icon Recharge Now for  ₹1000   & Get   ₹1600*   In Your Wallet. Use Code:   FLAT600   | Limited Period Offer On First Recharge

*T&C Apply.

Signup Now

Filters

cross

Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU): Meaning & Benefits

img

Sumana Sarmah

Specialist - Marketing @ Shiprocket

May 9, 2023

3 min read

Delivery At Place Unloaded, or simply DPU, is an incoterm used in international shipping which defined the responsibility for goods delivery to a specific global destination. According to the DPU clause, the exporter of the goods is liable for cargo delivery to any desired destination as well as for the unloading at the pre-determined location, as well as all costs incurred during the delivery to that destination.

dpu meaning in international shipping

Price Breakup For DPU Shipments 

If you opt for DPU mode in your international deliveries, here’s what the total price breakup for the entire shipping journey looks like – 

  1. Product Cost
  2. Packaging
  3. Loading Charge
  4. Transit To Origin Port 
  5. Export Customs Duties
  6. Terminal Charges
  7. Freight Loading Charges
  8. Freight Charges
  9. Shipment Security Cover
  10. Destination Port Terminal Charges
  11. Drop From Port To destination 

Benefits Of Shipping Via DPU For Exporters

Worry-Free Customs Clearance At Destination

In DPU shipping, the exporter doesn’t have to take care of the customs duties and regulatory compliances at the destination port. This in turn allows them to put their entire force into other post-purchase events such as efficient tracking of orders for buyers, and 24/7 customer support. 

Streamlined Inventory 

DPU is considered to be a more convenient incoterm while shipping across borders because it gives the exporter leverage over their shipments until entry into the destination port. This includes the packaging, loading, and hauling of the shipments into the freight. 

Transparency In Carrier Contracts 

Because the cost for the entire shipping journey lies in the exporter’s hands, they can set shipping prices or negotiate carrier contracts as transparently as possible, with 100% visibility of transportation costs. Additionally, the seller can also check to provide the end buyer with some delivery proof if required in cases of delivery disputes. 

Significance Of DPU 

DPU is used usually by exporters with multiple shipments in a single haul of export, i.e., bulk shipments. It is also used for shipments having multiple consignees, where a seller can break down shipments into segments that will make the goods to be shipped more convenient and accessible to the consignees.

The prime advantage DPU has over other forms of incoterms is that the risk of goods in transit is transferred from the exporter/seller to the buyer as soon as the goods are unloaded at the destination port. 

Summary

DPU holds a benefit over DAP as the seller or exporter does not have to bear the cost of unloading the products at the destination port, this responsibility transfers to the buyer. It is of utmost importance for the seller and buyer to mention the exact point of delivery so that the contract mutual to both parties abides by the incoterms outlined, and the liability does not entirely fall on the exporter. A cross-border logistics solution can help you determine which incoterm is best for your export business – DAP or DPU, and minimise the hassles of transit and customs charges for international deliveries.

Custom Banner

Calculate Your Shipping Costs Now

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

What is Hyperlocal Delivery Model?

Understanding Hyperlocal Delivery Model and How It Powers Local Business

Contentshide What is Hyperlocal Delivery Model? Is Hyperlocal Delivery Right for Your Business Type? Hyperlocal Delivery vs Last-Mile Delivery What...

June 27, 2025

7 min read

ranjeet

Ranjeet Sharma

Senior Specialist @ Shiprocket

Best grocery delivery software in 2025

Leading Grocery eCommerce Platforms to Launch Online Stores in 2025

Contentshide What are the Benefits of Using Grocery Delivery Software 1. Increased Customer Reach 2. Improved Decision-Making 3. Better User...

June 26, 2025

6 min read

ranjeet

Ranjeet Sharma

Senior Specialist @ Shiprocket

shiprocketx vs ubtpro

ShiprocketX vs UBT Pro – Which Courier Service is Better?

Contentshide ShiprocketX vs UBT Pro: Features and Capabilities UBT Pro: ShiprocketX: Pricing Structure UBT Pro: ShiprocketX: User Experience and Interface...

June 26, 2025

7 min read

ruchika

Ruchika Gupta

Senior Specialist- Growth & Marketing @ Shiprocket

Ship with confidence
using Shiprocket