Free Alongside

Summary of Free Alongside

A condition in a shipping contract whereby the shipper bears all costs of delivering the goods up to a ship's tackle. This definition is modified to accommodate local customs of the port.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)

Free Alongside in International Trade

Meaning of FAS (Free Alongside), according to the Dictionary of International Trade (Global Negotiator): In Incoterms FAS the seller delivers the goods placing them alongside the ship named by the buyer at the agreed port of shipment. The export clearance is done by the seller. This Incoterm is only used for certain commodities and materials that are not packed and cannot be individualized, such as grain, timber, minerals, steel products, etc.; delivery is done in those ports that have specialized terminals for this type of products. If the goods are carried in containers, Incoterms FCA should be used when containers are delivered at port terminals but not alongside ships. The export clearance must be done by the seller. Usually, it is necessary to clear the goods before placing them alongside the ship. When using FAS, the buyer is responsible for loading the goods on the ship. For this reason, the buyer must know very well the practices in the port of shipment because in the case of problems arise there. This term can only be used for sea and inland waterway transport. See Incoterms for a list of the eleven Incoterms. Practical Guide to Incoterms.