In plain English
The seller places the cargo on the quay or on a barge next to the ship. Lifting it aboard is the buyer’s job and cost. FAS fits bulk or heavy cargo that is loaded by crane rather than in containers.
It is not suitable for containerized freight, which is normally handed over at a terminal before it reaches the ship. For containers, FCA is the better fit.
Why it matters when you ship
FAS is mostly used for commodities and oversized cargo. The seller handles export clearance and delivery to the dock, and the buyer takes on loading, ocean freight and everything after.
Example
A seller of steel coils agrees “FAS Port of Savannah”. The seller trucks the coils to the quay beside the ship and clears them for export. The buyer pays for lifting them aboard and for the voyage.
Related terms
- FOB (Free on Board)
- FCA (Free Carrier)
- CFR (Cost and Freight)
- CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
- Incoterms
FAS (Free Alongside Ship): common questions
Is FAS used for containers?
Not usually. Containers are normally handed over at a terminal before reaching the ship, so FCA is a better fit than FAS.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “FAS: Free Alongside Ship Meaning”, https://transportli.com/glossary/fas/, updated November 11, 2026.
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