Free Carrier: the seller hands export-cleared goods to the buyer’s carrier at a named place.
FCA suits container shipments better than FOB because risk passes when goods are handed to the carrier, not when they cross the ship’s rail.
Related terms
- FOB — Free On Board: the seller loads the goods on the ship; the buyer pays freight and insurance.
- EXW — Ex Works: the buyer collects the goods at the seller’s premises and pays for everything after that.
- Incoterms — Eleven standard trade terms (2020 edition) that say who pays for what and when risk passes.