Paper roll logistics: FCA, CPT, DAP — the Incoterms that actually save money
A practical guide for plant procurement teams: where to take title, where to insure, and how to control demurrage.
Procurement teams negotiate the price per tonne, then surrender the Incoterm to whatever the seller proposes. That is where the margin leaks. The right Incoterm can shave 2–4% off landed cost and meaningfully reduce demurrage exposure.
The three that matter for paper rolls
FCA (Free Carrier)
Seller delivers to the carrier you appoint. You control freight, you control insurance. Best when you have favourable freight contracts.
CPT (Carriage Paid To)
Seller pays freight to a named destination, but risk transfers when the goods are handed to the first carrier. Useful when the mill has better freight rates than you do.
DAP (Delivered At Place)
Seller delivers to your factory door, ready for unloading. Simplest for the buyer. Most expensive because the seller prices in their risk premium.
Demurrage: the silent budget killer
On rail and truck deliveries, demurrage starts ticking after a defined free time (often 2–4 hours). Plants without disciplined unloading slots can pay €200–800 per delayed truck. Always spec the unloading window in the contract.
Reliable supply, technically informed.
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