What is Free Carrier ?
812 reads · Last updated: December 5, 2024
Free carrier is a trade term dictating that a seller of goods is responsible for the delivery of those goods to a destination specified by the buyer. When used in trade, the word "free" means the seller has an obligation to deliver goods to a named place for transfer to a carrier. The destination is typically an airport, shipping terminal, warehouse, or other location where the carrier operates. It might even be the seller's business location.The seller includes transportation costs in its price and assumes the risk of loss until the carrier receives the goods. At this point, the buyer assumes all responsibility.
Definition
Free Carrier (FCA) is a trade term that stipulates the seller is responsible for delivering goods to a destination specified by the buyer. In trade, the term "free" implies that the seller is obligated to deliver the goods to a designated place for handover to the carrier. The destination is typically an airport, shipping port, warehouse, or another location operated by the carrier, and it could even be the seller's place of business. The seller includes transportation costs in the price and bears the risk of loss until the carrier receives the goods. At this point, the buyer assumes all responsibility.
Origin
Free Carrier (FCA) is part of the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). These terms were first published in 1936 to provide standardized terms and conditions for international trade. FCA was introduced to accommodate changes in modern logistics and transportation methods, especially with the increasing prevalence of multimodal and container transport.
Categories and Features
The Free Carrier term mainly applies in two scenarios: delivery at the seller's place of business or delivery at the carrier's location. The former is suitable when the seller has transportation facilities, while the latter is used when a third-party carrier is needed for transportation. The advantage of FCA is its flexibility, allowing the buyer and seller to choose the delivery location based on specific circumstances. Its disadvantage is that the buyer assumes more transportation risks and responsibilities.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: An electronics manufacturer uses FCA terms to deliver goods to a logistics company specified by the buyer at the manufacturer's factory location. The seller is responsible for loading the goods onto the logistics company's truck, after which the transportation risk and cost are borne by the buyer. Case Study 2: A clothing exporter uses FCA terms at a port to deliver goods to a shipping company specified by the buyer. The seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the port and handling export clearance, after which the sea transport risk and cost are borne by the buyer.
Common Issues
Common issues investors face when using FCA terms include misunderstandings about the delivery location and unclear division of transportation responsibilities. A common misconception is that the seller is responsible for the entire transportation process, whereas the seller's responsibility is limited to delivering the goods to the specified location. The buyer must ensure their carrier can receive the goods at the designated location and assume subsequent transportation responsibilities.
