| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| Accessorial service |
A service in addition to usual liner service, normally with an added cost. Such kind of services include packing, loading, storage, etc. |
| Accrual |
An accounting concept. It is a gradual increase by addition over a period of time and is a way of recognising that an expense (or revenue) and the related liability (or asset) can increase over time and not as signalled by an explicit cash transaction. |
| Acquiescence |
When a bill of lading is accepted or signed by a shipper or shipper's agent without protest, the shipper is said to acquiesce to the terms, giving a silent form of consent. |
| Ad Valorem |
According to value. |
| Ad Valorem Duty |
A customs duty which is a percentage made upon the value of goods. |
| Ad Valorem Freight |
Bill of lading freight charged on goods of very high value at so much percent on the declared value of the goods. |
| Advice of Shipment |
A notice sent to a local or foreign buyer advising that shipment has gone forward and containing details of packing, routing, etc. A copy of the invoice is usually enclosed and sometimes, if desired, a copy of the bill of lading. |
| Advising bank |
A notice sent to a local or foreign buyer advising that shipment has gone forward and containing details of packing, routing, etc. A copy of the invoice is usually enclosed and sometimes, if desired, a copy of the bill of lading. |
| Affreight |
To hire, as a ship, to transport freight. |
| Affreightment, Contract of |
An agreement by a steamship line to provide cargo space on a vessel at a specified time and for a specified price to accommodate an exporter or importer. |
| Agent (Agt.) |
A person authorized to transact business for and in the name of another person or company. |
| Air Freight Forwarder |
A type of freight forwarder who specializes in air cargo. Refer to Freight Forwarder or Forwarder. |
| Air waybill |
The air waybill (also called air consignment note) is the forwarding agreement or carrying agreement between shipper and air carrier and is obtained from the airline used to ship the goods in question. Air waybills are issued only in nonnegotiable form. |
| All commodity rate |
A freight rate applying, with certain restrictions, to any and all commodities. |
| All inclusive rate (AI) |
Freight rate that is inclusive of all charges. |
| Allowance |
A sum granted as a reimbursement or repayment; a deduction from the gross weight or value of goods. |
| Also Notify Party |
A second notify party to whom carrier sends its arrival notice advising of goods coming forward for delivery. |
| Apparent Authority |
Also known as estoppel, it is the authority of an agent which is deemed to apply in law, perhaps by inference from the principal's present or previous conduct. |
| Apparent Good Order |
When freight appears to be free of damage so far as a general survey can determine. |
| Arbitrary |
A stated amount over a fixed rate to one point to make a rate to another point. |
| Arbitration |
A procedure under which a neutral third party hears both the union’s and the employer’s side in a dispute and issues an award that is binding upon both; also, the final step of a grievance process. |
| Arrival notice |
Advice that carrier sends to consignee advising of goods coming forward for delivery. Pertinent information such as BL number, container number and total charges due from consignee, etc are included and sent to consignee prior to vessel arrival. This is done gratuitously by carrier to ensure smooth delivery but there is no obligation by carrier to do so and the responsibility to monitor transit and present himself to take timely delivery still rest with the consignee. |
| Awkward cargo |
Cargo of irregular size that either be containerised (packed in container) or uncontainerised (without equipment associated with) in the transport. They require prior approval on case by case basis before confirmation of booking. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| B/L Master |
A document provided by the shipper after handing over the cargo to the carrier, tells the carrier how the B/L should be raised. Also known as B/L instruction or shipping instruction. |
| Bank guarantee |
Guarantee issued by a bank to a carrier to release cargo in lieu of original bill of lading. |
| Bareboat Charter Party |
A charter party under which the shipowner provides vessel only and the charterer provides crew and cargo, normally for a period of years. Also known as demise charter. |
| Basic freight |
Ocean freight excludes all charges. |
| Bdl. |
Bundle. A kind of customary packaging unit. |
| Berth term |
Shipped under rate that does not include cost of loading or unloading carrier. |
| Bill of lading (B/L) |
Official legal document representing ownership of cargo; negotiable document to receive cargo; contract for cargo between shipper and carrier. |
| Bill of lading Ton |
The greater weight or measurement of goods where 1 ton is either 1000 kilos or 1 cubic metre (for metric system) . Also known as Revenue ton or freight ton. It is used to calculate freight charge. |
| Black powder content |
An IMCO standard information requirement for explosive dangerous goods. |
| Blanket waybill |
A waybill covering two or more consignments of freight. |
| Blocked train |
Railcars grouped in a train by destination so that segments (blocks) can be uncoupled and routed to different destinations as the train moves through various junctions. Eliminates the need to break up a train and sort individual railcars at each junction. |
| Blocking or bracing |
Wood or metal supports to keep shipments in place in or on railcars. |
| Bls. |
Bales. A kind of customary packing unit. |
| Bobtail |
Movement of a tractor, without trailer, over the highway. |
| Bona fide |
In good faith. |
| Bond |
Shipments moving under a country Customs bonds. |
| Bond port |
Port of initial entry of a vessel to any country per custom's regulations. Also known as First Port of Call. |
| Bonded Logistics Park (Center) |
It Improves logistics between free trade zones and ports when free trade zones are isolated from the ports.
Within a bonded logistics park, there are bonded warehousing, allotment and distribution, information processing, import and export trade, customs check and maintenance, commodities exhibition, and centralized Customs declaration.
Import, export and distribution of the cargo do not undergo Customs check procedures of both the ports and the free trade zones. The customs process in bonded logistics parks significantly achieves the advantages of the country’s preferential policies for both the FTZ and ports. |
| Bonded freight |
Freight moving under a bond to U.S. Customs or to the Internal Revenue Service, and to be delivered only under stated conditions. |
| Bonded indemnity |
A certificate filed with a carrier, relieving it from liability to which it would otherwise be subject. |
| Bonded warehouse |
A warehouse bonded by customs authorities for storage of bonded goods prior to cargo being cleared.
A facility or consolidation centre that is authorized by customs to store goods, usually separately on dutiable & non-dutiable goods, pending customs inspection and clearance. The goods in it are secured under customs custody. The payment of duties and taxes are only payable once the goods are removed.
Authorized operators of bonded warehouse are often required to provide custom bond. |
| Booking |
Arrangements with a carrier, often a steamship or airline, for the acceptance and carriage of passengers or freight. |
| Booking number |
A reference number for booking registered. It should be unique without duplication in three years period. |
| Booking status |
The status of booking in process from time of registration to the final stage of firm acceptance or rejection. It is composed of following status:
(a) Cancelled: rejected or voided due to no show;
(b) Confirmed: acknowledged with firm acceptance;
(c) Confirmed subject to space availability: acknowledged acceptance of booking subject to confirmation in agreed time frame;
(d) Pending: acknowledged receipt of booking yet subject to approval for acceptance. |
| Bottom air delivery |
A condition whereby temperature controlled air is introduced into the container at floor level. |
| Box |
Common term for an ocean going freight container. |
| Boxcar |
A closed freight car. |
| Break-bulk cargo |
Goods shipped loose in the vessel’s hold and not in a container. |
| Breakbulk (BB) |
A term used to describe cargo which cannot be containerised due to its size and/or nature. |
| British Thermal Unit (BTU) |
The amount of heat required to produce a temperature change of one degree Fahrenheit in one pound of water. |
| Broken stowage |
The loss of space caused by irregularity in the shape of packages; any void or empty space in a container not occupied by cargo. |
| Broker |
(a) A person who arranges for transportation of loads, usually large operations, for a percentage of the revenue from the load; (b) In Canada, an owner-operator. |
| Brokerage |
Fee paid to freight forwarder by the carrier for services performed. |
| Brokerage license |
Authority granted by the Federal Maritime Commission to engage in the business of arranging for transportation of persons or property in interstate commerce. |
| Bulk carriers |
A vessel carrying dry, liquid, grain, not packaged, bundled or bottled cargo, and is loaded without marks & number or count. |
| Bulk freight |
Not in packages or containers; shipped loose in the hold of a ship. Grain, coal and sulfur are usually bulk freight. |
| Bulk-freight container |
Refers to a container with a discharge batch in the front wall; allows bulk commodities to be grasped by loading hatches. |
| Bull rings |
Cargo-securing devices mounted in the floor of containers; allow lashing and securing of cargo. |
| Bunker surcharge (BAF, BSC) |
Bunker Adjustment factor (BAF), or Bunker Surcharge (BSC) are surcharges assessed by carrier to freight rates to reflect current cost of bunker. |
| Bunkers |
Heavy oil used as fuel for ocean vessel. |
| Bx. |
Please see Box. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| C-TPAT/CTPAT |
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
US legislative body enforcing internal physical security conciousness& awareness within carriers. |
| C.A.F. |
Currency Adjustment Factor. Percentage by which the rate is either increased or decreased in response to fluctating exchange rates. |
| C.B.M. (C.M.) |
Cubic meter. A measure of cargo volume |
| C.F. (Cu. Ft.) |
Cubic feet. |
| C.F.S. |
Consolidation depots where parcels of cargo are grouped and loaded into containers. |
| C.I. |
Cost and insurance. A price that includes the cost of the goods, the marine insurance and all transportation charges except the ocean freight to the named point of destination. |
| C.K.D. |
Abbreviation for Cars Knocked Down. Automobile parts and subassemblies manufactured abroad and transported to destinated assembly plant. A classification of Third party International shippers. See Knocked Down. |
| C.M. |
(a) Cubic Meter (capital letters).
(b) Correction Memo. |
| C.O.D. |
Collect (cash) on Delivery; Carried on Docket (pricing); Change of Destination. |
| C.O.F.C. |
Container on a railway flatcar. |
| C.O.G.S.A. |
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. |
| CFC's (Chloroflurocarbons) |
Chemical compounds containing mixtures of carbon, chlorine and fluorine molecules. Because of their stability, lack of flammability and ability to absorb and give up heat readily, CFC's have in the past been popular refrigerants. However, CFC's have been |
| CFR |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Cost and Freight" means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ship's rail in the port of shipment. |
| CFS/CFS |
A kind of cargo movement by container. Delivered loose at origin point with vanning by carrier, devanned by carrier at destination, and picked up loose at destination. |
| CFS/CY |
A kind of cargo movement by container. Loose cargo received at origin point, loaded in a container by carrier, then delivered intact at destination. |
| CIF |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Cost and Freight" means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ships's rail in the port of shipment. |
| CIP |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Carriage and Insurance paid to..."means that the seller delivers the goods to the carrier nominated by him, but the seller must in addition pay the cost of carriage necessary to bring the goods to the named destination. This means that the buyer bears all risks and any additional costs occurring after the goods have been so delivered. However, in CIP the seller also has to procure insurance against the buyer's risk of loss of or damage to the goods during the carriage. |
| CPT |
One of 13 INCOTERMS "Carriage paid to ..." means that the seller delivers the goods to the carrier nominated by him bsut the seller must in addition pay the cost of carriage necessary to bring the goods to the named destination. This means that the buyer bears risks and any costs occurring after the goods have been so delivered. |
| CSC |
Container Service Charge.
European THC on Transatlantic Trade |
| CSI |
Container Security Initiative. US Government legislation designed to improve security against terrioists. |
| CY |
Container Yard. Point at which carrier hands over to or receive laden containers from merchant haulier. Commonly where mode of transport changes e.g. a sea port, feeder terminal, barge terminal or rail ramp. |
| CY/CFS |
Cargo loaded in a full container by a shipper at origin, delivered to pier facility at destination, and then devanned by carrier for loose pick up. |
| CY/CY |
Cargo loaded by shipper in a full container at origin and delivered to carrier's terminal at destination for pick up intact by consignee. |
| Capacity/Weight (Container) |
Total internal container volume (LxWxD) or weight limitation. |
| Captain's protest |
A document prepared by the captain of a vessel on arriving at port; shows conditions en-countered during voyage, generally for the purpose of relieving ship owner of any loss to cargo and shifting responsibility for reimbursement to the insurance company. |
| Car pooling |
Use of individual carrier equipment through a central agency for the benefit of carriers and shippers. |
| Cargo manifest |
A manifest that lists only cargo, without freight and charges. |
| Cargo nature |
The classification of cargo for special stowage arrangement. |
| Carload |
The quantity of freight required for the application of a carload rate. |
| Carload rate |
A rate applicable to a carload of goods. |
| Carnet |
Any of various customs documents required for crossing some international borders. |
| Carrier |
Any individual, company or corporation engaged in transporting goods. |
| Carrier's lien |
Right of carrier to retain property as security for charges. |
| Cartage |
Usually refers to intracity hauling on drays or trucks. |
| Cellular vessel |
A vessel designed with internal ribbing to permit the support of stacked containers. |
| Certificate of origin |
Document certifying the country of origin of goods which is normally issued or signed by a Chamber of Commerce or Embassy. |
| Charter party (C/P) |
A written contract between the owner of a vessel and the person desiring to employ the vessel (charterer); sets forth the terms of the arrangement such as freight rate and ports involved in the trip. |
| Chartered ship |
A ship under lease by its owners to others. |
| Charterer |
The person to whom is given the use of the whole of the carrying capacity of a ship for the transportation of goods or passenger for a specified time. |
| Chassis |
A wheeled flat bed or a trailer constructed to accommodate containers moved over the road. |
| Chilling |
In strawberries, exposure to temperatures low enough to induce the production of food reserves needed to support vigorous vegetative growth. |
| Chilling injury |
Injury caused by low but non-freezing temperatures. |
| Chock |
A piece of wood or other material placed at the side of cargo to prevent it from rolling or moving sideways. |
| Clean bill of lading |
A bill of lading which states that the goods have been shipped in apparent good order and condition without any qualification or remarks. |
| Clearance limits |
The size beyond which cars or loads cannot use bridges, tunnels, etc. |
| Cleared without examination |
Cleared by Customs without inspection. |
| Clip-on |
Refrigeration equipment attachable to an insulated container that does not have its own refrigeration unit. |
| Closing date |
Last day on which export cargo can be accepted for a nominated sailing. |
| cm |
(a) Centimeter.
(b) Correction Memo. A kind of internal document which registers amendment to bill of lading and/or manifest after bill of lading is issued to shipper. |
| Collapsible container |
Container with hinged or removable parts; its volume can be reduced when transported empty. |
| Collecting bank |
A bank that acts as an agent to the seller's bank (the presenting bank). The collecting bank assumes no responsibility for either the documents or the merchandise. |
| Combined transport |
Carriage by more than one mode of transport against one contract of carriage. |
| Combined transport document (CTD) |
The Combined Transport Operator’s (CTO) bill of lading. |
| Combined transport operator (CTO) |
A carrier who contracts as a principal to perform a combined transport operation. |
| Commercial invoice |
Represents a complete record of the transaction between exporter and importer with regard to the goods sold. Also reports the content of the shipment and serves as the basis for all other documents about the shipment. |
| Commodity |
Article shipped. |
| Commodity rate |
Rates of freight applied individually to articles which move regularly and in large quantities. |
| Common carrier |
A transportation company operating under a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity; provides service to the general public at published rates. |
| Common tariff |
A tariff published by or for two or more transportation lines. |
| Compressor |
Mechanical device used to compress and pump refrigerant within a refrigeration unit. The compressor converts high-temperature, low pressure refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. |
| Concealed damage |
Damage that is not evident from viewing the unopened package. |
| Concealed loss |
Contents missing from a package that looks unopened. |
| Condenser |
Heat exchanging device which gives up waste heat from the circulating refrigerant into an external medium from which the heat can be dissipated. Condensers convert high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. Air-cooled condensers give up heat into the atmosphere outside the container. Water-cooled condensers give up heat into circulating water supplied from an d returned to external sources. Condenser fans in an air-cooled condenser improve the heat transfer by circulating external air over the condenser coils and fins. |
| Conference |
An association of ship owners operating in the same trade route who operate under collective conditions and agree on tariff rates. |
| Conference rate |
Freight rates arrived at by a conference of carriers, generally water carriers. |
| Confirmed letter of credit |
A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank, whose validity has been confirmed by a domestic bank. An exporter with a confirmed letter of credit is assured of payment even if the foreign buyer or the foreign bank defaults. |
| Confirming bank |
The bank that adds its confirmation to another bank's (the issuing bank's) letter of credit and promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of documents in compliance with the letter of credit. |
| Connecting carrier |
A carrier that has a direct physical connection with another or that forms a link between two or more carriers. |
| Consignee |
The merchant named by the consignor (usually a seller) in the transportation documents (such as bill of lading) as the party to whose order a consignment will be delivered at the port of destination. The consignee is considered to be the owner of the consignment for the purpose of filing the customs declaration, and for paying duties and taxes. Formal ownership (title) of the consignment, however, can be transferred from consignor through endorsement, or until the consignee pays for them in full under consignor's straight consignment to the consignee. |
| Consignor |
Also spelled as consigner. The merchant who delivers a consignment to a carrier for transporting it to a consignee (usually the buyer) named in the transportation documents. Consignor has the ownership (title) of the goods unless title is transferred through endorsement, or until the consignee pays for them in full under consignor's straight consignment to the consignee. |
| Consolidated cargo |
Cargo containing of shipments of two or more shippers, usually shipped by a firm called a consolidator. The consolidator takes advantage of lower F.C.L. rates, and savings are passed on to shippers. |
| Consolidation |
The combination of many small shipments into one container. |
| Consolidator |
A person or firm performing a consolidation service for others. |
| Consortium |
Group of carriers pooling resources in a trade lane to maximize their resources efficiently. |
| Container |
A vehicle designed to transport cargo of many types in continuous transportation. It is also referred to an unit of packaging which is smaller in sense in which articles are packed. |
| Container freight station (CFS, C.F.S.) |
Consolidation depots where parcels of cargo are grouped and loaded into containers. |
| Container gross weight |
Please refer to Gross Weight. |
| Container load plan (CLP) |
A document prepared to show all details of cargo loaded in a container, eg. weight (individual and total), measurement, markings, shippers, consignees, the origin & destination of goods, and location of cargo within the container. |
| Container number |
The unique identification of a container. |
| Container part load |
A shipment that does not utilize the full volume of a container nor the maximum payload by weight; additional part loads may be added. |
| Container seal number |
The number of high security seal. |
| Container service charge |
Terminal Handling Charge. A charge assessed by the terminal for handling FCLs at ocean terminals. |
| Container size |
The length of a container i.e. 20'', 40'' and 45'' (feet). |
| Container status |
The status of a container in term of location, custody and cargo status for cargo tracking use. |
| Container type |
The purpose of a container of which the code is to be adhered to ISO standard. |
| Containerizable cargo |
Cargo that will fit into a container and result in an economical shipment consistent with delivery requirements. |
| Containerization |
Stowage of general or special cargoes in a container for transport in the various modes. |
| Containerload |
A load sufficient in size to fill a container either by cubic measurement or by weight. |
| Containership |
An ocean vessel specifically designed to carry ocean cargo containers. It is fitted with vertical cells for maximum capacity. |
| Contract carrier |
Any person not a common carrier who, under special and individual contracts or agreements, transports passengers or property for compensation. |
| Controlled atmosphere (CA) |
An atmosphere in which oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen concentrations are regulated, as well as temperature and humidity. |
| Copy B/L |
Duplicate of original bill of lading and is non-negotiable. |
| Corner castings |
Fittings on top and bottom of container corner posts; designed for handling and securing a container. |
| Corner posts (door posts) |
Vertical frame components fitted at the corners of the container, integral to the corner fittings and connecting the roof and floor structures. |
| Correction memo |
A kind of internal document which registers amendment to bill of lading and/or manifest after bill of lading is issued to shipper. |
| Corrector |
A kind of internal document which registers amendment to bill of lading and/or manifest after bill of lading is issued to shipper. |
| Cost matrix |
Cost matrix is showing cost at a very basic level between two shipment points. |
| Cost, insurance and freight (C.I.F.) |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Cost, Insurance and Freight" means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ship's rail in the port of shipment. |
| Credit agreement |
Agreement between carrier and shipper for release of cargo with promise to pay ocean freight within specific time. |
| Cu. |
Cubic. A unit of volume measurement. |
| Cubic foot |
1,728 cubic inches. |
| Custom house |
A country Treasury Department office where duties, etc., on foreign shipments are handled. |
| Customer's own transport |
Customer collects from/deliver to CFS/CY. |
| Customhouse broker |
Also known as Custom Broker. A person or firm, licensed to engage in entering and clearing goods through customs and/or the government office (Custom house) where duties and/or tolls are placed on imports or exports. The duties of a broker include preparing the entry blank and filing it; advising the importer on duties to be paid; advancing duties and other costs; and, arranging for delivery to his client, his trucking firm, or other carrier. |
| Customs bonded warehouse |
A warehouse bonded by customs authorities for storage of bonded goods prior to cargo being cleared. A facility or consolidation centre that is authorized by customs to store goods, usually separately on dutiable & non-dutiable goods, pending customs inspection and clearance. The goods in it are secured under customs custody. The payment of duties and taxes are only payable once the goods are removed. Authorized operators of bonded warehouse are often required to provide custom bond. |
| Customs invoice |
A form requiring all data in a commercial invoice along with a certificate of value and/or a certificate of origin. Required in a few countries (usually former British territories) and usually serves as a seller's commercial invoice. |
| Cut-off time |
Lastest possible time cargo may be delivered to vessel or designated point. |
| Cwt. |
Hundredweight (U.S.A., 100 pounds; United Kingdom, 112 pounds). |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| D & H |
Dangerous and Hazardous. The term used by I.M.C.O. for hazardous materials which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property while being transported. |
| D.W. |
Dead Weight. The number of tons a ship can transport of cargo, stores and bunker fuel. Also see Deadweight Tonnage. |
| DAF |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Delivered at Frontier" means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of tranport not unloaded, cleared for export but not cleared for import at the named point and place at the frontier, but before the customs border of the adjoining country. |
| DDC |
Destination Delivery Charges. A charge assessed by the carrier for handling positioning of a full container. |
| DDP |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Delivery duty paid" means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer, cleared for import, and not unloaded from any arriving means of tranport at the named place of destination. The seller has to bear all the costs and risks involved in bringing the goods thereto including where applicable, any "duty"(which term includes the responsibility for and the risk of the carrying out of customs formalities and the payment of formalities, customs duties, taxes and other charges) for import in the country of destination. |
| DDU |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Delivery duty unpaid"means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer, not cleared for import, and not unloaded from any arriving means of transport at the named place of destination. The seller has to bear the costs and risks involved in bringing the goods thereto, other than, where applicable, any "duty" (which term includes the responsibility for and the risks of the carrying out of customs formalities, and the payment of formalities, customs duties, taxes and other charges) for import in the country of destination. Such "duty" has to be borne by the buyer as well as any costs and risks caused by his failure to clear the goods for import in time. |
| DEQ |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Delivered Ex Quay"means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer not cleared for import on the quay(wharf) at the named port of destination. The seller has to bear costs and risks involved in bringing the goods to the named port of destination and discharging the goods on the quay (wharf). The DEQ term requires the buyer to clear the goods for import and to pay for all formalities, duties, taxes and other charges upon import. |
| DES |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Delivered Ex Ship"means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on board the ship not cleared for import at the named port of destination. The seller has to bear all the costs and risks involved in bringing the goods to the named port of dstination before discharging. If the parties wish the seller to bear the costs and risks of discharging the goods, then the DEQ term should be used. |
| DFG |
DFG refers to Dynamic Flow Guidelines, which is used to control the onland stock level of each region taking into account of the traffic pattern and local vanning/devaniing dwell time. The shortest the dwell time, the lowest the DFG and the more efficient the equipment utilization will be. |
| DOT |
Department of Transport. Government Department with responsibility for shipping and transport. |
| DST |
Double Stack Train. Rail or train capable of carrying two 40' containers, one on top of the other. |
| Dangerous Cargo |
The term used by I.M.C.O. for hazardous materials which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property while being transported. |
| Dangerous Goods |
The term used by I.M.C.O. for hazardous materials which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property while being transported. |
| Dead Space |
Space in a car, truck, vessel, etc., that is not utilized. |
| Deadweight Tonnage (D/W) |
The number of total weight tons that a vessel can transport of cargo, stores and bunker fuel. It is the difference between the number of tons of water a vessel displaces "light" and the number of tons it displaces when submerged to the "load line." |
| Dedicated Unit Train |
An unit train operated by various railroads for exclusive usage. |
| Delivery Order |
A document authorizing delivery to a nominated party of goods in the care of a third party. Can be issued by a carrier on surrender of a bill of lading and then used by merchant to transfer title by endorsement. |
| Demurrage (Dem.) |
Charge raised for detaining FCL container/trailer at a terminal/CY for longer period than provided in a tariff. Also known as Wharf Storage in Australia. |
| Deployment |
Disposing vessels to maximize customer satisfaction, utilization, efficiency and revenue-generating potential. |
| Depot, Container |
Container freight station or a designated area where empty containers can be picked up or dropped off. |
| Destination |
The place where carrier actually turns over cargo to consignee or his agent. |
| Detention |
Charges raised for detaining container/trailer at customer’s premises for longer period than provided in Tariff. |
| Detention Charge |
Charges raised for detaining container/trailer at customer’s premises for longer period than provided in Tariff. |
| Devanning |
The removal of cargo from a container. Also known as unstuffing, unloading or stripping. |
| Differential Rate |
An amount added or deducted from base rate to make a rate to or from some other point or via another route. |
| Distribution |
The process of storing, transporting goods between the end of the production line and the final customer. It involves set of activities which demands the goods are delivered in desired quality, quantity, place & time. |
| Diversion |
A change made in the route of a shipment in transit. Also see Reconsignment. |
| Divert |
The route of a shipment changed in transit from that shown on the original billing. Used interchangeably with reconsign. |
| Dock |
(a) The water alongside a pier or wharf.
(b) Loading or unloading platform at an industrial location or carrier terminal. |
| Dock Receipt |
A form used to acknowledge receipt of cargo at a steamship pier. When delivery of a foreign shipment is completed, the dock receipt is surrendered to the vessel operator or the operator's agent and serves as basis for preparation of the ocean bill of lading. |
| Dockage |
Charge for use of a dock. |
| Documentary Credit |
The basis of international trade by means of which payment is made against surrender of specified documents. |
| Door-to-Door |
Through transportation of a container and its contents from consignor's premises to consignee's premises. |
| Double-Deck Load |
A second tier of cargo placed on top of the first tier. |
| Dray |
A truck or other equipment designed to haul heavy loads. |
| Drayage |
Charge made for local hauling by dray or truck. |
| Dry Cargo |
Cargo that does not require temperature control. |
| Dry Dock |
An enclosed basin into which a ship is taken for underwater cleaning and repairing. It is fitted with watertight entrance gates which when closed permit the dock to be pumped dry. |
| Dry-Bulk Container |
A container constructed to carry grain, powder and other free flowing solids in bulk. |
| Dunnage (Dge.) |
Lumber or other material used to brace material in carrier's equipment. |
| Duty Free Zone |
Sometimes called "customs free zones" or "duty free zones". It is a generic term referring to special commercial and industrial areas. At which by special customs procedures it allows the importation of non-prohibited foreign goods (including raw materials, components, and finished goods) without the requirement that duties be paid immediately. If the merchandise is later exported, duty free treatment is given to re-exports. The zones are usually located in or near ports of entry. Merchandise brought into these zones may be stored, assembled, processed or used in manufacture prior to re-export or entry into the national customs territory. When manufacturing activity occurs in free trade zones, it usually involves a combination of foreign and domestic merchandise, and usually requires special governmental authority. |
| Dwell Time |
It is expressed in term of no. of day that a container changed from one status to another e.g. from under inbound load (UIL) to empty available (MTA) to under outbound load (UOL). The shortest the dwell time, the more efficient of the container utilization will be. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| F.A.K. |
Freight All Kind. System whereby freight is charged per container, irrespective of nature of goods, and not according to a Tariff. (Please also refer to All Commodity Rate) |
| F.C.L. |
Full Containerload.
Arrangement whereby shipper utilizes all the space in a container which he packs himself. |
| F.E.U. |
Forty-foot Equivalent Unit. (40'' or 2 Teus) FEU. |
| F.I.O. |
Free In and Out. |
| F.O.B. |
Stands for Free On Board which is a mercantile expression used in sale contracts denoting that goods have to be delivered by the shippers on board the vessel at a particular place, free of charges. |
| FAS |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Free Alongside Ship" means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that moment. |
| FCA |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Free Carrier" means that the seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place. It should be noted that the chosen place of delivery has an impact on the obligations of loading and unloading the goods at that place. If delivery occurs at the seller's premises, the seller is responsible for loading. If delivery occurs at any other place, the seller is not responsible for unloading. |
| FCL/FCL |
Cargo loaded by shipper in a full container at origin and delivered to carrier's terminal at destination for pick up intact by consignee. |
| FCL/LCL |
Cargo loaded in a full container by a shipper at origin, delivered to pier facility at destination, and then devanned by carrier for loose pick up. |
| FDA |
Food and Drug Administration |
| FEFC |
Far Eastern Freight Conference. |
| FEU |
Forty-foot Equivalent Unit (40'' or 2 Teus) F.E.U. |
| FF |
Freight Forwarder. |
| FMC |
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) - US Government independent regulatory agency responsible for the regulation of ocean borne transportation in the foreign commerce of the U.S. For further details please refer to the FMC web sitehttp://www.fmc.gov/. |
| FOB |
One of 13 INCOTERMS.
"Free on board"means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ship's rail at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss of or damange to the goods from that point. The FOB term requires the seller to clear the goods for export. This term can be used only for or inland waterway transport. If the parties do not intend to deliver the goods across the ships's rail, the FCA terms should be used. |
| Feeder Service |
Sea transportation as performed by feeder operator. |
| Feeder Vessel |
Vessel employed in normally short sea routes to fetch or carry goods and containers to and from ocean going vessels. |
| Final Destination (FND) |
End of carrier’s liability where carrier delivers the cargo to consignee. |
| Flash Point |
The temperature reaching which for certain inflamable cargo will trigger spontaneous ignition. It is an IMCO standard information requirement for dangerous goods. |
| Forwarder |
He is neither a consignor nor a carrier.
Known also as Freight Forwarder, Foreign Freight Forwarder. It’s an individual or business that dispatches shipments by land, air, or sea, or it may specialize for exporters and for a fee. Usually it handles all the services in the collection, consolidation, shipping and distribution of goods connected with an export shipment; preparation of documents, booking cargo space, warehouse, pier delivery and export clearance. The firm may also handle banking and insurance services on behalf of a client.
The U.S. forwarder is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission for ocean shipments. |
| Free Trade Zone |
Sometimes called "customs free zones" or "duty free zones". It is a generic term referring to special commercial and industrial areas. At which by special customs procedures it allows the importation of non-prohibited foreign goods (including raw materials, components, and finished goods) without the requirement that duties be paid immediately. If the merchandise is later exported, duty free treatment is given to re-exports.
The zones are usually located in or near ports of entry. Merchandise brought into these zones may be stored, assembled, processed or used in manufacture prior to re-export or entry into the national customs territory.
When manufacturing activity occurs in free trade zones, it usually involves a combination of foreign and domestic merchandise, and usually requires special governmental authority. |
| Freight |
(a) The price paid to the carrier for the transportation of goods or merchandise by sea from one place to another.
(b)Freight is also used to denote goods which are in the process of being transported from one place to another. |
| Freight Ton |
The greater weight or measurement of goods where 1 ton is either 1000 kilos or 1 cubic metre (for metric system). Also known as bill of lading ton or revenue Ton. It is used to calculate freight charge. |
| Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) |
The fresh air exchange system on a reefer removes harmful gases from reefers carrying sensitive perishable commodities. The fresh air vent is located on the reefer machinery end of the container. The fresh air vent is adjustable to accommodate a variety of cargo and chilled load operating conditions. The fresh air vent should be tightly closed when carrying frozen cargo. |
| Fumigation |
Treatment with a pesticide active ingredient that is a gas under treatment conditions. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| I.C.C. |
Interstate Commerce Commission
The U. S. governmental body to regulate interstate trade
International Chamber of Commerce
A Paris-based international forum that aims to facilitate trade.
Institute Cargo Clauses The institute of London Underwriters standard clauses for cargo insurance. |
| I.M.C.O. |
International Maritime Consultative Organization. A forum in which most major maritime nations participate and through which recommendations for the carriage of dangerous goods, bulk commodities and maritime regulations become internationally acceptable. |
| I.P.I. |
Inland Points Intermodal. Inland carriage by another mode of transportation after discharge. |
| IATA Cargo Agent |
It is also a type of freight forwarder who specializes in air cargo. They are registered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). They act for airlines which pay them a fee (usually 5%). It is very typical that an IATA Cargo Agent also performs the function of an Air Freight Forwarder in reserve booking for air freight, issue air waybill. |
| IFP |
Intrim Fuel Participation.
Similar to BAF, a surcharge based on the cost of bunker. |
| IMDG Code |
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
The IMO recommendations for the carriage of dangerous goods by sea. |
| ISPS |
International Shipping & Port Security.
International anti-terrorist legislation organised by IMO. |
| Import |
Shipment of goods from a foreign country. |
| Import License |
A document required and issued by some national governments authorizing the importation of goods into their individual countries. |
| Import Permit |
Usually required for items that might affect the public health, morals, animal life, vegetation, etc. Examples include foodstuffs, feedstuffs, pharmaceuticals (human and veterinary), medical equipment, seeds, plants and various written material (including tapes, cassettes, movies, TV tapes or TV movies). In some countries an import permit is the same as an import license. |
| In Transit |
In transit, or in passage. |
| Inbound |
Inward bound
Direction of vessel or cargo going to port of discharge or final destination. |
| Inbound Editing |
A documentation function normally performed before vessel arriving at discharging end to add, amend local charges and information where applicable. |
| Incoterms |
Incoterms are a set of uniform rules codifying the interpretation of trade terms defining the rights and obligation of both buyer and seller in an international transaction, thereby enabling anotherwise complex basis for a sale contract to be accomplished in three letters.Incoterms are drafted by the Internaitional Chamber of Commerce. |
| Inland Clearance Depot |
A CFS with Customs Clearance Facilities. |
| Insulated Container |
A container insulated on the walls, roof, floor and doors, to reduce the effect of external temperatures on the cargo. |
| Insulated Tank Container |
The frame of a container constructed to hold one or more thermally insulated tanks for liquids. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Insurance With Average-Clause |
This type of clause covers merchandise if the damage amounts to 3 percent or more of the insured value of the package or cargo. If the vessel burns, sinks, collides, or gets sunk, all losses are fully covered. In marine insurance the word average describes partial damage or partial loss. |
| Insurance, All-Risk |
This type of insurance offers the shipper the broadest coverage available, covering against all losses that may occur in transit. |
| Insurance, 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. |
| Insurance, Particular-Average |
A Marine insurance term to refer to partial loss on an individual shipment from one of the perils insured against, regardless of the balance of the cargo (in this way it differs from general-average insurance). Particular-average insurance can usually be obtained, but the loss must be in excess of a certain percentage of the insured value of the shipment, usually 3 to 5 percent, before a claim will be allowed by the company. |
| Interchange |
Transfer of a container from one party to another. |
| Interchange Points |
A terminal at which freight in the course of transportation is delivered by one transportation line to another. |
| Intercoastal |
Water service between two coasts; usually refers to water service between point on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. |
| Intermodal |
Used to denote movements of cargo or container between motor, rail or water carriers. |
| Intermodal Transport |
Moving ocean freight containers by various transportation modes. The fact that the containers are of the same size and have common handling characteristics permits them to be transferred from truck to railroad to air carrier to ocean carrier. |
| Internet Applications - Shipment Detai |
CargoSmart provides shipment summaries, shipment details, and standard reports. Users view shipment summaries sorted by shipment status, routes, or locations. Users can also look up shipment details by booking, bill of lading, invoice, and reference numbers (purchase order, invoice, etc). Details include reference numbers, status, parties, routing, general cargo, reefer, and dangerous goods information. Standard reports include active booking and bills of lading information. |
| Interstate Traffic |
Generally speaking, traffic crossing state lines. |
| Intrastate |
Within a state. |
| Intrastate Traffic |
Traffic moving between points within one state and not leaving the state in the course of transportation. |
| Issuing Bank |
The bank that has issued or opened a letter of credit. Also known as Opening Bank. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| lInterstate |
Between states. |
| L.C.L. |
Less than Container Load. Cargo in quantity less than required for the application for the application of a container load rate. |
| LCL - NVO |
More often known as “Consolidator”. Their business focuses on providing services related to consolidate parts or smaller consignments, LCL (Less than Container Load) cargoes into larger unit. They derive profit by paying the vessel operating carrier the lower consolidated rate. |
| LCL/FCL |
A kind of cargo movement by container. Loose cargo received at origin point, loaded in a container by carrier, then delivered intact at destination. |
| LCL/LCL |
A kind of cargo movement by container. Delivered loose at origin point with vanning by carrier, devanned by carrier at destination, and picked up loose at destination. |
| Letter of Credit |
(a) Back-to-Back: A secondary letter of credit issued to a beneficiary on the strength of a primary credit;
(b) Clean: A letter of credit that requires the beneficiary to present only a draft or a receipt for specified funds before receiving payment;
(c) Confirmed: A revolving letter of credit that permits any amount not utilized during any of the specified periods to be carried over and added to the amounts available in subsequent periods;
(d) Deferred Payment: A letter of credit issued for the purchase and financing of merchandise, similar to acceptance-type letter of credit, except that it requires presentation of sight drafts payable on an installment basis;
(e) Irrevocable: An instrument that, once established, cannot be modified or cancelled without the agreement of all parties concerned; (f) Non-cumulative: A revolving letter of credit that prohibits the amount not used during the specific period to be available in the subsequent periods;
(g) Restricted: A condition within the letter of credit which restricts its negotiation to a named bank;
(h) Revocable: An instrument that can be modified or cancelled at any moment without notice to and agreement of the beneficiary, but customarily includes a clause in the credit to the effect that any draft negotiated by a bank prior to the receipt of a notice of revocation or amendment will be honored by the issuing bank;
(i) Revolving: An irrevocable letter issued for a specific amount; renews itself for the same amount over a given period;
(j) Straight: A letter of credit that contains a limited engagement clause addressed to the beneficiary; state that the issuing bank promises to pay upon presentation of the required documents at its counters or the counters of the named bank;
(k) Transferable: A letter of credit that allows the beneficiary to transfer in whole or in part any amount of the credit to one or more third parties provided that the aggregate of such transfers does not exceed the amount of the credit.
(l) Unconfirmed: A letter of credit forwarded to the beneficiary by the advising bank without engagement on the part of the advising bank. |
| Letter of Indemnity |
Guarantee from shipper or consignee to indemnity carrier for costs and/or loss, if any, in order to obtain favorable action by carrier, e.g. sometimes, it is used to allow consignee to take delivery of goods without surrendering B/L which has been delayed |
| Lien |
A legal claim upon goods for the satisfaction of some debt or duty. |
| Lift-On/Lift-Off (LO-LO) |
A container ship onto which and from which containersare lifted by crane. |
| Lighter |
An open or covered barge towed by a tugboat and used mainly in harbors and inland waterways. |
| Lighterage |
Refers to the carriage of goods by lighter and the charge assessed therefore. |
| Line-haul |
Transportation from one city to another as differentiated from local switching service. |
| Liner |
Vessel plying a regular trade/defined route against a published sailing schedule. |
| Liner Terms |
They 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.
Carrier cost responsibility under respective Liner Terms:
Liner In Liner Out ( CY to CY ) - Carrier bears the costs for loading at loading port, sea voyage up to cargo discharged at discharging port.
Liner In Hook Out ( CY to Hook) - Carrier bears the costs for loading at loading port, sea voyage up to cargo alongside cargo hook at discharging port.
Hook In Liner Out ( Hook to CY) - Carrier bears the costs for cargo alongside cargo hook at loading port, sea voyage up to cargo discharged at discharging port.
Liner In Free Out (CY to Free Out, LIFO) - Carrier bears the costs for loading at loading port, sea voyage and exclude costs for cargo at discharging port.
Free In Liner Out (Free in to CY, FILO) - Carrier bears the costs for sea voyage and costs for cargo discharged at discharging port.
Hook to Hook - Carrier bears the costs for sea voyage and costs for cargo alongside at loading port & at discharging port.
Hook to Free Out - Carrier bears the costs for cargo alongside cargo hook at loading port, sea voyage and exclude cost at discharging port.
Free In to Hook - Carrier bears the costs for sea voyage and costs for cargo alongside cargo hook at discharging port.
Free In Free Out (FIFO) - Carrier bears the costs for sea voyage and exclude costs at loading port & discharging port. |
| Liter |
1.06 liquid quarts. |
| Lloyds' Registry |
An organization maintained for the surveying and classing of ships so that insurance underwriters and others may know the quality and condition of the vessels offered for insurance or employment. |
| Lo/Lo |
Lift On, Lift Off. |
| Load Factor |
Percent of loaded containers against total capacity of vessel or allocation. |
| Loadwire |
Special service as provided normally to consignee to advise them shipment information certain days after vessel sailing and usually well in advance before vessel arriving discharging end. |
| Locking Bar |
Device that secures container doors at top and bottom. |
| Logistics |
The management of moving or stationary inventory. |
| Long Ton |
2,240 pounds. (l.t., l.tn.) |
| Longshoreman |
Individual employed locally in a port to load and unload ships. |
| Loose |
Without packing. |
| Low-Bed |
A trailer or semi-trailer with no sides and with the floor of the unit close to the ground. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| M.L.B. |
An intermodal system for transporting containers from/to a foreign country by water to/from a U.S. ocean port other than the arrival port by rail at through rates and documents. |
| M/V |
Motor Vessel |
| MQC |
Minimum Quantity Commitment.
Volume of cargo that a customer commits to ship over the duration of their contract (in TEU) |
| MT |
(a) Metric Ton or Cubic meter
(b) Empty container
(c) Multimodal Transport. |
| Malpractice |
A carrier giving a customer special preference to attract cargo. This can take the form of a money refund (rebate); using lower figures that actual for the assessment of freight charges (undercubing); misdeclaration of the commodity shipped to allow the assessment of a lower tariff rate; waiving published tariff charges for demurrage, CFS handling or equalization; providing specialized equipment disproportionately to a shipper to the detriment of other shippers, etc. |
| 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. Used principally for customs purposes. It is also called summary of Bills of lading. |
| Manifest, Traveling |
A manifest of all cargoes aboard a conveyance, vessel, truck or rail, that lists cargoes to be discharged at each port of call. The manifest must be aboard at the vessel's first port of call. Corrections must be made at the first port regardless of the destination of the cargo. Manifest is certified by customs and travels with the vessel through the remainder of its ports of call in the same country. |
| 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. |
| Marks & Nos. |
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. |
| Master Bill of Ladings |
The B/L issue by Vessel Owning / Operating Common Carrier (VOCC) to the Non-vessel Owning / Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). It contras with House B/L which an NVOCC issues to its shippers for carriage of goods on vessel which the NVOCC neither owns nor operates, or just is slot charterer. |
| Master Lease Leasing Cost |
Master lease leasing cost includes container rental, depot lieft on/lift off charge, on/off hire drayage, Drop off charge and Offhire repair cost. Due to off-hire quota limitaion, the average on-hire period is around 73 days for 20' gp/40'gp and 102 days for 40'hq. On average basis, the leasing cost is US$500/20'gp, US$700/40'gp and US$800/40'hq. |
| Mate's Receipt |
A receipt signed by a mate of the vessel, acknowledging receipt of cargo by the vessel. The individual in possession of the mate's receipt is entitled to the bill of lading, which in due course is issued in exchange for that receipt. |
| Maximum Payload |
Maximum cargo that can be loaded into a container either by weight or volume. |
| Maximum Rate |
The highest freight rate permitted by a regulatory body to apply between points. |
| Measurement Ton |
1 cubic meter.
One of the alternative bases of Freight Tariff. |
| Memo B/L |
An internal B/L created for certain purposes, e.g. memo B/L created to replace original B/L used in case of spliting B/L at request of consignee. |
| Microbridge |
A landbridge movement in which cargo originating/destined to an inland point is railed or trucked to/from the water port for a shipment to/from a foreign country. The carrier is responsible for cargo and costs from origin to destination. Also known as I.P.I. and Through Service. |
| Mileage |
Distance in miles. |
| Mini Landbridge (MLB) |
An intermodal system for transporting containers from/to a foreign country by water to/from a U.S. ocean port other than the arrival port by rail at through rates and documents. |
| Mini-Bridge |
Cargo moving from/to an inland destination on one bill of lading from/to a foreign port through two U.S. ports. |
| Minimum Charge |
The lowest charge that can be assessed to transport a shipment. |
| Modified Atmosphere (MA) |
An atmosphere in which oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen concentrations are different from those in air but are not precisely regulated. |
| Multimodal Transport |
Carriage by more than one mode of transport against one contract of carriage. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| P.& I. |
Protection and Indemnity, an insurance term. |
| P.O.D. |
Port of Discharge where cargo is discharged from vessel. In case of transshipment is needed, there can be a number of POD during the course of shipment until it reaches the final POD. |
| P.O.L. |
Port of Loading where loading to vessel takes place |
| P.O.R. |
Point or Place of Receipt. |
| P/A |
a) Particular average; b) Private account. |
| PLRMU |
Power Line Remote Monitoring Unit. |
| PSA |
Port of Singapore Authority |
| PTI (Pre-trip Inspection) |
A procedure of checking the ability of a reefer to maintain temperature control. The inspection normally focuses on the operation of the refrigeration and heating equipment, as well as the physical condition of the refrigeration plant and the insulated container shell. Such inspections are normally performed prior to each loading of a reefer. |
| PWSC |
Principals Working Sub committee. |
| Pallet |
A platform (usually two-deck), with or without sides, on which a number of packages or pieces may be loaded to facilitate handling by a lift truck. |
| Panama Canal Act |
A federal law regarding railroads and the ownership of water carriers with whom they compete. |
| Partial Shipments |
Under letters of credit, one or more shipments are allowed by the phrase"partial shipments permitted." In bulk shipments a tolerance of 3 percent is allowed. |
| Participating Carrier (Tariff) |
A transportation line that is a party, under concurrence, to a tariff issued by another transportation line or by a tariff's publishing agent. |
| Partlow |
Manufacturer of a mechanical temperature recorder - see recorder. Developed in the 1930's by Howard Partlow for the reefer trucking business in the USA. Now the Partlow Corp. |
| Partlow chart |
Paper disc used in conjunction with a Partlow recorder to record temperature. Reefers record return air temperature. Max. recording period 31 days before chart needs replacing. |
| Payable Elsewhere |
Special service to shipper or consignee to receive freight and charges at location and from designated party as specified by shipper or consignee i.e. freight and charges are not received at loading end (for Prepaid shipment) and discharging end (for Collect shipment). |
| Payload |
The revenue-producing part of the cargo. |
| Per Diem |
A charge made by one transportation line against another for the use of its equipment. The charge is based on a fixed rate per day. |
| Perils of the Sea |
Those causes of loss for which the carrier is not legally liable. The elemental risks of ocean transport. |
| Perishable Cargo |
Cargo subject to decay or deterioration. |
| Pier |
The structure to which a vessel is secured for the purpose of loading and unloading cargo. |
| Pier-to-House (P/H) |
A kind of cargo movement by container. Loose cargo received at origin point, loaded in a container by carrier, then delivered intact at destination. |
| Pier-to-Pier (P/P) |
A kind of cargo movement by container. Delivered loose at origin point with vanning by carrier, devanned by carrier at destination, and picked up loose at destination. |
| Piggyback |
The transportation of highway trailers or demountable trailer bodies on specially equipped railcars. |
| Pilferage |
The act of stealing cargo. |
| Pilot |
A person whose office or occupation is to steer ships, particularly along a coast or into and out of a harbor. |
| Place of Delivery |
End of carrier’s liability where carrier delivers the cargo to consignee. |
| Place of Receipt |
Location where cargo enters the care and custody of carrier. |
| Pool (Container) |
A common supply of containers available to the shippers. |
| Port |
(a) Harbor with piers or docks;
(b) Left side of a ship when facing the bow;
(c) Opening in a ship's side for handling freight. |
| Port Service Charge |
Terminal Handling Charge. A charge assessed by the terminal for handling FCLs at ocean terminals. |
| Port of Call |
Port where a steamer discharges or receives traffic. |
| Port of Discharge |
Port where cargo is unloaded from vessel. |
| Port of Entry |
Port where cargo actually enters a country where the cargo is not part of its commerce. |
| Port of Loading (POL) |
Port where cargo is loaded to vessel. |
| Port of arrival |
Location where imported merchandise is off loaded from the importing aircraft or vessel. |
| Power Pack |
An electricity power source for multiple reefer boxes. It serves as standby or prime power for intermodal applications including rail, port, ship, and barge. |
| Power of Attorney |
Authority given by the first party to the second party to act for the first party. For example, when carriers give power of attorney to an agent to publish tariffs for those carriers. |
| Pratique Certificate |
(a) Permission or license granted by the port medical authorities to a vessel upon arrival from a foreign port after quarantine inspection, to communicate with shore. |
| Pre-cooling |
A process employed in the shipment of citrus fruits and other perishable commodities. The fruit is packed and placed in a cold room from which the heat is gradually extracted. The boxes of fruit are packed in containers that have been thoroughly cooled and transported through to destination without opening the doors. |
| Prepaid (Ppd.) |
One of the payment status where freight and charges are required to be paid by shipper before original bill of lading is released to them except for shipment under Sea Waybill (or Express BL) as no original bill of lading is required or for shipment under credit arrangement. |
| Pro Rata |
In proportion. |
| Protest |
(a) A legal means of proving presentation and default of a negotiable instrument, as well as providing notice to interested parties that the instrument was not paid.
(b)A declaration made by the master of a vessel before a notary public in the United States and Great Britain or a tribunal of commerce on the European Continent, or before the consul of the country from which the vessel hails if in a foreign port, on arrival in port, when, through stress of weather, it has not been practicable to adopt ordinary precaution in the matter of ventilation for perishable cargoes; when the condition of the cargo or any part thereof at the time of shipment is such as to lead to the belief that damage or some further damage has occurred during the voyage; when any serious breach of a charter party by the charterer in a foreign port happens; when a vessel experiences bad weather while at sea and when the master has reason to believe that the cargo is damaged or part of the deck load lost overboard. Copies of the protest are frequently demanded underwriter in the event of a claim. Protest are received as evidence in tribunal on the Continent but they cannot be made use of as evidence in courts of law in the United Kingdom in favor of the party making the protest except by the consent of both parties concerned. |
| Pull-down |
The process whereby the refrigeration unit lowers the temperature of the interior of a reefer to the set-point level. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| S.D.D. |
Delivery of goods to consignee's place of business or warehouse by motor vehicle. Refers to a complete package of delivery services performed by a carrier from origin to final consumption point, whether that be a retail, wholesale or other final distribution facility. Abbreviated in CCMS as SDD. |
| S.D.P. |
Picking up an empty container from a carrier, delivering it to a merchant and returning the laden container; the portion of store-door pick up performed by the carrier's trucker. |
| SCM |
The delivery of enhanced customer and economic value through synchronized management of the flow of physical goods, services and associated information from sourcing through consumption. The management of the process and activities to provide the flow of products, services and information to customers. |
| SED |
Standard Export Declaration.
Legal document that shippers or freight forwarder have to complete prior to exxport from USA. |
| SI |
Shipping Instruction. |
| SSN |
Standard Shipping Note.
Paperwork completed by a UK shipper which accompanies the container on its journey to the port of exit. This is so that receiving authorities liket the carrier & port receive clear and precise information on how the goods should be handled. |
| STC |
Said to Contain. A standard clause used to protect carrier for cargo stuffed by shipper or its agents. |
| Salvage loss |
A loss which it is presumed would, but for certain services rendered, have become a total loss. The charges incurred are "salvage charges". The property salved is the "salvage". When referring to goods a salvage loss is one resulting from shipwreck or from a situation where, by the peril of the sea, the vessel is prevented from proceeding on her voayge and the cargo, or the part that is saved is obliged to be sold at a place short of the port of destination. The term is used in marine insurance when at a point short of destination, it can be shown that it would cost more to forward damaged goods to their destination than the goods would realized on the spot. The underwriters usually pay the difference between the total insured value and the net proceeds of the goods, such a settlement being known as a "salvage loss". |
| Sea waybill |
A special facility granted by carrier under guarantees from shipper/consignee to release cargo to named consignee without presenting original B/L. Also called "Express B/L". |
| Seal (Container) |
Metal strip and lead fastener used for locking freight car or truck doors. Seals are numbered for record purposes. |
| 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. |
| Service contract |
As provided in the Shipping Act of 1984, a contract between a shipper (or a shippers' association) and an ocean common carrier (or conference) in which the shipper makes a commitment to provide a certain minimum quantity of cargo or freight revenue over a fixed time period, and the ocean common carrier or conference commits to a certain rate or rate schedule as well as a defined service level (such as assured space, transit time, port rotation or similar service features). The contract may also specify provisions in the event of nonperformance on the part of either party. |
| Ship chandler |
An individual or company selling equipment and supplies for ships. |
| Ship owner |
One of the persons in whom is vested the title of property of a ship or ships. |
| Shipped bill of lading |
A bill of lading issued only after the goods have actually been shipped on board the vessel, as distinguished from the received for shipment bill of lading. Also see on board bill of lading. |
| Shipped on board |
Endorsement on a bill of lading confirming loading of goods on vessel. |
| Shipper |
The person for whom the owners of a ship agree to carry goods to a specified destination and at a specified price. The merchant who can be consignor, exporter, or seller (who may be the same or different parties) named in the shipping documents as the party responsible for initiating a shipment, and who may also bear the freight cost.'
The conditions under which the transportation is effected are stipulated in the bill of lading. |
| Shipper owned container |
The container used for cargo shipment is owned by shipper. |
| Shipper's Export Declaration |
A custom house form filled by the shipper of goods. to foreign countries. Also called shipper’s manifest.It mentions the marks, numbers, quantity, description an value of the goods at time and place of export. There is a different definition in USA as "The shipper's export declaration (SEDs) forms 7525-V and 7525-V-Alternate (Intermodal) and the shipper's export declaration for In-Transit Goods, Form 7513, are JOINT-BUREAU OF THE CENSUS- INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION DOCUMENTS used for compiling the offical U.S. export statistics and administering the requirements of the Export Administrative Act. |
| Shipper's Load & Count |
Shipments loaded and sealed by shippers and not checked or verified by the carriers. |
| Shipping order |
Usually for same set of Shipping Order, there are a number of copies with same form and contents but with different name such as the 1st copy is called Shipping Order and remainders are called Shipping Order Copy or Dock Receipt for different purposes such as space control, surveyor and sworn measurer, documentation .After EDI is so popular nowadays and used by both shipper and Customs, hardcopy Shipping Order is no longer widely used now. |
| Shipping permit |
Issued by a shipping or carrier company; authorizes the receiving clerk at pier, dock, warehouse, airport or on board to receive a stipulated amount of goods or materials from a specified firm. |
| Shipside Delivery |
A special cargo handling instruction for cargo to be delivered rightaway at shipside after discharge. |
| Short Term Lease |
Short term lease refers to Master lease (with or without free-day), direct interchange and sublease from TGA/VSAO/Canmar partner as well as Free-use from any other logistic companies. |
| Short cycling |
1) improper air circulation in trailer causing unit to operate for brief periods. |
| Shut-out |
Goods not carried on intended vessel. |
| Slot |
Space on board a vessel occupied by a container. |
| Spreader |
A piece of equipment designed to lift containers by their corner castings. |
| Stability |
The force that holds a vessel upright or returns it to upright if keeled over. Weights on the lower hold increase stability. A vessel is stiff if it has high stability, tender if it has low stability. |
| Stack Car |
An articulated five-platform railcar that allows containers to be double stacked. A stack car holds ten 40-foot equivalent units. |
| Stack Train |
See DST (Double Stack Train). |
| Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) |
A standard numerical code used by the U.S. government to classify products and services. |
| Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) |
A standard numerical code used by the United Nations to classify commodities used in international trade. |
| Standard Rate |
A rate established via direct routes from one point to another in relation which the rates via other routes between the same points are made. See also Differential Rate. |
| Stevedore |
Terminal operator who is designated to facilitate the operation of loading and discharging vessels and various terminal activities. |
| Storage |
A charge made on property stored. |
| Store-Door Delivery (STOR/DOR) |
Delivery of goods to consignee's place of business or warehouse by motor vehicle. Refers to a complete package of delivery services performed by a carrier from origin to final consumption point, whether that be a retail, wholesale or other final distribution facility. Abbreviated in CCMS as SDD. |
| Store-Door PickUp |
Picking up an empty container from a carrier, delivering it to a merchant and returning the laden container; the portion of store-door pick up performed by the carrier's trucker. |
| Stowage |
A marine term referring to loading freight into ships' holds. |
| Straddle Carrier |
Mobile truck equipment with the capacity for lifting a container within its own framework. |
| Straight Bill of Lading |
A term for a non negotiable bill of lading. In the U.S. the Pomerene Act governs its operation. |
| Stripping |
The unloading of a container. |
| Stuffing |
The loading of a container. |
| Supply Chain Management |
The delivery of enhanced customer and economic value through synchronized management of the flow of physical goods, services and associated information from sourcing through consumption. The management of the process and activities to provide the flow of products, services and information to customers. |
| Supply air |
Cooled or warmed air leaving the evaporator delivered to the interior of the container. Supply air is sometimes called delivery-air. |
| Surcharge |
An extra or additional charge. |
| Glossary |
Shipping Terms |
| T-floor |
Interior floor in a reefer, so named because of the longitudinal T-shaped rails which support the cargo and form a plenum for air flow beneath the cargo. |
| T.E.U. |
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit. ( 20'') TEU. |
| T.I.R. |
Trailer Interchange Receipt. See Equipment Interchange Receipt. |
| T.O.F.C. |
Trailer on flatcar; Piggyback. The movement of cargo on a railroad flatcar. |
| TDR |
Terminal departure report |
| TEU |
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (20") T.E.U. |
| THC |
Terminal Handling Charge. A charge assessed by the terminal for handling FCLs at ocean terminals. |
| TOS |
Terms of Sale.
Commonly used as an abbreviation for INCOTERMS |
| TRC |
Terminal receiving Charge. Charge assessed by the terminal for cargo being delivered for export. |
| TVR |
Tiem Volume Rate. |
| Tail |
The rear of a container. |
| Tank Container |
A specially constructed container for transporting liquids and gases in bulk. |
| Tare Weight |
The weight of packing material or, in carload shipments, the weight of the empty freight car. |
| Tariff (Trf.) |
A publication setting forth the charges, rates and rules of transportation companies. |
| Tender |
The offer of goods for transportation or the offer to place cars for loading or unloading. |
| Terminal |
An assigned area in which containers are prepared for loading into a vessel or are stacked immediately after discharge from the vessel. |
| Through Rate |
The total rate from the point of origin to final destination. |
| Through Service (Thru Service) |
A combination of transportation by sea and land (Thru Service) services to/from the West Coast. From West Coast locations, freight is transported by rail and/or truck to central or eastern North America nonwater port cities. Also known as Microbridge Service and I.P.I. |
| Time Charter |
A charter party hiring a vessel for a specified period of time or a particular voyage, in which the shipowner provides the vessel and crew while the charterer supplies the cargo. Also known as non-demise charter. |
| Tonnage |
Generally refers to freight handled. |
| Tontines |
An unusual type of Long Term Business, where the policy benefit is payable to the last survivor of a specified insured group of persons. |
| Top air delievery |
A system in which supply air from the refrigeration unit evaporator is introduced into the container at the ceiling level. Little used in marine reefers, normal mode of air delivery in reefer trucks. |
| Towage |
The charge made for towing a vessel. |
| Tramp |
A freighter vessel that does not run in any regular line but takes cargo wherever the shippers desire. |
| Tranship |
To transfer goods from one transportation line to another, or from one ship to another. |
| Transit Cargo |
Goods onboard which upon their arrival at a certain port are not to be discharged at that port. |
| Transit Port |
A port where goods received are merely en route and from which they have to be transferred and dispatched to their ultimate destination by coasters, barge and so on. Also called transshipment port. |
| Transshipment Port |
A port where goods received are merely en route and from which they have to be transferred and dispatched to their ultimate destination by coasters, barge and so on. Also called transit port. |
| Truck Onboard B/L |
This is unique practice in NAT having the similar function as onboard vessel B/L. In the event of multimodal B/L is prepared, shipper can request a clause on the B/L to satisfy their commercial transaction as LADEN ONBOARD TRUCK MMDDYY. The date on the B/L is on which containers are picked up by trucker from shipper's facility. However, the word TRUCK is not necessary. |
| Turnaround |
In water transportation, the time it takes between the arrival of a vessel and its departure. |
| Twist Locks |
A set of four twistable bayonet-type shear keys used as part of a spreader to pick up a container or as part of a chassis to secure the containers. |
| Two-Way Pallet |
A pallet so designed that the forks of a forklift truck can be inserted from two sides only. |
