FCA in shipping means Free Carrier. It’s an Incoterm where the seller delivers the goods to a carrier or another party named by the buyer at an agreed location, and the risk transfers to the buyer at that handoff point.

How it works

  • The seller handles export clearance and delivers the goods to the named place.
  • The buyer arranges the main transport from there, plus import clearance and any duties or taxes.
  • FCA can be used for any transport mode: road, rail, air, sea, or multimodal.

Simple example

A seller in one country brings cargo to a port terminal chosen by the buyer. Once the carrier accepts the goods there, the buyer takes over responsibility and cost for the rest of the journey.

Why it matters

FCA is often used when the buyer wants more control over shipping logistics, especially for containerized freight. It gives a clear point where responsibility shifts, which helps avoid disputes.

Would you like a quick FCA vs FOB vs EXW comparison?