The ex Works shipment term is still commonly used by exporters from the UK; there are advantages and disadvantages for the seller.  On one hand, he does not have the responsibility of sourcing a reliable carrier and paying the freight bills; on the other hand, he is obliged to use the carrier specified by the purchaser, which means he loses control of the transport of his goods.  If the freight forwarder or shipping company is unreliable, does not arrive to collect on the appointed day, or damages or loses the goods on a regular basis, this can reflect badly on the seller and on his goods, even if the problem was not caused by him.

On ex Works consignments, the seller only has to make the goods available at his own premises – he has no responsibility for the transport.