized Shipment

In this scenario, a shipper contacts a freight forwarder to book a 40-foot high-cube container from Shanghai to Rotterdam. The dialogue covers Incoterms selection (FCA vs FOB), Bill of Lading instructions, container loading deadlines, free detention days and freight rate negotiation.

FCA/FOB Selection B/L Instructions Container Loading Freight Rate

Customs Broker-Client: Import Clearance and HS Classification

In this scenario, a customs broker advises an importer on HS code classification for electronic components, explains duty rates and preferential tariff programs, requests missing documents (Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice) and outlines the customs clearance timeline. The dialogue covers HS classification disputes, anti-dumping duties and bonded warehouse options.

HS Classification Duty Rates Document Verification Bonded Warehouse

Supply Chain Manager: Quarterly KPI Review Meeting

In this scenario, a supply chain manager presents quarterly logistics performance metrics to senior leadership. The dialogue covers OTIF trends, inventory turnover analysis, freight cost variance, warehouse utilization rates and corrective action plans. This scenario builds the presentation-style English vocabulary that supply chain professionals need for stakeholder reporting.

OTIF Reporting KPI Analysis Stakeholder Presentation Corrective Actions
Why Termify

Why Learn Logistics English with Termify?

Termify is the only 100% free app that teaches logistics English with Incoterms 2020 definitions sourced from ICC standards, native pronunciation for every term and career quizzes with shareable PDF certificates. No other free app provides this level of logistics-specific English content.

100% Free Forever

All logistics terms, Incoterms 2020, customs vocabulary, supply chain KPIs — completely free. No subscription, no credit card, no hidden fees.

Incoterms 2020 Sourced

All 11 Incoterms taught with ICC-aligned definitions, buyer/seller obligation breakdowns and real-world contract application examples.

Native Pronunciation

Every logistics term includes native English pronunciation recordings and IPA transcriptions so you pronounce FOB, CIF, DDP and OTIF correctly.

Career Quizzes

Test your logistics English knowledge with career quizzes that simulate FIATA, CILT and IATA DGR exam conditions. Earn shareable PDF certificates.

Dialogue Scenarios

Practice real freight forwarder-shipper, customs broker-client and supply chain manager conversations with professional logistics vocabulary.

23 Interface Languages

Learn logistics English with explanations in your native language. Termify supports 23 languages including Turkish, Chinese, Arabic and Spanish.

Download Free — No Sign Up Required
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Logistics English

What are Incoterms 2020 and why do logistics professionals need to learn them in English?

Incoterms 2020 are 11 standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define buyer and seller responsibilities for cost, risk and insurance during international shipment. Because Incoterms are used globally in English-language contracts, Bills of Lading, Letters of Credit and customs declarations, logistics professionals must understand terms like FOB, CIF, DDP and EXW in English to avoid costly misinterpretations. Termify teaches all 11 Incoterms 2020 rules with native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions and contextual usage examples — 100% free.

Is Termify free for learning logistics English and Incoterms?

Yes, Termify is 100% free. All logistics terminology including Incoterms 2020, freight forwarding vocabulary, customs documentation terms, supply chain KPIs and warehouse management language is completely free. No subscription, no credit card, no hidden fees. Termify also includes native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions, real-world dialogue scenarios and career quizzes with shareable PDF certificates — all at no cost.

Can Termify help me prepare for the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding?

Yes. Termify's Logistics module covers the English terminology used in FIATA Diploma examinations including freight forwarding operations, multimodal transport, customs procedures, dangerous goods regulations, insurance terms and international trade documentation. The career quizzes simulate exam-style questions and provide shareable PDF certificates upon completion. Termify is 100% free and helps non-native English speakers master the vocabulary required for FIATA certification.

What logistics KPIs does Termify cover in English?

Termify covers key logistics KPIs in English including OTIF (On-Time In-Full), Order Lead Time, Fill Rate, Inventory Turnover, Perfect Order Rate, Freight Cost per Unit, Warehouse Utilization and Dock-to-Stock Time. Each KPI term includes its English definition, native pronunciation, IPA transcription and contextual usage in supply chain reporting. All KPI terminology is free.

What is the difference between FOB and CIF in Incoterms 2020?

FOB (Free On Board) means the seller delivers goods onto the vessel at the port of shipment, and the buyer assumes risk and cost from that point. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means the seller pays for freight and minimum insurance to the destination port, but risk transfers to the buyer once goods are loaded on the vessel. Both FOB and CIF apply only to sea and inland waterway transport. Termify teaches all 11 Incoterms 2020 rules including FOB, CIF, EXW, FCA, FAS, CFR, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU and DDP with native pronunciation and contextual examples — 100% free.

Does Termify cover customs documentation English vocabulary?

Yes. Termify covers English terminology for essential customs documents including Bill of Lading (B/L), Letter of Credit (L/C), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Customs Declaration, Import/Export License, Harmonized System (HS) codes, Single Administrative Document (SAD) and ATA Carnet. Each term includes its English definition, native pronunciation and usage in real-world freight forwarding and customs brokerage scenarios. All customs documentation vocabulary is 100% free.

Who should use Termify for logistics English?

Termify is designed for freight forwarders, customs brokers, supply chain managers, procurement specialists, warehouse managers, logistics coordinators, import-export officers and international trade professionals who need to communicate in English. It is especially valuable for non-native English speakers preparing for FIATA Diploma, CILT Certification or IATA DGR exams. Termify is 100% free with 23 interface languages.

Download Termify Free — Master Logistics English Today

Learn all 11 Incoterms 2020 rules, freight forwarding terminology, customs documentation vocabulary and supply chain KPIs with native pronunciation and career quizzes. 100% free — no credit card, no subscription.

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