Logistics & shipping
Port of loading
The port where cargo is loaded onto the vessel for the main sea carriage.The port of loading (POL) is named on the bill of lading and marks where the ocean leg begins and, under FOB and CIF, where risk passes to the buyer. It is a key field in customs and shipping records, distinguishing the origin gateway from the port of discharge at destination.
Frequently asked questions
- What does port of loading mean?
- It is the seaport where the goods are loaded onto the ship to start the main international voyage.
- Is the port of loading the same as the country of origin?
- Not necessarily — goods can be trucked to a port in another country before loading, so the port of loading may differ from where they were produced.