Length: 19' 10.50" - Width: 8' 0.00" - Height: 8' 6.00"
Internal DimensionsLength: 18' 8.81" - Width: 7' 8.59" - Height: 7' 9.89"
Door Opening DimensionsWidth: 7' 8.125" - Height: 7' 5.75"
Capacity & WeightCubic Volume: 1,169 cubic feet - Empty Weight: 4,850 lbs - Load Capacity: 61,289 lbs
Length: 40' 0.00" - Width: 8' 0.00" - Height: 8' 6.00"
Internal DimensionsLength: 39' 5.70" - Width: 7' 8.59" - Height: 7' 9.89"
Door Opening DimensionsWidth: 7' 8.125" - Height: 7' 5.75"
Capacity & WeightCubic Volume: 2,385 cubic feet - Empty Weight: 8,380 lbs - Load Capacity: 57,759 lbs
Length: 40' 0.00" - Width: 8' 0.00" - Height: 9' 6.00"
Internal DimensionsLength: 39' 4.00" - Width: 7' 7.00" - Height: 8' 9.00"
Door Opening DimensionsWidth: 7' 6.00" - Height: 8' 5.00"
Capacity & WeightCubic Volume: 2,660 cubic feet - Empty Weight: 8,598 lbs - Load Capacity: 58,598 lbs
Length: 45' 0.00" - Width: 8' 0.00" - Height: 9' 6.00"
Internal DimensionsLength: 44' 4.00" - Width: 7' 7.00" - Height: 8' 9.00"
Door Opening DimensionsWidth: 7' 6.00" - Height: 8' 5.00"
Capacity & WeightCubic Volume: 3,040 cubic feet - Empty Weight: 10,580 lbs - Load Capacity: 55,559 lbs
Length: 9' 10.50" - Width: 8' 0.00" - Height: 8' 6.00"
Internal DimensionsLength: 8' 8.81" - Width: 7' 8.59" - Height: 7' 9.89"
Door Opening DimensionsWidth: 7' 8.125" - Height: 7' 5.75"
Capacity & WeightCubic Volume: 536.3 cubic feet - Empty Weight: 2,870 lbs - Load Capacity: 24,910 lbs
Accessorial charges
Any additional services provided by the carrier that are outside of the standard shipping procedure and require additional fees are called accessorial charges. These include services such as insurance, liftgate service, inside pickup, residential service, collect on delivery, fuel surcharge, inside delivery and arrival notification.
Agent
Agent is a person authorized to transact business for and in the name of another person or company.
Aggregate shipment
Multiple shipments from different shippers to a single consignee are consolidated and treated as a single consignment known as aggregate shipment.
Automatic identification system (AIS)
Used by vessel traffic services (VTS), it is an automated system that uses transceivers on ships to identify and locate them.
Air Waybill (AWB)
A document issued by the air carrier or consolidator that accompanies the shipped goods and contains the detailed information is called Air Waybill (AWB). It is a contract of carriage and is used by related parties to track the shipment.
All-inclusive rate (AI)
Freight rate that is inclusive of all charges is termed as all-inclusive rate.
Alongside
The side of the ship is referred to as alongside. Goods delivered alongside are kept on the dock or barge in the reach of the ship’s rigging so it can be easily loaded onto the ship. This term is used in Incoterms while fixing contract agreements between the buyer and seller.
Also Notify Party
A second notify party to whom carrier sends its arrival notice advising of goods coming forward for delivery is termed as Also Notify Party.
Apparent Good Order and Condition
When the cargo appears to be damage-free after being evaluated, it is said to be in apparent good order and condition. It is a section of Bill of Lading and serves as a request to the buyer to confirm that there is no noticeable damage to the cargo.
Apparent Good Order and Condition
A document sent by the freight forwarder or carrier to the consignee or Notify Party denoting the shipment's arrival date at a specific location is called an Arrival Notice.
Backhaul
Backhaul is the return movement of a transport vehicle from its original destination to its original point of departure. Carriers can transport a full load, partial truckload or less than truck load by following the same route.
Bulk cargo
Bulk cargo is cargo that is shipped loose as opposed to being shipped in packages or containers. Grain and coal are examples of goods usually shipped as bulk cargo.
Beneficiary
The party that receives payment is called a beneficiary.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is a document that confirms transfer of goods in exchange for money.
Bolster
A bolster is a piece of equipment attached to a chassis or railcar to safeguard the container.
Break-bulk cargo
Goods shipped loose in the vessel’s hold and not in a container is termed as break-bulk cargo.
Bank Draft
A financial instrument provided by one bank, drawn on another bank is called as a bank draft.
Box
Box is a common term for an ocean-going freight container
All-inclusive rate (AI)
A bull ring is a device attached to the floor of a container which is used to secure cargo.
Balloon freight
Balloon freight refers to freight that is low weight but high volume (light but bulky).
Bilateral
A bilateral agreement is the one in which both parties agree to provide something for the other.
Bill of lading
It is an important document issued by a carrier or their agent acknowledging receipt of cargo for shipment. It is often abbreviated as BOL, BoL, B/L or BL. If there were no issues with the cargo stated on the Bill of Lading, it is said to be a clean Bill of Lading.
Blocking or bracing
Blocking or bracing refers to wood or metal supports used to secure cargo while in transit. It is also called dunnage.
Bow
The front of a vessel is called as a bow.
Bill-to party
A bill to party indicates the party paying for goods or services in a transaction.
Bond port
Bond port is the initial port of entry where a vessel transporting goods first arrives at a country.
Booking
The arrangements made with a carrier for the movement of cargo; space reservation is called a booking.
Broken stowage
The empty space in a container not occupied by cargo is called as a broken stowage.
Beam
The width of a ship is termed as beam.
B/L Master
B/L Master is a document provided by the shipper after handing over the cargo to the carrier, tells the carrier how the B/L should be raised. It is also known as B/L instruction or shipping instruction.
Block stowage
Block stowage is the concept of loading cargo together in close proximity to minimize the movement of goods while in transit.
Cabotage
Cabotage refers to the transport of goods between two locations in the same country by a transporter from another country.
Carnet
A carnet is a document allowing the holder to temporarily send goods to certain foreign countries for display or demonstration purposes without having to pay duties.
Cut-off time
Cut-off time refers to the latest time by which the cargo may be delivered to a terminal for loading.
Cargo manifest
A cargo manifest is a document detailing the cargo carried on a ship, often provided to a customs authority.
Certificate of inspection
The certificate of inspection is a document certifying that merchandise is in good condition immediately prior to being shipped.
CL
It is an abbreviation for carload or containerload.
Commodity
A commodity is any commercial good that is shipped.
Consignee
A consignee is a person or place to whom a shipment will be transferred. The ultimate consignee is the final recipient of the goods, while an intermediate consignee takes possession of the goods for a portion of the time that they are in transit.
Certificate of origin (COO)
The certificate of origin is a document certifying where goods were originally made. A COO specific to a particular free trade agreement may be used to claim preferential duty treatment. A generic certificate of origin may be requested by the customs authority of the country of import, in which case the COO must be stamped by a chamber of commerce.
Claim
In the context of logistics, a claim is a demand made by a customer to a transportation company for payment in order to compensate for loss or damage of goods.
Compliance
In the context of international shipping, being compliant or adhering to compliance means that the company in question is following all applicable laws and rules which govern their shipments. In this context, the more specific terms regulatory compliance or trade compliance may be used to differentiate from other uses of the term. A business practice that goes against specific laws is termed a compliance violation.
Consignment
A consignment is referred to as a shipment of goods to a consignee.
Container load
A load large enough in volume or weight to fill a container is called as a container load.
Cu.
Abbreviation for “cubic” used when describing measurements of volume.
Customs bonded warehouse
A warehouse authorized by customs to receive duty-free goods is called as a customs bonded warehouse.
Customs of the port (COP)
A phrase referring to local rules and practices which may impact a shipment.
Cargo
Any goods being transported, regardless of the mode of transport is referred to as cargo.
Cash on delivery (COD
Cash on delivery refers to a payment term wherein payment is made for the sale of goods upon delivery rather than in advance.
Chassis
Chassis is the base frame of a wheeled vehicle, used to secure a container prior to movement.
Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties is termed as a contract.
Customs
A customs authority, or customs, refers to a government agency that is responsible for collecting duties and enforcing import and export regulations.
Customs invoice
A customs invoice is a document required by a country’s customs authority, which serves the same purpose as a standard commercial invoice but also contains additional information such as a certificate of origin.
Custom house
A custom house is a government office where duties are paid and import and export paperwork are filed.
Customs clearance
The process in which a customs authority assesses a shipment being imported in their country in order to ensure compliance with their country’s import regulations is termed as customs clearance. A shipment that has been approved by the customs authority and allowed to enter the commerce of their country is said to have cleared customs.
Concealed loss/concealed damage
A concealed damage refers to a shortage of or damage to goods shipped that is not immediately obvious upon delivery.
CM and cm
CM (uppercase) stands for “cubic meters,” while cm (lowercase) stands for “centimeters.”
Consignor
A consignor is the exporter or shipper from which the goods originate.
Container manifest
A document stating the contents of a container, its point of origin and point of destination is called as a container manifest. Vessels may be required by law to produce a manifest for every container being transported.
Cube out
Cube out refers to when a container or vessel has reached its volumetric capacity before reaching its weight capacity.
Customs broker
An individual or organization who helps a shipper/exporter navigate customs requirements is called as a customs broker..
Customs value only
Some shipments involve no actual monetary transaction between the exporter and the ultimate consignee, such as shipments for repair under warranty, or shipments of items used for display at trade shows. These shipments are still subject to duties and taxes, and exporters must list the monetary value of the items in the shipment on the customs invoice to enable the customs authority in the country of import to assess how much duty the importer must pay. In these cases, the exporter should include a customs value only statement on the invoice.
Cargo declaration
Information submitted prior to, upon arrival or upon departure of an international shipment required by a country’s customs authority is termed as cargo declaration.
Chock
Chock refers to the material (often wood) placed next to cargo to prevent excessive movement of the cargo during transit in order to avoid damage.
Commercial invoice
A fundamental document for an international transaction with details including what goods are being shipped, who is the shipper and who is the ultimate consignee. Serves as the basis for all other documents related to the shipment.
Connecting carrier
A connecting carrier is a carrier which acts as an intermediary between two or more other carriers.
Consolidation
When cargo from multiple shippers is combined in a single container it is termed as consolidation.
Contraband
Prohibited cargo such as illegal drugs or unauthorized weapons are termed as contraband.
Dock
For road transportation, a dock is a platform from which trucks are loaded and unloaded. For sea transportation, a dock is a cargo handling area adjacent to the shoreline where a ship ties up.
Dumping
Importing goods into a country at a price less than the fair market value is termed as dumping.
Dangerous goods
Goods may be considered dangerous if they are corrosive, flammable, poisonous, toxic, explosive, etc. Shipping dangerous goods may require special documentation or packaging to ensure safety. There are also known as Hazardous goods.
Deconsolidation point
Deconsolidation point is the location where cargo is separated in preparation for delivery.
Denied party screening
Also called restricted party screening or trade party screening, denied party screening is the process of screening potential customers, partners or vendors against denied party lists. These are lists of individuals or organizations that a government has identified as parties that one can’t do business with and that one may be penalized for doing business with.
Dock receipt
A document used to acknowledge receipt of cargo is called as a dock receipt. It provides the framework for the preparation of an ocean.
DBA
DBA stands for “doing business as,” used to specify that a company is doing business under a certain registered name.
Demurrage/detention
Demurrage is a charge to be paid by a shipper or consignee to the carrier as penalty for delaying the carrier’s cargo beyond the allowed free time inside the terminal or depot. Detention refers to the charge that the merchant pays for the use of the container outside of the terminal or depot, beyond the free time period.
Dutiable value
The amount on which a customs duty is calculated is called dutiable value.
Dangerous goods declaration
A dangerous goods declaration form is a document produced by an exporter providing details on the dangerous goods in their shipment. When shipping dangerous goods via air, a Dangerous Goods IATA Declaration form is required, and when shipping dangerous goods via sea, a Dangerous Goods IMO Declaration form is required.
Deemed export
Deemed export is the transmission of controlled technology, source code or information to a foreign national at home or abroad. Export regulations apply to deemed exports as well.
Discrepancy
Discrepancy occurs when documents presented do not conform to the requirements of the letter of credit. Banks will not accept letters of credit that have discrepancies.
Drawback
A partial refund of an import fee, usually given if goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee is termed as drawback.
Duties
Taxes collected on importing and exporting goods are called as duties or tariffs.
D&H
D&H is the abbreviation for “dangerous and hazardous” cargo.
Delivery receipt
A document signed and dated by a consignee or their authorized agent confirming receipt of goods and stating the condition of the goods upon delivery is called as the delivery receipt.
Diversion
Diversion refers either to 1) a change made to the route of a shipment or to the route of the entire vessel or 2) the transfer of goods from the intended end-user to some other party.
ECCN
Export Control Classification Numbers are alphanumeric codes used to identify dual-use items, meaning items that have both a commercial use as well as a potential military application. Knowing the right ECCN for your product plays a role in determining if you need an export license.
Empty repo
Empty repo stands for empty repositioning i.e., the movement of empty containers.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software helps companies with order-processing and accounting. Some ERP systems include international shipping or trade compliance modules, but these are often limited in their functionality.
Export
Export means shipping goods out of a country.
Express B/L
A special facility granted by carrier under guarantees from shipper/consignee to release cargo to named consignee without presenting original B/L is called as an Express B/L or Seaway B/L.
eCO
An electronic Certificate of Origin is a digital document issued by a registered chamber of commerce to an exporter. Certificates of origin are a common customs document required by many countries and as part of various free trade agreements. An eCO is certified by a chamber of commerce electronically, which enables the certification process to occur more efficiently and at lower cost.
End-user
End-user is the ultimate recipient of a shipment. It is generally synonymous with ultimate consignee. It may be noted that this may be different from the party being billed for the shipment.
ETA, ETC, ETD, ETR, ETS
These are abbreviations related to vessel schedules. They are estimated time of arrival, completion, departure, readiness, and sailing respectively.
Export controls/import controls
Export/import controls refer to licenses, permits and other permissions which may be required from a government to legally export or import goods.
Electronic data interchange (EDI)
The electronic transmission of business documents such as invoices, purchase orders and bills of lading.
Endorsement
Endorsement is a legal signature that signals transfer of rights from one party to another.
Exception
Exception refers to a delivery in which the driver or recipient notes a problem on the delivery receipt before signing. An exception is usually related to shortage or damage of goods.
Export documentation software
A software tool used by a company to ensure consistency, efficiency and auditability in their export documentation and compliance process. Exportify offers accountable export documentation software that can prove helpful during your organization’s audit process.
Embargoes
Sanctions are prohibitions designed to protect economic or national security and may include trade barriers, tariffs and restrictions on financial transactions. Embargoes are similar but usually refer to more severe restrictions such as travel bans or blockades.
Equipment interchange receipt (EIR)
Equipment interchange receipt (EIR) is a document used when transferring a container from one carrier to another, or from one terminal to another.
Exclusive use
A shipper may pay a premium rate to obtain exclusive use of a trailer. This means the container will only be filled with the shipper’s goods and not those of any other party, even if there is additional space on the trailer.
Export license
An export license is a government-issued permit that authorizes a shipper to export a certain good or to export to a certain country or party.
FAK
It is the abbreviation for “freight all kinds.” It typically refers to a full container loaded with mixed cargo
FPPI
Foreign principal party of interest (FPPI) is the party to whom final delivery of the goods will be made. It is typically the foreign buyer.
Freight forwarder
A company that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of a shipper is called as a freight forwarder. A freight forwarder may have its own in-house carriers or may contract with external carriers. Freight forwarders often specialize in consolidating freight from multiple shippers.
Free time
It is the amount of time that a carrier’s equipment may be used without incurring additional charges.
FTA
Free trade agreements are made between countries in an effort to reduce barriers to trade between the participating countries.
Force majeure
Force majeure is a common clause included in contracts that excuses parties for not completing their responsibilities due to events beyond their control, such as natural disasters or war.
Freight
Any product(s) being transported is termed as freight.
Full truckload (FTL)
A full truckload carrier is a carrier that contracts the entirety of a truck’s carrying capacity to a single customer. It is often referred to as a truckload carrier.
Foreign trade zone
Foreign trade zone is an area where commodities can be manufactured, modified or stored under specific customs regulations and generally not subject to customs duties. It may be abbreviated FTZ and sometimes referred to as a free trade zone or free port.
Freight broker
A freight broker is a person who arranges transportation on behalf of a shipper. Typically, a freight broker will connect small shippers to carriers who can move their goods.
Full truckload (FTL)
A full truckload carrier is a carrier that contracts the entirety of a truck’s carrying capacity to a single customer. It is often referred to as a truckload carrier.
Foreign trade zone
Foreign trade zone is an area where commodities can be manufactured, modified or stored under specific customs regulations and generally not subject to customs duties. It may be abbreviated FTZ and sometimes referred to as a free trade zone or free port.
Freight broker
A freight broker is a person who arranges transportation on behalf of a shipper. Typically, a freight broker will connect small shippers to carriers who can move their goods.
False billing
False billing implies misrepresenting freight information on shipping documents.
GRI
GRI stands for General Rate Increase. It is typically referred to the rate increase by carriers.
GATT
GATT stands for General Agreement on Tariff and Trade. It is an international multilateral agreement embodying a code of practice for fair trading in international commerce.
Gateway
Gateway is referred to as the port at which container is discharged from ocean vessel to start the inland or intermodal part of its journey.
Gross Tonnage
Gross tonnage applies to vessels, not to cargo. It is determined by dividing by 100 the contents, in cubic feet, of the vessel's closed-in spaces. A vessel ton is 100 cubic feet.
Gross weight
Gross weight is the total weight of goods, packaging and container.
Groupage
Groupage is a consolidation service, putting small shipments into containers for shipment.
General average
General average is an unwritten, non-statutory, international maritime law which is universally recognized and applied. It is founded on the principle that vessel and goods are parties to the same venture and share exposure to the same perils, which may require sacrifice or the incurring of extraordinary expense on the part of one for the benefit of the whole venture.
Harbour
Harbour is a place where ships stop to resupply and load or unload cargo.
Hatch
Hatch is the opening on the deck of a ship that gives access to the cargo hold.
HS
The Harmonized System is an internationally accepted system used to classify products. The first six digits of an HS code are universal across all countries, but each country will add additional digits to further specify products. HS codes play a role in determining import and export controls as well as duty rates. The code for a particular product is often called its tariff classification, as is the process for finding the right code.
High Cube (HC or HQ)
Any container which exceeds 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) in height, usually 9 feet 6 inches is termed as a High Cube container.
Hazardous materials (HazMat)
Hazardous materials may be used interchangeably with the term “dangerous goods”. Hazardous materials are goods that may pose a threat to safety because they are poisonous, toxic, corrosive, explosive, flammable, etc. Shipping hazardous materials may require special documentation or packaging to ensure safety.
House B/L
House B/L is the Bill of lading issued by NVOCC (Non-vessel Owning / Operating Common Carrier), either be Forwarders, or Consolidators when they issue B/L instead of FCR (Freight Cargo Receipt), or slot charters, for carriage of goods on vessel which s/he neither owns nor operates. House B/L is commonly not acceptable in the L/C negotiation unless otherwise authorized in the letter of credit (L/C).
Insulated Tank Container
The frame of a container constructed to hold one or more thermally insulated tanks for liquids.
IMDG
International Maritime Dangerous Goods code are the regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the international transport of dangerous goods.
In bond
An import or export shipment that has not yet cleared customs is referred to as in bond.
Inward foreign manifest (IFM)
An inward foreign manifest is a document listing all cargo entering a country. Required by all world ports and is the primary source from which import duties are assigned.
Insurance
An insurance policy or certificate normally covers the shipments of merchandise from the time they leave the warehouse at the shipping point until they reach the destination point named in the policy or certificate.
Import
Import refers to shipment of goods into a country.
Incoterms
Incoterms are universal trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC.) They consist of three-letter codes that are intended to clearly communicate the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods in an international transaction. They describe how responsibility is allocated between the seller and the buyer for different parts of the transaction.
Alongside
Inland Clearance Depot is a Container Freight Station with Customs Clearance facilities.
Insurance Certificate
Where the seller provides ocean marine insurance, it is necessary to furnish insurance certificates, usually in duplicate. The certificates are negotiable documents and must be endorsed before submitting them to the bank. The seller can arrange to obtain an open cargo policy that the freight forwarder maintains.
Issuing Bank
The bank that has issued or opened a letter of credit. It is also known as Opening Bank.
Import declaration
Information submitted by an importer or their agent to their country’s customs authority before or upon importation of goods, such as the contact details of the importer, how the goods are being transported and the tariff classifications and values of the items on the shipment is termed as import declaration.
Interchange point
A location where freight is transferred from one carrier to another is called as the interchange point.
Insulated Container
An insulated container is a container insulated on the walls, roof, floor and doors, to reduce the effect of external temperatures on the cargo.
Import license
A government-issued permit authorizing a party to import a good into the country is called as an import license.
Intermodal
Intermodal transportation is the movement of goods via more than one type of transportation (e.g., air, rail, sea, truck, etc.). An intermodal container is one that can be used in different modes of transport without having to unload the goods and reload them at each point at which the mode of transport changes. In the context of international trade, intermodal container is usually synonymous with container.
JIT
JIT is abbreviation for "just in time." It is a method of inventory control which minimizes warehousing and in which the container itself acts as a movable warehouse and arriving on schedule is crucial.
Knot
Knot is a unit of speed generally for ships. The term "knot" means velocity in nautical miles per hour of a vessel. One nautical mile is roughly equivalent to 1.15 statute miles or 1.85 kilometres.
Laden
Laden means loaded onboard a vessel.
License exception
There are certain criteria if when fulfilled allow an exporter to export a product without an export license in cases where an export license would normally be required.
These criteria are called license exceptions.
Letter of indemnity
It is the guarantee from shipper or consignee to indemnify the carrier for costs and/or loss, if any, in order to obtain favorable action by carrier. For example, sometimes,
it is used to allow consignee to take delivery of goods without surrendering B/L which has been delayed.
Landed cost
Landed cost is the total cost of goods for a buyer including transportation costs and import duties.
Logistics
The management of the flow of products as they are transported from the point of origin to their final destination. A logistics company is a general term for a company that provides logistics services,
which may include freight forwarding, customs brokerage and/or consulting services.
Liner Terms
Liner terms define the condition / responsibility of cost under which a carrier has had at port of loading to port of discharge. As such they also determine the freight / charges payable for loading & discharging the cargo from the vessel in their quotation, according to the customs of the port and it is not internationally codified.
Letter of credit
Also called a documentary collection and often abbreviated as LC or L/C, a letter of credit is a written commitment by a bank issued after a request by an importer that payment will be made to an exporter provided that the terms of the letter of credit have been met as evidenced by the presentation of certain documents.
Longshoreman
A port employee tasked with loading and unloading ships is called as a longshoreman.
Liquidated damages
The penalty a seller must pay the buyer if a project does not meet the standards or deadline outlined in the sales contract are termed as liquidated damages.
Lien
A lien is a legal claim upon goods for the satisfaction of some debt or duty.
Less-than-container load (LCL)
A medium shipment, typically between 150 pounds and 20,000 pounds. A LCL consolidator combines freight from several customers in a single container. It may also be called less-than-truckload, less-than-load (LTL).
Malpractice
In the context of shipping, malpractice refers to situations in which a carrier illegally gives preference to a customer in order to attract their business.
MT
Metric Ton or Cubic meter/ Empty container/ Multimodal Transport
Maritime
Business pertaining to commerce or navigation transacted upon the sea or in seaports in such matters as the court of admiralty has jurisdiction over.
Marking
Marking refers to Marks & Numbers placed on packages for export for identification purposes; generally, a triangle, square, circle, diamond, or cross with letters and/or numbers and port discharge.
Multimodal
It is the same as Intermodal Transport.
Master bill of lading
A bill of lading issued by a carrier to a freight forwarder acknowledging receipt of container for shipment.
This is different from a house bill of lading which is issued by a freight forwarder to a shipper, acknowledging receipt of their items for shipment.
Manifest
Document that lists in detail all the bills of lading issued by a vessel or its agent or master, i.e., a detailed summary of the total cargo of a vessel.
It is used mainly for customs purposes. It is also called summary of Bills of lading.
Negotiable/non-negotiable
A negotiable instrument is a document that can be transferred from its original holder to a third party. A non-negotiable document cannot be transferred to another party. An inland or ocean bill of lading may be either negotiable or non-negotiable; a bill of lading consigned “to order” or “to order of shipper”
is negotiable once it is endorsed on the back by the shipper or their representative. Airwaybills are always non-negotiable.
Net Tonnage
A vessel's gross tonnage minus deductions of space occupied by accommodations for crew, by machinery, for navigation, by the engine room and fuel.
A vessel's net tonnage expresses the space available for passengers and cargo.
NVOCC
A non-vessel operating common carrier behaves like a carrier except it doesn’t provide the actual transportation service itself.
Instead, a NVOCC buys space from carriers and sells this space to shippers.
Net weight
The weight of goods not including the weight of their packaging.
Non-dumping certificate
Required by some countries to ensure protection against dumping of certain products.
On board
On board implies a notation on a bill of lading indicating that cargo has been loaded on a ship.
Origin
Origin can mean 1) Location where a shipment starts its journey or 2) Country where goods were originally manufactured.
Ocean Bill of Lading (Ocean B/L)
Document indicating that the exporter will consign a shipment to an international carrier for transportation to a specified foreign market. Unlike an inland B/L, the ocean B/L also serves as a collection document. if it is a Straight B/L the foreign buyer can obtain the shipment from the carrier by simply showing proof of identity.
If a negotiable B/L is used, the buyer must first pay for the goods, post a bond or meet other conditions agreeable to the seller.
On deck
On deck implies a notation on a bill of lading indicating that cargo has been stowed on the open deck of a ship.
Overage
When the number of units received is greater than the quantity stated on the export documents it is termed as overage.
Operating ratio
Operating ratio is a measure of operating efficiency based on a comparison between a carrier’s operating expenses and its net sales.
Open account
An open account is a transaction in which goods are shipped to a foreign buyer without a guarantee of payment.
One-way Lease
One-way Lease is a lease that covers the outbound voyage only, after which the container is returned to the lessor at or near destination.
Packing list
Packing list, also called as a packing slip is a standard document that accompanies a shipment. This document lists the products on a shipment along with packaging information but does not include prices.
Payment terms
Payment Terms are terms that describe how money will be paid in a transaction. Typically, the shipper is responsible for payment for prepaid shipments, while the consignee is
responsible for payment for collect shipments, unless a third party is indicated as the payer on the shipping documents.
Place of receipt
It is the location where cargo enters the custody of a carrier.
Prepaid
Prepaid implies freight charges paid by a shipper prior to release of bills of lading by the carrier.
Pilferage
Pilferage is the act of stealing cargo.
Pallet
Pallet is a platform on which packages may be loaded. Facilitates easier handling by a lift truck.
Perishable Cargo
Perishable cargo is the cargo subject to decay or deterioration.
Phytosanitary inspection certificate
The Phytosanitary Certificate (PSC) is an official document required for exporting/re-exporting plants, plant products or other regulated articles.
PSC is issued to indicate that the consignments meet specified Phytosanitary import requirements of importing countries.
POD
POD is an abbreviation for 1) port of discharge 2) port of destination or 3) proof of delivery, a document provided by the carrier required to receive payment.
Port of call
Port of call refers to the location where a ship discharges or receives traffic.
Proforma invoice
Proforma invoice is a document that acts as a formal quote, produced by the seller and given to the potential buyer before a transaction is finalized.
Parcel
A small shipment, typically less than 150 pounds. Also referred to as small parcel, or package, or small package.
Payee
The party paid in a transaction; the seller.
Pier
A structure perpendicular to the shoreline to which a ship is secured in order to load or unload cargo.
Point of origin
Port of Origin is the location where a shipment is transferred from a shipper to a carrier.
Port of entry
Port of entry implies the port where cargo is unloaded and enters a country.
Payload
Payload is the revenue-producing part of the cargo.
Payer
The party paying money in a transaction; the buyer.
Place of delivery
It is the location where cargo leaves the custody of a carrier.
Port of Loading (POL)
It is the port where cargo is loaded to vessel.
Port of exit
Port of exit is the port where cargo is loaded and leaves a country.
Vessel
Quarantine is a restriction placed on an operation in order to protect public health and safety.
Vessel manifest
Quota is the quantity of goods that may be imported without restrictions over a set period of time.
Quotation
Quotation or a quote is an offer to sell goods at a stated price under stated conditions.
Rate basis
Rate basis is the formula of specific factors that play a role in determining freight rates.
RFP, RFQ
Abbreviation for request for proposal, request for quotation.
Reasonableness
Reasonableness implies that under ICC and common law, the requirement that a freight rate not be higher than what is necessary to reimburse the carrier and allow a fair profit.
Relay
The transfer of containers from one ship to another when both ships are controlled by the same carrier is termed as relay.
Remittance
Funds sent by one person to another as payment is termed as remittance.
Revenue
Payment received by a carrier for transporting goods is called as revenue.
Roll-on/roll-off
Also called RORO or ro-ro for short, these are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as vehicles and trailers. This is in contrast to lift-on/lift off (LoLo) vessels which use a crane to load and unload cargo.
Reefer
In the industry, it is the generic name for a temperature-controlled container. The containers, which are insulated, are specially designed to allow temperature-controlled air circulated within the container.
Stripping
Removing cargo from a container is termed as stripping.
Surcharge
An extra or additional charge is called as a surcharge.
Ship’s tackle
Equipment such as rigging or cranes used on a ship for loading or unloading cargo is called ship’s tackle.
Shortage
When the number of units received is less than the quantity stated on the shipping documents it is termed as shortage.
Starboard
The right side of a ship (when facing forward) is called starboard.
Stuffing
Putting cargo into a container is called as stuffing.
Surtax
An extra or additional tax is termed as surtax.
Shipper owned container
Shipper owned container is the container used for cargo shipment is owned by shipper.
Slot
Slot implies space on board a vessel occupied by a container.
Shipper
In the context of international trade, shipper is used to identify the company selling the goods to a foreign market. The shipper may also be called the exporter or consignor in this case.
Shipped on board
Endorsement on a bill of lading confirming loading of goods on vessel.
Shut-out
Shut-out implies goods not carried on intended vessel.
Skids
Devices placed beneath boxes or packages in order to raise them off the floor to permit access by a forklift are called skids.
Stern
The backside of a ship is termed as stern.
STW
STW is the abbreviation for said to weigh.
Seal record
A record of the number, condition and marks of identification on seals made at various times and places, referring to the movement of the container between origin and destination is called as seal record.
Shipping permit
Issued by a shipping or carrier company, shipping permit sanctions the receiving clerk at pier, dock, warehouse, airport or on board to receive a stipulated amount of goods or materials from a specified firm.
Storage
Storage implies a charge made on property stored.
Shipper’s letter of instruction (SLI)
A document provided by an exporting company to their freight forwarder outlining instructions for the freight forwarder is called as shipper’s letter of instruction.
SOLAS
SOLAS stands for Safety of Life at Sea Convention is enforced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Under SOLAS, exporters are required to provide a verified weight of the goods before they are loaded onto a ship for transport.
STC
STC is the abbreviation for said to contain.
Supply chain
A system of interconnected organizations and activities involved in the movement of goods from a supplier to a customer is termed as supply chain.
Shipped bill of lading
A shipped bill of lading is a bill issued only after the goods have actually been shipped on board the vessel, as distinguished from the received for shipment bill of lading.
Shipside Delivery
Shipside Delivery is a special cargo handling instruction for cargo to be delivered right away at shipside after discharge.
Stowage
Stowage implies a marine term referring to loading freight into ships' holds.
Shipping documents
The paperwork that accompanies a shipment as it makes its way to the final destination, such as packing lists or bills of lading.
Spotting
Spotting implies placing a container in a position from which it can be loaded or unloaded.
Turnaround
Turnaround is the term used in marine transportation referring to the time it takes between arrival of a ship and its departure.
Tare weight
The weight of a container while empty is termed as tare weight.
Trailer
A container attached to the back end of a truck is called as a trailer.
TEU
TEU is an abbreviation for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (20').
Transit Cargo
Goods onboard which upon their arrival at a certain port are not to be discharged at that port is termed as transit cargo.
Terminal
Also called a container terminal, it is a location where containers are picked up, dropped off, maintained and kept.
Through Rate
Through rate is the total rate from the point of origin to final destination.
Transshipment
The transfer of cargo from one carrier to another or from one vehicle to another at an intermediate point during the goods’ journey to the final destination is called as transshipment.
THC
THC is an abbreviation for Terminal Handling Charge. It is the charge assessed by the terminal for handling FCLs at ocean terminals.
Transshipment Port
Also called as transit port, a transshipment port is a port where goods received are merely enroute and from which they have to be transferred and dispatched to their ultimate destination.
Terminal charge
A charge for a service carried out in a carrier’s terminal area is called as a terminal charge.
Truck tonnage
The weight (in tons) of a shipment transported by truck is called as truck tonnage.
Tank Container
Tank Container is a specially constructed container for transporting liquids and gases in bulk.
Third party logistics (3PL)
A company that provides logistics services to other companies, such as warehousing and transportation is termed as third-party logistics.
Unclaimed freight
Freight that has not been called for or picked up by the owner or ultimate consignee is termed as unclaimed freight.
Unit load
Packages loaded on a pallet in a crate or any other way that enables them to be handled at one time as a unit is called as a unit load.
UN number
UN number is an internationally recognized four-digit code used to identify dangerous goods.
Vessel
A seafaring vehicle; a boat or ship is called as a vessel.
Vessel manifest
A document listing details regarding the crew and cargo onboard a vessel is termed as a vessel manifest.
Vessel traffic service (VTS)
Vessel traffic service is a traffic monitoring system used by harbor or port authorities used to monitor ships.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
Verified gross mass (VGM) is the total gross mass of a packed container which includes the cargo weight, block & bracing materials and container tare. The VGM must be provided by the shipper for the vessel and terminal operators to arrange for safe vessel/terminal stowage plans.
Warehouse
A place for the storage, consolidation and distribution of cargo is called as a warehouse.