Definition
The seller delivers, cleared for export, to a carrier nominated by the buyer at a named place.
With FCA the seller handles export clearance and hands the goods to the buyer’s nominated carrier — either at the seller’s premises (where the seller loads) or at another named place such as a terminal. Risk transfers at that handover.
FCA works for any transport mode and is the modern, container-friendly replacement for FOB, which the ICC reserves for goods placed on board a vessel. It pairs naturally with letter-of-credit trades because the carrier can issue proof of receipt.
Related terms
EXW (Ex Works)
The seller only makes the goods available at their premises; the buyer bears almost all cost and risk.
FOB (Free On Board)
The seller delivers, cleared for export, once the goods are on board the vessel at the named port.
CPT (Carriage Paid To)
The seller pays carriage to the named destination, but risk passes when goods reach the first carrier.
Incoterms
ICC-published trade terms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP…) that define who pays and bears risk at each step.
Built for freight forwarders
Turn these terms into a working pricing engine.
Freightools structures your tariffs, quotes on margin in seconds, and gives your customers self-service quoting. Book a demo to see it on your lanes.