FIOS is an abbreviation for Free In, Out, and Stowed, which refers to the freight rate. FIOS only pays the transportation fee, not the cost of loading, unloading, and stowing cargo onboard a vessel. The shipper is solely responsible for the costs of loading, unloading, and stowing, which are paid separately.
The "Free In" component of FIOS refers to the shipper or consignor's responsibility to load the cargo onto the truck without incurring any additional charges. It means that the carrier does not bear the cost of loading the goods onto the vehicle.
The "Free Out" aspect implies that the consignee or receiver is responsible for unloading the cargo from the truck at the destination. The carrier is not obliged to assist with unloading or cover any associated costs.
The "Same Vehicle" element of FIOS indicates that the carrier is responsible for transporting the goods from the point of origin to the final destination without any intermediate handling or transshipment. This ensures that the cargo remains on the same vehicle throughout the transportation process.
Overall, FIOS in road freight logistics defines the division of responsibilities between the shipper and the carrier regarding loading, unloading, and transportation of goods, with an emphasis on minimizing additional charges and the need for intermediate handling.