Confirm exactly where the supplier makes goods available
Under EXW, the seller makes the goods available at the named place, normally without loading the collecting vehicle or clearing them for export. The buyer takes on extensive transport and customs responsibilities. Confirm whether your buyer and service providers can perform those tasks in practice.
Specify the factory or warehouse address, collection contact and agreed availability date. Ask whether the quoted goods price includes packaging suitable for the planned journey. Document any additional loading or handling agreement so it does not remain an assumption.
Build the collection and export work list
- Obtain final package count, dimensions, gross weight and cargo photographs.
- Confirm access for the collecting vehicle and whether a forklift, loading dock or other equipment is available.
- Assign loading labour and responsibility for damage during loading.
- Identify the export declaration arrangements and who supplies the commercial and product information.
- Include pickup, origin handling, main transport and destination tasks in the freight enquiry.
- Agree a procedure for cargo that is unavailable or differs from the booking information.
Export formalities can make EXW difficult for a foreign buyer. Discuss FCA at an appropriate named place when the seller should undertake export clearance or loading under the chosen rule. Changing the term requires agreement between the contracting parties.
Keep supplier price and logistics cost in separate columns when comparing EXW with another quotation. A low factory price may leave collection and origin work outside the offer. Ask for a clear list of inclusions rather than estimating from a port-to-port freight rate.
EXW questions before the purchase order
Does EXW include loading onto the truck?
The default rule does not require the seller to load the collecting vehicle. Agree loading arrangements expressly and check whether another Incoterm better fits the transaction.
Can I book transport before the goods are ready?
You can request options using estimates. Confirm the actual ready date and packed measurements before committing to collection.
What should I send for an EXW freight quote?
Provide the full pickup address, collection contact, cargo description, packed figures, ready date and destination. Identify the supplier’s agreed loading and export support.
Review the document checklist and freight quotation inclusions before approving dispatch.
Reference: ICC Academy: EXW and DDP explained. Check the current official requirements for your shipment.