CY-CY (Container Yard to Container Yard)
Last updated: June 14, 2026
- CY-CY means the carrier is responsible from origin container yard to destination container yard only
- Shipper handles pre-carriage (factory to CY) and onward transport (CY to final delivery)
- CY-CY pairs naturally with FOB Incoterms — the most common arrangement for Chinese exports
CY-CY (Container Yard to Container Yard) is a shipping term indicating the carrier's responsibility runs from the origin container yard (where the loaded container is handed to the carrier) to the destination container yard (where the consignee picks it up). The shipper handles pre-carriage transport to the CY and the consignee handles onward transport from the CY.
Chinese: 场到场 (Chǎng dào chǎng)
CY-CY vs. Other Service Options
CY-CY: carrier's responsibility = CY to CY. You handle both ends. Door-to-door: forwarder handles everything — pickup at factory, transport, ocean freight, delivery. Door-to-CY: forwarder handles pickup and ocean freight; you handle destination CY onward. CY-to-door: you handle origin; forwarder handles ocean freight and destination delivery. Each adds layers of service and cost. CY-CY is the most basic (and least expensive) ocean freight product.
Practical Example
A Qingdao exporter sells goods FOB Qingdao to a buyer in Los Angeles. The exporter arranges trucking from factory to Qingdao Qianwan Container Terminal CY (pre-carriage). The carrier picks up the container at Qingdao CY and transports it to Los Angeles CY. The buyer arranges trucking from Los Angeles CY to their warehouse in Riverside, CA. The carrier's ocean freight quote is CY-CY: $1,800. If the buyer wanted door-to-door (DDP), the total would be approximately $3,500 including both ends of trucking, customs clearance, and duties.
Related Terms
- Incoterms — FOB and CY-CY are a natural pairing
- FCL — most FCL shipments use CY-CY terms
- Transit Time — CY-CY transit excludes pre-carriage and onward transport
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CY-CY and door-to-door?
CY-CY: carrier handles CY to CY only — you handle factory-to-CY and CY-to-delivery. Door-to-door: forwarder handles the entire chain. CY-CY typically pairs with FOB terms; door-to-door with DDP or DAP. See our logistics FAQ for a full comparison.
What costs are excluded in a CY-CY freight quote?
CY-CY typically excludes: origin THC, documentation fees, customs clearance, origin trucking (factory to CY), destination trucking, destination customs, duties and taxes, and demurrage/detention. Always request a full breakdown of included and excluded items.
How does CY-CY relate to FOB Incoterms?
CY-CY and FOB are a natural pairing: seller arranges factory-to-CY and export clearance; carrier handles CY to destination CY; buyer arranges destination CY to final delivery and import clearance. This is the most common arrangement for Chinese exports. Contact us for CY-CY rates.
Need Logistics Help?
CY-CY, door-to-door, or anything in between — we quote all service levels from all Chinese ports.
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