Procurement Glossary
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded): definition and application in Procurement
November 19, 2025
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) is an Incoterm clause that obliges the seller to deliver the goods unloaded at the agreed destination. This delivery clause gives the seller maximum responsibility for transportation, risk and costs until the goods are fully unloaded. Find out below what DPU means, how it is handled and what strategic advantages this Incoterm regulation offers buyers.
Key Facts
- DPU has replaced the former Incoterm clause DAT (Delivered at Terminal) since 2020
- Seller bears all costs and risks until unloading at destination
- Suitable for all types of transport and multimodal transportation
- Buyer assumes responsibility and risk only after unloading
- Particularly advantageous for complex logistics processes and heavy goods
Contents
Definition and meaning of DPU
DPU defines a comprehensive supply agreement between seller and buyer with a clear distribution of risks and costs.
Basics of the DPU clause
In the case of DPU agreements, the seller assumes all transportation costs, insurance and risks until complete unloading at the agreed destination. This includes export and import formalities, customs clearance and the physical unloading of the goods.
DPU vs. other Incoterms
DPU differs from DAP or DDP in that the seller is explicitly obliged to unload the goods. Whereas with DAP the goods are only made available, with DPU they must be actively unloaded.
Importance of DPU in Procurement
For purchasers, DPU offers maximum planning security and minimizes operational risks. The clause is particularly suitable for procuring heavy machinery and equipment or for complex logistics requirements where professional unloading is required.
DPU process and control
The successful implementation of DPU deliveries requires structured processes and clear responsibilities between all parties involved.
Contract design and agreements
For DPU contracts, the exact destination, unloading modalities and time window must be precisely defined. Invoicing takes place after unloading, with all transportation costs already included in the purchase price.
Logistics coordination and monitoring
The seller coordinates the entire transportation process, including insurance cover and unloading logistics. Buyers should nevertheless implement tracking systems and request regular status updates to monitor delivery dates.
Quality control and acceptance
After unloading, the incoming goods inspection is carried out by the buyer. Documentation of transport damage, completeness checks and prompt complaints are crucial for the enforcement of warranty claims.
Tacto Intelligence
Combines deep procurement knowledge with the most powerful AI agents for strong Procurement.
Operational KPIs for DPU
Systematic performance measurement optimizes DPU processes and ensures continuous improvement in procurement efficiency.
Delivery performance and adherence to delivery dates
The "on-time delivery" indicator measures on-time unloading in accordance with agreed time windows. In addition, the "perfect order rate" records error-free processing, including correct documentation and complete delivery of goods.
Cost efficiency and price comparisons
The "Total Landed Cost Index" compares total DPU costs with alternative Incoterms options. The "Cost-per-Unit-Delivered" key figure enables precise cost transparency and supports strategic supplier decisions for different delivery conditions.
Quality and damage indicators
The "Damage Rate" documents transport damage per delivery, while the "Claims Resolution Time" measures the processing time for complaints. These KPIs identify weak points in the supply chain and evaluate the service quality of the sellers.
Delivery and control risks in DPU
Despite comprehensive seller responsibility, DPU agreements harbor specific risks that buyers must proactively manage.
Cost risks and price transparency
DPU calculations can result in hidden costs for special unloading or waiting times. Unclear price structures make it difficult to compare costs with other Incoterms and can lead to budget overruns.
Dependency risks from the supplier
Comprehensive seller responsibility creates a high level of dependency on the seller's logistics expertise. Failures in the supply chain or insufficient unloading capacities can lead to considerable delays without the buyer having any direct influence.
Liability and insurance gaps
Complex transfers of liability during unloading can lead to insurance gaps. Unclear allocation of damage between the transportation and unloading phases makes it difficult to enforce claims for damages and requires precise insurance agreements.
.avif)
Practical example
A mechanical engineering company procures a 15-ton production system from Italy under a DPU agreement. The Italian seller organizes special transport, takes care of all customs formalities and unloads the machine directly at the production site using a crane. The total costs of 85,000 euros are calculable, as all transportation, insurance and unloading costs are included in the purchase price. After successful unloading and incoming goods inspection, the risk is transferred to the buyer.
- Seller bears transport risk until complete unloading
- Buyer receives predictable total costs without hidden additional fees
- Professional unloading minimizes the risk of damage
Trends & developments for DPU
Modern technologies and changing market requirements are shaping the further development of DPU processes in global procurement.
Digitization of DPU processing
AI-supported systems optimize route planning, unloading times and cost calculation for DPU deliveries. Automated delivery notifications and real-time tracking improve planning and reduce waiting times at unloading points.
Sustainability aspects in DPU logistics
Environmentally conscious companies integrate CO2 optimization into DPU agreements. Milk-run concepts and consolidated transportation reduce emissions, while sustainable packaging solutions increase unloading efficiency.
Flexibility through modular DPU services
Suppliers develop modular DPU packages with optional additional services such as assembly, commissioning or disposal of packaging material. This flexibility enables customized solutions for different procurement requirements.
Conclusion
DPU offers buyers maximum planning security through comprehensive seller responsibility right up to complete unloading. This Incoterm clause is particularly suitable for complex procurements of heavy goods where professional logistics handling is crucial. Despite greater dependence on the supplier, the advantages of calculable total costs and minimized operational risks outweigh the disadvantages. Successful DPU application requires precise contract design and systematic performance monitoring.
FAQ
What exactly does DPU mean and when is it used?
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) obliges the seller to deliver and unload the goods at the agreed destination. This Incoterm is particularly suitable for heavy goods, machinery or complex logistics requirements where professional unloading is required.
What costs are covered by the seller at DPU?
With DPU, the seller bears all costs for transportation, insurance, export/import formalities, customs clearance and physical unloading at the destination. The buyer pays a total price without additional transportation costs.
How does DPU differ from DAP and DDP?
In contrast to DAP, with DPU the seller must actively unload the goods. DDP goes even further and also includes import customs clearance in the country of destination, while with DPU the buyer pays the import duties.
What risks should buyers be aware of with DPU?
The main risks are high dependency on the seller, possible hidden costs for special services and complex transfers of liability during unloading. Precise contract design and clear insurance regulations minimize these risks.
.png)
.png)
.png)
