Matter of fact is that the differences obviously arise, however I was just recently approached with a question on how to overcome those and ensure they don’t arise. 

Well, initially it’s important to understand why those differences arise. To be honest, I’ve encountered most mistakes arising from different understanding of “risks and rewards” being transferred. I simply don’t understand if both parties agree with terms of delivery, then why don’t they account for the transactions based on them? If we agree on the term that risks related to the goods are transferred with a FOB terms and the lading location is in fact the port the seller puts goods on the ship, then why do both parties still account for the transactions based on the date the goods are actually delivered to the clients location? The explanation I hear usually involves almost always the “actual date of the invoice” or “the actual date the goods were received”. Why does everyone forget the actual physical goods and they’re movement along the way? Why does everyone forget and  / or ignore the terms agreed on? Why agree on them anyway then one might even ask.

Fact of the matter is that the terms live they’re live of their own and this is something you must understanding when trying to confirm balances with parties long way overseas. It’s usually not that significant of an issue with parties closer to you and with whom you use shorter transport methods, however I do wish you all the best with dealing parties longer away. You yourself may be doing everything correct, but making sure the other party does the same, is a long shot and sometimes wishful thinking and nothing more.