FCA, or Free Carrier, is an Incoterm where the seller delivers export-cleared goods to a carrier or named place chosen by the buyer. Risk transfers from the seller to the buyer when the goods are handed over at that agreed point. FCA can be used for any transport mode, including truck, rail, air, ocean, and multimodal shipping. It is often more flexible than FOB for containerised freight because the transfer point can be a warehouse, terminal, forwarder facility, or carrier location.
FCA (Free Carrier) is an Incoterm under which the seller delivers goods, cleared for export, to a named carrier or freight forwarder at a specified location. Risk transfers to the buyer at that point. FCA is appropriate for all modes of transport including containerized ocean freight.
Key Responsibilities Under FCA
- Seller: export clearance, delivery to the named place or carrier
- Buyer: international freight, cargo insurance, import clearance, all destination costs
FCA is preferred over FOB for containerized cargo because risk transfers when goods are handed to the first carrier, not when they are loaded on the vessel.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on FOB, EXW, Incoterms, and Export Declaration.
