GLOSSARY
FCA (Free Carrier)
An Incoterms 2020 rule where the seller delivers goods to a carrier nominated by the buyer at a named place.
Free Carrier (FCA) is an Incoterms 2020 rule where the seller completes delivery when goods are handed over to a carrier or another person nominated by the buyer at a named place.
Why it matters
FCA suits multimodal shipments and inland pickups where EXW places too much burden on the buyer. The 2020 revision added a critical feature: the buyer can instruct the carrier to issue an on-board bill of lading to the seller after loading. This addresses a long-standing pain point for exporters who need shipped-on-board documentation for letter of credit presentations but previously could not obtain it under FCA terms.
Risk transfers at the named place once goods are with the carrier. Export clearance is the seller's responsibility; import clearance falls to the buyer.