The handover point of each term
Risk and cost are different lines
Under all three terms, risk passes to the buyer when the cargo is on board — even under CIF, where the seller bought the insurance. Read the term as a cost line first and a risk line second, and never assume the term transfers the whole journey.
Which term to put on the order
Use FOB when you want your own forwarder to control the main freight. Use CIF or CFR when the supplier arranges the shipping and you handle the destination side. Whichever you choose, quote the destination charges separately so the comparison stays honest.

