Trade & Incoterms
FCA (Free Carrier)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods to the carrier or person nominated by the buyer at the named place. Suitable for all transport modes and often used instead of FOB for containerised cargo.
In depth
FCA works for any mode: road, rail, air, or sea. The seller delivers goods to the carrier or person nominated by the buyer at the named place (often the export terminal or forwarder’s warehouse). It aligns well with container flows where the seller hands off at a CY before the vessel.
Key points
- Preferred Incoterm for containerised exports under Incoterms 2020 guidance
- Named place must state terminal vs seller premises
- Seller clears export; buyer arranges main carriage
- Risk transfers when goods are handed to the first carrier