Ex Ship: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning and Use

Definition & Meaning

The term "ex ship" refers to a shipping arrangement in which the seller is responsible for all costs associated with transporting goods to a specified port of destination. Under this arrangement, the seller bears all charges until the goods are unloaded from the ship. After the goods leave the ship, the buyer assumes responsibility for any additional costs, including unloading fees and customs duties. The risk of loss also transfers to the buyer once the goods are off the ship.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A company in New York sells machinery to a buyer in Florida under an "ex ship" agreement. The seller pays for shipping the machinery to the port in Florida. Once the machinery is unloaded, the buyer is responsible for any further costs, such as customs duties and unloading fees.

Example 2: A retailer imports clothing from overseas with an "ex ship" term. The seller covers all shipping costs to the U.S. port. After the clothing is unloaded, the retailer must pay for any taxes or additional fees incurred.

State-by-state differences

State Key Differences
Florida Follows Fla. Stat. § 672.322 regarding delivery and risk transfer.
California Similar provisions, but may have additional local regulations regarding shipping.
New York Generally aligns with the Uniform Commercial Code, with specifics on risk transfer.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
FOB (Free on Board) The seller pays for transportation to a specified location, and risk transfers at that point. Risk transfers at the shipping point, unlike "ex ship," where it transfers after unloading.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) The seller covers costs, insurance, and freight to the destination port. The seller's responsibility extends to insurance, unlike "ex ship," which does not include insurance.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are entering into a contract involving "ex ship" terms, ensure you understand your responsibilities regarding costs and risk of loss. It's advisable to review the contract carefully and consider consulting a legal professional for guidance. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you draft or review agreements related to shipping and delivery.

Quick facts

  • Seller's responsibility: Until goods are unloaded from the ship.
  • Buyer's responsibility: All costs after unloading.
  • Risk of loss: Transfers to the buyer once goods leave the ship.
  • Legal reference: Fla. Stat. § 672.322 (Florida).

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It means the seller is responsible for costs until the goods are unloaded from the ship, after which the buyer takes on those responsibilities.