FCA, Free Carrier

Quick Tip #49
Know the risk and responsibility assumed when booking direct with carriers

If you are not careful, the money you save in one area may be exceeded by the extra costs you incur in another area.

To save money, your suppliers will often forgo the services of a freight forwarder and work directly with the carrier to arrange your shipments.

When this is done, you are not in control of your freight.  Understand that this decision impacts you, as their choice of carrier will affect the service you receive.  Worse still, poor performing carriers can cost you money at destination with unexpected storage and demurrage costs due to poor communication.

By employing the services of a freight forwarder, you will improve communication, tracking, shipment updates, expediting, and customs clearance.