DPU Incoterms: What Delivered at Place Unloaded
Means for E-Commerce Sellers (2026)
DPU is the only Incoterm where the seller must unload your goods at the destination. It replaced DAT in 2020. Here is when it matters and when DAP or DDP is a better fit.
Quick Answer:
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) is an Incoterms 2020 rule where the seller delivers goods AND unloads them at the named destination. It replaced DAT (Delivered at Terminal) in the 2020 revision, with one key upgrade: the destination can be any place, not just a terminal. DPU is the only Incoterm that requires the seller to unload. The buyer handles import customs clearance, duties, and taxes. For most e-commerce sellers, DAP (no unloading obligation) or DDP (everything included) is a better fit unless you specifically need the carrier to handle unloading.
What Is DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)?
DPU is one of 11 Incoterms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It works with any mode of transport: air, ocean freight, multimodal, or rail.
Under DPU, the seller handles:
- Origin pickup, export clearance, and international freight
- Transport to the named destination
- Unloading goods from the arriving vehicle at the destination
That last point is what makes DPU unique. In every other Incoterm, the seller either does not deliver to the destination (FOB, FCA, EXW) or delivers but does not unload (DAP, DDP). DPU is the only rule that explicitly requires the seller to unload.
The buyer handles:
- Import customs clearance
- Import duties and taxes
- Any onward transport after unloading
Risk transfers once the goods are unloaded at the named destination. Until that moment, the seller bears the risk of loss or damage, including the risk during the unloading process itself.
Key Takeaway: DPU = seller delivers and unloads. The only Incoterm with an unloading obligation on the seller.
DAT to DPU: What Changed in 2020
DPU replaced DAT (Delivered at Terminal) in Incoterms 2020. The ICC made two changes:
Change 1: Destination Is No Longer Limited to a "Terminal"
Under DAT, the seller delivered goods unloaded at a "terminal." This was interpreted as ports, docks, warehouses, container yards, or multimodal/rail terminals. The word "terminal" confused users who wanted delivery to a non-terminal location like a factory, shop, or private warehouse.
Under DPU, the destination can be any place. A port terminal? Fine. Your warehouse? Also fine. A construction site? That works too. The removal of the "terminal" restriction makes DPU more flexible.
Change 2: DPU Now Appears After DAP in the ICC Sequence
In Incoterms 2010, DAT appeared before DAP. This confused users because DAT (with unloading) seemed like it should come after DAP (without unloading) in the progression of seller obligations. The ICC corrected this in 2020. The sequence now goes: DAP (deliver, buyer unloads) then DPU (deliver and unload).
The practical obligations remain the same. DPU still requires the seller to unload at destination and the buyer to clear customs and pay duties.
DDP carriers on AiDeliv deliver to your warehouse AND handle customs and duties. No unloading debates.
Get DDP Rates →DPU vs DAP vs DDP: Which "D" Term Do You Need?
The three "D" Incoterms all involve the seller delivering to the destination. The differences are in unloading and customs:
| Factor | DAP | DPU | DDP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seller delivers to destination | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seller unloads | No (buyer unloads) | Yes | No (buyer unloads, but carrier often will) |
| Buyer clears customs | Yes | Yes | No (carrier handles) |
| Buyer pays duties | Yes | Yes | No (included in price) |
| Risk ends | When goods available for unloading | When goods are unloaded | When goods delivered at destination |
| Best for | Standard deliveries where buyer can unload | Heavy/specialized cargo needing seller's equipment | Most e-commerce sellers |
When DPU Is the Right Choice
DPU makes sense when:
- The cargo requires specialized unloading equipment that the buyer does not have. Heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or oversized cargo may need cranes or specialized forklifts that only the carrier can provide.
- The destination does not have unloading capability. A small retail location, construction site, or temporary storage area without loading docks or forklifts.
- The carrier is better equipped to handle unloading risk. If the cargo is fragile, high-value, or requires careful handling during unloading, having the carrier (who insured the cargo during transit) also handle unloading reduces the risk gap.
When DPU Is Not Necessary
For most e-commerce sellers:
- Your warehouse or 3PL has a loading dock and forklift. You can unload a standard container or pallet delivery. DAP is sufficient.
- Amazon FBA fulfillment centers have their own receiving and unloading processes. You do not need the carrier to unload.
- The extra cost of DPU (the carrier charges for unloading labor and equipment) is not justified when your facility can handle it.
For most e-commerce sellers, DAP (carrier delivers, you unload) or DDP (carrier handles everything including customs) is the better choice. DPU is a niche term for situations where unloading is the specific problem you need solved.
DPU Responsibilities Breakdown
Seller's Obligations Under DPU
| Obligation | What It Means |
|---|---|
| A1: General | Provide goods and commercial invoice |
| A2: Delivery | Deliver goods UNLOADED at the named destination |
| A3: Risk transfer | Risk passes when goods are unloaded (seller bears unloading risk) |
| A4: Transport | Arrange and pay for transport to destination |
| A5: Insurance | No obligation, but seller bears risk until unloading is complete |
| A6: Delivery document | Provide document enabling buyer to take delivery |
| A7: Export clearance | Handle export formalities. No import clearance obligation. |
| A8: Checking/packaging | Package goods for transport and unloading |
| A9: Cost allocation | Pay all costs through unloading at destination. Not import duties. |
| A10: Notices | Notify buyer of dispatch and estimated arrival |
Buyer's Obligations Under DPU
| Obligation | What It Means |
|---|---|
| B1: General | Pay the agreed price |
| B2: Taking delivery | Take delivery after goods are unloaded |
| B3: Risk transfer | Bear risk from the moment goods are unloaded |
| B4: Transport | No obligation for main transport |
| B5: Insurance | No obligation, but recommended for high-value goods |
| B6: Delivery document | Accept the delivery document |
| B7: Import clearance | Handle ALL import customs, duties, and taxes |
| B8: Inspection | Pay for inspection if required |
| B9: Cost allocation | Pay import duties, taxes, and all costs after unloading |
| B10: Notices | Notify seller of destination details and any unloading restrictions |
Common Mistakes with DPU
Mistake 1: Choosing DPU when you can unload yourself.
If your warehouse has a loading dock, pallet jack, and forklift, you do not need DPU. DAP is cheaper because the carrier's quote does not include unloading labor and equipment. Only choose DPU when unloading is genuinely a problem.
Mistake 2: Not specifying what "unloaded" means for containers.
If your goods arrive in a shipping container, does "unloaded" mean the container is taken off the vessel? Off the truck chassis? Or that individual cartons are removed from inside the container? This ambiguity has caused disputes since 2020. Spell out the exact scope of unloading in your contract.
Mistake 3: Forgetting that DPU still requires you to clear customs.
DPU handles delivery and unloading but NOT customs and duties. If you want everything including customs, you need DDP. DPU with customs responsibility catches buyers off guard when their unloaded goods sit at a terminal waiting for customs clearance.
Mistake 4: Confusing DPU with the old DAT.
DPU replaced DAT but expanded the destination options. If your contracts still reference "DAT Incoterms 2010," update them to "DPU Incoterms 2020." Using an outdated term can create legal ambiguity about which rules apply.
Delivery, customs, and duties handled. Post your shipment on AiDeliv and carriers compete with DDP quotes.
Run a DDP Auction →Frequently Asked Questions
What does DPU mean in shipping?
DPU stands for Delivered at Place Unloaded. The seller delivers goods and unloads them at the named destination. It is the only Incoterm requiring the seller to unload. The buyer handles import customs, duties, and taxes.
What is the difference between DPU and DAP?
One thing: unloading. Under DAP, the seller delivers but the buyer unloads. Under DPU, the seller delivers and unloads. In both cases, the buyer handles customs and duties. See DAP Incoterms.
What replaced DAT in Incoterms 2020?
DPU replaced DAT. The key change: DAT was limited to terminal destinations. DPU allows delivery and unloading at any place, not just terminals. The unloading obligation is the same.
Is DPU common for e-commerce?
Not common. Most e-commerce warehouses and fulfillment centers can handle unloading. DAP or DDP is the standard for online sellers. DPU is used for heavy industrial cargo, construction site deliveries, or locations without unloading equipment.
Is DPU or DDP better for Amazon sellers?
DDP. Amazon fulfillment centers handle their own receiving and unloading. You do not need a carrier to unload for you. DDP covers customs and duties, which is the actual challenge for most Amazon sellers. See our DDP to Amazon FBA guide.
Related Incoterms and Resources
Delivery. Customs. Duties. Done.
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