TTT (tank-to-tank transfer) is a procedure in which petroleum product moves from the seller’s storage tank to the buyer’s tank at the same terminal. TTM (table-top meeting) is a face-to-face meeting where buyer and seller sign the contract and verify documents. Both are common in the trade of EN590 diesel, Jet A1, fuel oil D6 and other refined products.
They are also where many buyers lose money to unverifiable offers. This guide explains how each procedure works and the checks that keep a transaction safe. For products, see our virgin fuel oil D6 and WTI crude oil pages.
TTT: tank-to-tank transfer
In a TTT transaction, the product is already stored at a terminal. Ownership passes when it is moved, or “injected”, from the seller’s tank into a tank the buyer has leased at the same terminal. A typical sequence is:
- Buyer issues an LOI on company letterhead with product, specification, quantity and delivery terms.
- Seller issues an offer (SCO or FCO) and, once accepted, a sales and purchase agreement (SPA).
- Buyer secures storage at the terminal and provides tank details.
- Seller provides documents showing the product is in storage and that the seller holds title, such as a tank storage receipt and a recent quality certificate.
- Verification: the buyer’s independent inspector confirms quantity and quality in the seller’s tank, for example by a dip test and sampling.
- Transfer: the product is injected into the buyer’s tank, and the terminal confirms the transfer.
- Payment by the agreed instrument once transfer and quality are confirmed.
An FOB TTT procedure combines a tank-to-tank start with delivery onto a vessel at the loading port, so the buyer can then lift the product by ship.
TTM: table-top meeting
In a TTM procedure, the buyer and seller, or their authorised representatives, meet in person, often in the seller’s country. At the meeting they review company documents, sign the contract and agree the next steps for inspection, loading and payment. A TTM can speed up a transaction, because both parties verify identities and documents face to face.
Agromer offers EN590 10 ppm from Kazakhstan on a TTM procedure and US-origin products on an FOB TTT procedure, to corporate direct buyers with an LOI.
Due diligence: how to protect yourself
The petroleum products market, especially EN590 and D6, attracts many offers that cannot be verified. These checks protect buyers:
- Verify the company: registration, address, directors and trading history, using official registries.
- Verify the terminal directly: contact the terminal yourself, using details from its official website, to confirm the tank, the product and the seller’s account. Do not rely only on documents or contacts supplied by the seller.
- Appoint your own inspector: an independent inspection company that you choose and pay directly.
- Never pay upfront fees to unknown parties for “dip tests”, “document fees” or “commissions” before the product is verified.
- Check documents for consistency: names, dates, quantities, tank numbers and signatures should match across all documents.
- Use secure payment instruments: payment after verification and transfer, or by documentary letter of credit or SBLC where agreed.
- Check sanctions and origin: confirm that the product, the parties and the route comply with applicable sanctions.
Our trade compliance page explains how Agromer works.
TTT vs CIF and FOB vessel deals
| Procedure | How delivery happens | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| TTT | Product moves between tanks at the same terminal | Buyers with storage at that terminal |
| FOB TTT | Tank transfer followed by loading onto the buyer’s vessel | Buyers who arrange their own shipping |
| FOB vessel | Product loaded onto the buyer’s ship at the loading port | Buyers with chartering capability |
| CIF | Seller ships to the buyer’s port and pays freight and insurance | Buyers who want delivery to their port |
Petroleum products through Agromer
Agromer offers petroleum products to corporate direct buyers with an LOI only. We do not circulate speculative offers or issue offers to intermediaries without a verifiable end-buyer LOI. See also our trading process.
Request our TTM procedure (EN590 Kazakhstan)
Frequently asked questions
What does TTT mean in oil trading?
Tank-to-tank transfer: the product moves from the seller’s storage tank to the buyer’s tank at the same terminal.
What is a TTM procedure?
A table-top meeting where buyer and seller meet in person to verify documents and sign the contract.
What is FOB TTT?
A procedure that starts with a tank-to-tank transfer and ends with the product loaded onto the buyer’s vessel at the loading port.
What is a dip test?
A measurement and sampling of the product in a storage tank, done by an independent inspector to confirm quantity and quality.
How do I avoid fake EN590 or D6 offers?
Verify the company and the terminal yourself, appoint your own inspector and never pay upfront fees before the product is verified.
Does Agromer accept enquiries from brokers?
Only with a recent, verifiable LOI from the end buyer that names them as the buyer’s authorised representative.