In international logistics, you often see shipping terms like Door-to-Door (DR-DR), CY-CY, or CFS-CY. These abbreviations define how cargo is handed over between the shipper, carrier, and consignee, and they are essential for planning container shipping, FCL (Full Container Load), or LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.
This guide explains these terms and helps you choose the right delivery method for your international freight.
1. Key Definitions
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DR (Door): Refers to the shipper’s or consignee’s factory or warehouse. It is the “door” in the logistics process.
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CY (Container Yard): Refers to the container yard at a port where full containers are loaded or unloaded. Used mainly for FCL cargo.
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CFS (Container Freight Station): Refers to the port’s cargo station, used for consolidating or deconsolidating LCL shipments.
2. Shipping Handover Combinations
By combining these three locations, we get nine common cargo handover methods:
2.1 DR—DR (Door to Door)
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Description: Cargo is picked up from the shipper’s warehouse/factory and delivered directly to the consignee’s warehouse/factory.
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Responsibility: The carrier handles the entire transport after collection.
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Use Case: Full end-to-end service, including inland pickup, international shipping, and destination delivery. Ideal for customers seeking Door-to-Door shipping.
2.2 DR—CY
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Description: From the shipper’s warehouse/factory to the origin port container yard.
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Responsibility: Carrier usually handles only inland transport to the port.
2.3 DR—CFS
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Description: From the shipper’s warehouse/factory to the port’s container freight station.
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Responsibility: Carrier delivers cargo to the destination CFS for unloading and handover to the consignee.
2.4 CY—DR
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Description: From the origin container yard to the consignee’s warehouse/factory.
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Responsibility: Carrier starts transportation from the origin port CY to the final delivery location. Inland pickup at origin is not included.
2.5 CY—CY
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Description: From origin port container yard to destination port container yard.
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Responsibility: Carrier handles FCL container shipping between ports. Both shipper and consignee manage inland transport.
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Use Case: Typical for FCL shipments, where cargo is moved container-to-container.
2.6 CY—CFS
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Description: From origin container yard to destination port CFS.
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Responsibility: Carrier delivers full container to a CFS for LCL cargo distribution.
2.7 CFS—DR
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Description: From origin CFS to the consignee’s warehouse/factory.
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Responsibility: Carrier transports consolidated cargo to the consignee’s location. Common for LCL shipments where multiple suppliers’ goods are consolidated.
2.8 CFS—CY
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Description: From origin CFS to destination CY.
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Responsibility: Cargo consolidated at CFS is transported as a full container to the destination CY. Consignees then extract their respective goods.
2.9 CFS—CFS
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Description: From origin CFS to destination CFS.
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Responsibility: Mainly for LCL shipments, where goods are handed over at container freight stations.
3. Summary Table of Handover Terms
| Term | Origin | Destination | Service Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR—DR | Warehouse | Warehouse | Door-to-Door | FCL/LCL, end-to-end service |
| DR—CY | Warehouse | Container Yard | Pickup only | FCL shipment |
| DR—CFS | Warehouse | Container Freight Station | Consolidation | LCL shipment |
| CY—DR | Container Yard | Warehouse | Delivery only | FCL shipment |
| CY—CY | Container Yard | Container Yard | Port-to-Port | FCL shipment |
| CY—CFS | Container Yard | CFS | FCL to LCL handover | LCL shipment |
| CFS—DR | CFS | Warehouse | Delivery only | LCL shipment |
| CFS—CY | CFS | Container Yard | Consolidated transport | LCL shipment |
| CFS—CFS | CFS | CFS | LCL handover | LCL shipment |
4. Choosing the Right Shipping Terms
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DR-DR (Door to Door): Best for end-to-end service and convenience.
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CY-CY: Suitable for FCL shipments where customers handle inland transport.
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CFS-CY or CFS-DR: Common for LCL shipments, consolidating cargo from multiple shippers.
Pro Tip: Selecting the right term ensures efficient cargo handling, minimizes demurrage, and streamlines freight forwarding operations.
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