Liner terms

Liner terms means the ocean freight includes the cost of loading and discharging the cargo, so the carrier arranges and pays the port handling at both ends. It is the default basis of liner and container trade, where the line controls the terminal operation and folds stevedoring into the rate. Liner terms sit at the opposite end from FIOST (free in, stowed, trimmed, and out), where the charterer bears every handling cost. The exact cut-off varies by trade and is read against the port custom and the bill of lading, since liner terms does not by itself fix who pays for receiving, tallying, or quay rent.