Free carrier (FC) is a term that is used in international trade to indicate the point at which the seller hands over the goods to the carrier, as specified in the sales contract.

The term “free carrier” is commonly used in international shipping, where it refers to the point at which the seller hands over the goods to the carrier, such as a shipping company or an airline, at a specified place. This may be the seller's premises, the carrier's terminal, or another agreed-upon location.

The use of the term “free” in this context indicates that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the carrier, and that the buyer is not responsible for any costs associated with this delivery. This includes the cost of loading the goods onto the carrier's vehicle, as well as any other costs or risks associated with getting the goods to the specified location.

Once the goods have been handed over to the carrier, the buyer becomes responsible for the goods, and is responsible for any costs or risks associated with their transportation to the final destination. This includes the cost of unloading the goods at the destination, as well as any customs or import fees that may be required.

In summary, the term “free carrier” is used to indicate the point at which the seller hands over the goods to the carrier, and the responsibility for the goods shifts from the seller to the buyer. Understanding this term is important for ensuring the smooth and efficient transportation of goods in international trade.