A
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A-Type / C-Type / E-Type / K-Type / L-Type / M-Type / S-Type
Groupings of vessels with the same or similar characteristics of design whose names begin with the same first letter.
ABS
See: American Bureau of Shipping.
Absorption
The assumption by the carrier of switching or other special charges without increasing the rate to the shipper.
Acceptance of Goods
The process of receiving a consignment from a Shipper, usually against the issue of a receipt (B/L), when the Carrier's responsibility for the consignment begins.
Accessorial
Charges made for additional, special, or supplemental services, normally over and above the line-haul services.
Account Base
List of all accounts in a sales region.
Account Profile
Projection of an account’s upcoming volume along with such account’s shipping requirements.
Acknowledgement of receipt
A notification pertaining to the receipt of goods, messages or funds.
Act of God
Accidents beyond human control such as floods, earthquakes, lightning or hurricanes, usually referred to as "force majeure".
Ad Valorem
In proportion to the value: When applied to certain freight or customs duties levied on goods, property, etc. set as a percentage of their value. When a Shipper desires to be covered for a valuation in excess of that allowed by the Carrier’s regular Bill of Lading, freight is assessed based on cargo value.
Add-ons
Additional charges.
Aft
The rear of a vessel.
Agency
An organisation working on behalf of a principal. Company whom represents/acts on behalf of another entity.
Agency Fee
Fee payable by a shipowner or ship operator to an agent.
Aggregated Shipments
Numerous shipments from different shippers to one consignee that are consolidated and treated as a single consignment.
AI
All Inclusive
A I D A
Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. Four elements of sales call
Air Freight Forwarder
A non-asset based firm that negotiates low shipping rates with airlines and then takes orders at a higher rate in order to make a profit, using the other company's assets to move the product.
All-in
All Inclusive
Allocation
The process of allocating space on a particular vessel (or vessels) to a certain organisational unit.
Allotment
A share of the capacity of a vessel assigned to a certain party, e.g. a Carrier or an agent, for the purpose of the booking of cargo for one or several specific voyages.
All-Water
Service rendered by Carriers on a port-to-port basis; cargo moving via ocean Carrier only.
AMS
Automated Manifest System
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
American classification society.
Amidships
The middle of a vessel.
Anti-Rebating Certification
Document signed by shipping companies and filed with the Federal Maritime Commission and in ocean tariffs attesting that rebates are not allowed and will not be paid by such company.
APG
Arabian Persian Gulf
APM
A. P. Møller
AQ
Any Quantities, usually refers to a rating that applies to an article regardless of weight.
AQI
Agriculture Quarantine Inspection.
Arbitrary
A fixed amount which a transportation line agrees to accept in a dividing joint rate; A fixed amount added to or deducted from one station to make a rate from another station; A fixed amount added to or deducted from a rate to one station to make a rate to another station An allowance added to an employee´s rate of pay in additional to regular wages, based on provisions included in the union contract.
Arrival Notice (A/N)
Documentation that notifies Consignee of arrival information and freight charges due. Form produced by Carrier for advanced notification to Consignee of cargo arrival.
Artificial Tween Deck (ATD)
Forty-foot long, eight foot wide, one foot thick steel platform with hardwood flooring. Equipped with ten bullrings for securing oversized, heavy lift or wheeled cargo.
As Freighted
All cargoes freighted on same unit; W/M.
Asset-Based, Third Party Provider
A third-party provider that owns transportation and/or warehouse assets.
Assignment
An act which involves transfer of rights, title, and interest for the purpose of assigning goods by endorsement of the bill of lading.
Athwartships
Across the vessel, from side to side.
Audit
A methodical examination and review of business processes and/or business units, concluding with a detailed report of findings.
Average
Marine insurance term for losses or damages to or in respect of goods or equipment.
Average Adjusters
In general average matters average adjusters are entrusted with the task of apportioning the loss and expenditure carried by interested parties in a maritime venture and to determine which expenses are
to be regarded as average or general average.
Average Inventory
The average inventory level over a period of time.
B
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BAA
Business Area Analysis
Back Haul
The return leg of a round trip.
BAF
Goto : Bunker Adjustment Factor.
Ballast
Materials, usually water, carried as ballast in tanks improves the trim and the stability of the vessel.
Banding
Securing of cargo on a pallet generally by a steel/metal stripping.
Bank Draft (B/D)
A bank instrument wherein payment of funds is guaranteed.
Banker's Acceptance
A form of financing used in import/export transactions.
Bank Guarantee
Protection in writing to a Carrier for performing a deviation from normal business guaranteed by a bank. May under certain circumstances be accepted in lieu of original Bill of Lading to release cargo.
Bar Coding
A method of encoding data for electronic readability. Bar codes are a series of alternating bars and spaces affixed to products, labels, or other media, representing encoded information, which can be read by electronic reading devices.
Bare Boat Charter
A charter whereby the Charterer leases the ship and provides the master and crew himself.
Barge (Lighter)
Flat bottomed vessel for a.o. canals and rivers with or without own propulsion for the purpose of transporting goods.
Base Port
Ports from which standard tariff rates applies to thos normally serviced directly by members.
Base Rate
Rate used only for construction of other rates.
Basic Agreement
A document containing administrative rules and regulations adhered to by members of a conference. These guidelines are voluntarily agreed to by the member lines and are on file with the Federal Maritime Commission.
Basing Points
A point (location) used in construction of through rates between other points.
Batch
A grouping of products or data which is treated as one entity with respect to certain operations e.g. processing and production.
Bay
A vertical division of a vessel, partly indicating the stowage of containers.
Bay Plan (BP)
Section by section plan of a vessel indicating where cargo is stowed.
B/B
Breakbulk
BCO
Beneficial Cargo Owner - Refers to the importer of record, who physically takes possession of cargo at destination and does not act as a third party in the movement of such goods.
Benchmarking
The measurement, comparison, and exchange of standards in the business process(es).
Bending-moment
The result of vertical forces acting on a vessel as a result of local differences between weight and buoyancy.
Best Practice
Also known as competitive benchmarking, the methodology that determines state-of-industry performance or application.
Berth
A location in a port where a vessel docks.
Berth Terms
Goto : Liner Terms.
Bilateral Transport Agreement
Agreement between two nations pertaining to transport.
Bill of Lading (B/L, Blading)
A cargo receipt, issued and signed by a duly authorised person on behalf of the Carriers. a. A document evidencing the title to the goods described therein. b. A contract listing the terms and conditions of carriage agreed upon between Shipper and Carrier.
Bill of Lading Clause
A particular article of a Bill of Lading. A clause can be standard and is usually preprinted on the B/L.
Bill of Lading Number (B/L No.)
Carrier’s (unique) reference number assigned to Bill of Lading.
B/L
Goto : Bill of Lading.
B/L Terms
Bill of Lading terms under which a shipment is carried.
Blading
Goto : Bill of Lading.
Block Train
A number of railway wagons (loaded with containers), running from A to B without marshalling, transshipping or any coupling or decoupling of wagons underway.
Bollard
Pole, fixed to a quay or a vessel, for securing mooring lines.
Bolster
Bracing of a commodity in a container. Flatrack container without ends.
Bona Fide
In good faith; true.
Bonded
The storage of import goods under charge of customs viz. customs seal until the import duties are paid or until the goods are re-exported.
Booking
Cargo commitment made to Carrier by Shipper.
Booking Note
Numbered document, which confirms acceptance of a specific shipment while detailing specific information, i.e., weight, id, port, ship name, voyage number, discharge point.
Box
Common terminology describing a container.
Box Rate
A lump sum charge to move cargo in containers from origin to destination.
Boycott Certificates
Required by certain countries restricting carriage to certain flag vessels.
Break Bulk Cargo (Conventional Cargo, B/B)
General cargo stowed conventionally as opposed to unitised (palletised), containerised and Roll On/Roll Off cargo.
Breakbulk Vessel
Conventional Carriers designed to carry containers and non-containerised cargo; vessel with hatches built to accommodate various commodities.
Broker
Person who serves as an agent or intermediary in negotiating contracts.
Brokerage
Fee paid to forwarder by the Carrier for services performed.
BSR
Basic Service Rate
Bulk Cargo
Unpacked homogeneous cargo poured loose in a vessel's hold or a container e.g. oil and grain.
Bulk Carrier
Single deck vessel designed to carry homogeneous unpacked dry bulk cargoes.
Bulk Container
Container designed for the carriage of dry cargoes in bulk, which are loaded through hatchways in the roof of the container and discharged through hatchways at one end of the container.
Bulkhead
Vertical partition dividing compartments on board a vessel.
Bull rings
Rings for lashing the cargo in containers (flatracks or artificial tweendecks).
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
Adjustment applied by shipping lines or liner conferences to compensate for the effect of fluctuations in the cost of fuel.
Bunker Surcharge
Goto : Bunker Adjustment Factor.
Bunkers
Fuel for a vessel’s propulsion plant (engine).
Bureau Veritas
French classification society.
Buying Signal
Statement made by a customer that indicates he is ready/prepared to buy your service.
C
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C&F
Cost and Freight. Terms of sale. Seller quotes price including the cost of goods and all transportation charges to the named point of destination.
C/A
· Corrective Action · Current Account
CA
Carrier’s Arrangement
CAF
Goto : Currency Adjustment Factor.
Cabotage
Transport of goods between two locations within the same country.
Cage
Special section specifically for ad Valorem type cargo.
Call
The vessel ‘s stay in port.
Call Sign
A vessel-specific code to be used for the communication between vessels, port authorities and other relevant participants in international trade.
CAR
Corrective Action Request
Cargo
Goods carried on a ship covered by a B/L.
Cargo Bays
Doors at cargo warehouse where vehicles back in to load/unload cargo.
Cargo Gear
Ship's Crane.
Cargo Handling
The physical handling of goods.
Cargo Manifest
An invoice of all cargo loaded on board a vessel. Entire listing of all cargo on board a vessel is required by the relevant local authorities.
Same as Manifest.
Cargo Payment Methods
CAF : Cost, Assurance, and Freight
CIF : Cost, Insurance and Freight
C&F : Cost and Freight
Seller quotes a price including cost of transportation to the named destination. Title passes when the goods arrive at this point and not when the goods are shipped.
FOB : Free on Board. Destination Freight Collect.
Title passing to buyer, and freight charges being paid by buyer.
Cargo Release Control Book
List of Bills of Lading per vessel which is used to control freight payment and their release to the pier.
Cargo Tracer
A message sent by an agent to all relevant parties, with the aim of establishing the whereabouts of missing or overlanded cargo.
Carriage and Insurance Paid (CIP)
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. Consequently, the seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. If subsequent carriers are used for the carriage to the agreed destination, the risk passes when the goods have been delivered to the first carrier. The CIP term requires the seller to clear the goods for export. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport including multimodal transport. (*)
Carriage Paid To (CPT)
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 other costs occurring after the goods have been so delivered. If subsequent carriers are used for the carriage to the agreed destination, the risk passes when the goods have been delivered to the first carrier. The CPT term requires the seller to clear the goods for export. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport including multimodal transport. (*)
Carrier
One who owns, operates or charters vehicles of transportation for movement of cargo.
Carrier’s Certificate U.S. Custom’s form used in lieu of Bill of Lading.
Carrier Haulage
The inland transport service, which is performed by under the sea-Carrier’s responsibility under the terms and conditions of a tariff and of the relevant transport document (B/L).
Carriers' Lien
The Carrier has the right to exercise a lien on cargo on "freight collect" shipments and thus retain possession of the goods as security for the charges due.
CASP
Cargo Acceptance Service Pattern
CBR
Commodity Box Rate
CBM
Cubic Meter - 35.314 cubic feet.
CCA
Connecting Carrier Agreement
Cell
Container slot where container fits into place on vessel.
Cell-guide
Steel bars and rails used to steer containers during loading and discharging whilst loaded in the ship.
Cell Position
The location of a cell on board of a container vessel identified by a code for successively the bay, the row and the tier, indicating the position of each container on a vessel.
Cellular Vessel
A vessel specially designed, built, and equipped for the transport of containers.
CENSA
Goto : Council of European and Japanese National Shipowner's Associations.
Certificate of Classification
A certificate, issued by the classification society which states the class of a vessel.
Certificate of Origin
Formal document (required at destination) stating origin of cargo and relevant cargo details.
CFR
Goto : Cost and Freight
CFS
Goto : Container Freight Station.
CFS Cargo
Loose containerisable cargo handled in a container freight station (warehouse).
CFS Charge
Container freight station charge, assessed by Carrier for the handling of cargo at the terminal.
CFS/CFS
Cargo received and stuffed by Carrier at origin and de-vanned by Carrier at destination.
CFS/CY
Cargo received and stuffed by Carrier at origin then delivered intact at destination.
C/H
Carrier’s Haulage
Chains & Binders
Equipment used to secure (brace & chock) oversized cargo to equipment.
Charter Party
A contract in which the shipowner agrees to place his vessel or part of a vessel at the disposal of a Charterer for the purpose of carrying goods, against a freight per ton of cargo, or a daily hire.
Charter VSL
Vessel whose owner makes vessels available on bid basis.
Charterer
The signatory to a charter party with the owner of a vessel who thus hires or leases a vessel or a part of its capacity.
Chassis
Trailer or wheeled unit on which a container is placed in order to move container over the road.
CIA Customer Information Application.
CIF
Goto : Cost, Insurance and Freight
CIP
Goto : Carriage and Insurance Paid
Claim
A request for payment by a customer due to shortage or damage to cargo.
Claim Tracer
Request for advice concerning the status of a claim.
Classification Society
An organisation whose main function is to carry out surveys of vessels, with the purpose of setting and maintaining standards of construction and maintenance of vessels, engines, and safety equipment. A classification society also inspects and approves the construction standards for containers.
Clean Bill of Lading
A Bill of Lading which does not take exception from the apparent order and condition of the goods to be transported.
Clean on Board
Mention specifying that the Bill of Lading is issued without exceptions.
CLP
Container Loan Plan. Describes how the inside of container is stowed with cargo.
CM a. Contribution Margin b. Current Month
C/O
Care of
COD a. Change of Destination b. Continue on Docket c. Cost of Diversion d. Cash on Delivery
Codabar
Codabar is a variable length barcode that can encode 16 data characters including 0-9, plus the symbols - $ ; / . +. Codabar is used primarily for numeric data.
Code 128 Auto
Code 128 is a variable length bar code that is capable of encoding the entire 128 character ASCII character set. Code 128 allows three subsets, A, B and C. This version, "Code 128 Auto", will automatically select the subset that will produce the smallest bar code.
Code 128A
Code 128 is a variable length bar code that is capable of encoding the entire 128 character ASCII character set. Code 128 allows three subsets, A, B and C. This subset (A) allows all standard upper case alpha-numeric keyboard characters plus control characters.
Code 128B
Code 128 is a variable length bar code that is capable of encoding the entire 128 character ASCII character set. Code 128 allows three subsets, A, B and C. This subset (B) allows all standard upper case alpha-numeric keyboard characters and lower case alpha characters.
Code 128C
Code 128 is a variable length bar code that is capable of encoding the entire 128 character ASCII character set. Code 128 allows three subsets, A, B and C. This subset (C) includes a set of 100 digit pairs from 00 to 99 inclusive. This allows double density numeric digits, two digits per bar coded character.
Code 3 of 9
This bar code is an alphanumeric bar code allowing uppercase letters and numbers. Each character consists of nine elements. 3 of the nine elements are wide, hence the name "3 of 9".
Code 93
Code 93 is an alpha-numeric bar code allowing upper case letters and numbers. BarCode/VBX will convert lower case letters to upper case before encoding them.
COFC
Container on a Flat Car. Containers moving on articulated flat rail cars without chassis.
Cofferdam
An empty space between two bulkheads or two decks separating tanks, the engine room or other compartments from each other.
Collapsible Flat Rack
Specialised flat rack on which either/both ends can collapse to accommodate odd-sized cargo (® Flat Rack).
Combined Transport
Transport where the major part of the journey is by f. inst. sea and any pre-/on-carriage is carried out by another mode such as road.
Combined Transport B/L
Transport document providing for a combined transport by at least two different modes of transport from a place at which the goods are taken to a place designated for delivery under the responsibility of the Carrier.
Commercial Invoice
A document stating the values of the transaction between the buyer and seller.
Commission
Remuneration payable to an agent by the Principal, usually a percentage of the freight revenue.
Commodity
Indication of the type of cargo.
Commodity Box Rate
A freight rate classified by commodity and offered per container.
Common Point
Point reached by two or more transportation lines.
Common Tariff
Tariff published by or for the account of two or more transportation lines as issuing carriers.
Company Guarantee
A letter of guarantee from a company relieving the Carrier of responsibility associated in the release of goods without an original Bill of Lading. This practise should be exercised with extreme caution, and cannot be recommended.
Computer Virus
A programme that can "infect" other programs by corrupting data so as to possibly include a replicated copy of itself.
Cones
Devices for facilitating the positioning of containers. The cones insert into the bottom corner castings of the container.
Conference a. A group of steamship companies offering equal freight rates, standardised shipping practices and regularly scheduled service between designated ports. In the USA, these arrangements are given anti-trust immunity as authorised by the Shipping Act of 1984. b. Group of Carriers allowed by FMC to determine rate levels, service and rules of a given trade route bound together by a common tariff or certain geographical area.
Conference Carrier
Carrier that belongs to the Conference.
Conference Certificate
Certificate declaring that the Carrier is a member of the conference.
Conference Chairman
Administrative officer hired by the member lines of a conference to over® the day-to-day operations of the conference.
Conference Confidentiality
Specific language mandated by the conference basic agreement prohibiting the promulgation of confidential conference information.
Congestion
Accumulation of vessels at a port resulting in waiting time for arriving vessels to load or discharge for a vacant berth.
Connecting Carrier
An intermediary Carrier utilised to connect cargo to/from mother vessel.
Consignee
The party listed in the Bill of Lading to whom the cargo or containers is destined.
Consignee Code
Internal code assigned to each Consignee.
Consignment (Shipment)
A volume of goods to be transported from a Shipper to a Consignee via one or several modes of transport and specified in one single transport document (B/L).
Consignment Instructions
Instructions from either the Shipper or the Consignee to a freight forwarder, Carrier or his agent, or other provider of a service, with respect to the cargo movement and associated activities.
Consolidate
To group and stuff several small shipments together in one container.
Consolidated Container
Container stuffed with several shipments from different Shippers for delivery to one or more Consignees.
Consolidation
Effort extended to put same destination cargo together in same container for ease of delivery.
Consolidation Point
Location where the consolidation of consignments takes place.
Consolidator
A firm or a company which provides consolidation of cargo.
Consortium
Group of Carriers pooling resources in a trade lane to maximise their resources efficiently.
Consular Invoice
A document produced by the shipper/seller of goods an accurate description of the merchandise and the country of origin. All items are itemized and with actual price.
Consulate Copy
Copy of the B/L signed for consulate purposes.
Consulate Legalisation
Some shipping documents must be presented to the Consul for legalisation either prior to or just after sailing.
Container (Freight Container)
An item of equipment as defined by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for transport purposes. An enclosed permanent, reusable, non-disposable, weather-tight shipping conveyance, usually fitted with hardwood floors. A rectangular unit used for shipment, generally made of steel or aluminium; standard lengths are 20’ and 40’, 8’ wide.
Container Chassis
A vehicle specially built for the purpose of transporting containers so that the container and chassis serve as a road trailer when assembled.
Container Check Digit
The 7th digit of the serial number of a container used to check whether prefix and serial number of the container are correct.
Container Depot
Storage location for empty containers.
Container Freight Station (CFS)
A facility at which (export) small cargo lots are received from Shippers for loading (stuffing) into containers or at which small cargo lots (import) cargo are unloaded (stripped) from containers and delivered to Consignees.
Container Lease
The contract by which the owner of containers (lessor) gives the use of containers to a lessee (Carrier) for a specified period of time against fixed payments.
Container Load Plan
A list of cargo loaded in a specific container and possibly their sequence of loading.
Container Number
Identification number assigned to each container (MAEU 1234567).
Container Pool
Where containers are stored usually inland for container availability to accounts. Carrier location holding empty containers, various points for Shipper’s utilisation; an area designated for storage of empty container/equipment.
Container Prefix
A four letter code that forms the first part of a container identification number indicating the owner of a container (APMU…./MAEU….).
Container Safety Convention (CSC)
International convention for safe containers.
Container Serial Number
A seven digit serial number (6 plus 1 Check Digit) which forms the second part of a container identification number.
Container Service Charges
Charges to be paid by cargo interests according to tariff.
Container Ship
Vessel built to accommodate ocean containers.
Container Stuffing List (CSL)
List showing how cargo is stowed in each container.
Container Terminal
Location where loaded and/or empty containers are loaded or discharged from a vessel or from a chassis/wagon.
Container Yard (CY)
A facility at which full and empty containers are received from or delivered to the Shippers by or on behalf of the Carrier.
Containerised
Indication that goods are stowed in a container.
Continuous Flow Distribution (CFD)
The streamline pull of products in response to customer requirements while minimizing the cost of distribution.
Continuous Replenishment Program (CRP)
A program that triggers the manufacturing and movement of a product through the supply chain when the identical product is purchased by an end user.
Contract
An agreement enforceable by law between two or more parties stipulating their rights and obligations.
Contract Carrier
For-hire interstate operators which offer transportations services to certain shippers under contracts.
Contract of Affreightment
An agreement whereby the shipowner agrees to carry goods by water, or supplies a vessel for the purpose of carrying goods by sea, in return for a sum of money called freight.
Contribution Margin (CM)
Goto : NTV. Contribution towards fixed costs. Freight revenue minus variable costs.
Conventional Cargo
Goto : Break Bulk Cargo.
Cooper
Warehouse worker assigned to reconstruct or repair cartons, crates, boxes, etc.
Core Competency
A company´s primary function considered essential to its success.
Corner Fittings (Corner Casting)
Fittings located at the eight corners of containers facilitating the support, stacking, handling and securing of containers.
Corner Post
Vertical structural post at either side of an 'end frame' of a container joining a top and a bottom corner fitting.
Corporate Guarantee
Goto : Company Guarantee.
Correction Notice (C/N)
Internal documents for correction to manifest which reflect a change in the details of a shipment.
Cost and Freight (CFR)
Means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ship's rail in the port of shipment. The seller must pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination BUT the risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time of delivery, are transferred from the seller to the buyer. The CFR term requires the seller to clear the goods for export. This term can be used only for sea and inland waterway transport. If the parties do not intend to deliver the goods across the ship's rail, the CPT term should be used. (*)
Cost Insurance Freight (CIF)
Terms of sale. Seller quotes a price including cost of goods, insurance and transportation charges to point of destination.
Cotton Bridge
Term associated with rail movement of cotton from an inland point to rail ramp at load port.
Council of European and Japanese National Shipowner's Associations (CENSA)
Organisation with objectives promoting and protecting sound shipping policies in all sectors of shipping, to co-ordinate and present the views of its members and to exchange views with other shipowner groups.
Country of Origin
Country in which the goods have been produced or manufactured, according to certain Customs criteria.
Country of Provenance
The country from which cargo is shipped to the importing country.
C/P
Charter Party
CPS
Connecting Point Spain. Term associated with point in Spain (Algeciras) utilised to feeder/tranship containers to the ultimate destination(s).
CPT
Goto : Carriage Paid To
CRA
Corporate Rate Agreement
Crane
A machine designed for moving and lifting weight by means of a projecting arm or a horizontal beam.
Credit & Collection
Department which oversees money owed to container line.
Credit Agreement
Agreement between Carrier and Shipper for release of cargo with promise to pay ocean freight within a specified timeframe. Document signed by the Shipper which binds Shipper to credit terms of the conference or agreement body.
CRF
Confidential Reference File
Cross-Docking
The process of moving merchandise directly from the receiving dock to the shipping dock, eliminating the need to place the merchandise in storage.
Cross Reference
Document that indicates B/L and corresponding container(s) or vice-versa.
Cross Trades
Shipping services provided by a Carrier between countries other than that in which the vessel(s) is/are registered (UNCTAD).
CSB
Cross Booking
CSC a. Goto : Container Safety Convention. b. Container Service Charge
CSP
Container Service Port
CST
Container Service Tariff
CT B/L
Combined Transport Bill of Lading
Cubic Foot
1,728 Cubic Inches.
Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)
Adjustment made by shipping lines or liner conferences on freight rates to offset losses or gains for Carriers as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates of tariff currencies.
Customer Service (C/S)
Department designed to meet customer requirements.
Customs
A Government body that deals with the levy of duties and taxes on imported goods from foreign countries and the control over the export and import of goods f. inst. quotas, prohibited goods.
Customs Broker
An authorised agent specialised in customs clearance procedures on behalf of importers/exporters.
Customs Clearance a. Shipment cleared by Customs for movement. b. The process of declaring and clearing cargoes through Customs.
Customs Entries
Consumption Entry Form required by U.S. Customs for entering goods into the United States. The form contains information as to the origin of the cargo, a description of the merchandise, and estimated duties applicable to the particular commodity.
Estimated duties must be paid at the time the entry is filled. Immediate Delivery Entry Used to expedite clearance of cargo. It allows for up to ten days for the payment of estimated duty and processing of the consumption entry.
In addition, it permits the delivery of the cargo prior to payment of the estimated duty and then allows subsequent filing of the consumption entry and duty. Also known as an ID entry.
Immediate Transportation Entry Allows the cargo to be moved from the pier to an inland destination via a bonded carrier without the payment of duties or finalization of the entry at the port of arrival. Known as an IT entry. Transportation and Exportation Entry Allows goods coming from or going to a third country, such as Canada or Mexico, to enter the United States for the purpose of transshipment. Known as a T&E entry.
Vessel Repair Entry The law known as the "Foreign Vessel Repair Statute" provides that when any repairs in a foreign country are made on a vessel documented under the laws of the United States, an ad valorem duty of 50% is imposed on the cost of repair, including labor and labor costs, when the vessel arrives in the United States. All equipment, parts, or materials purchased, and repairs made, outside the United States must be declared on Customs Form 226 (CF-226) and filed at the port of first arrival within 5 working days.
Customs House Broker (ChB)
Agent representative licensed by FMC who negotiates customs clearance for import cargo on behalf of the Consignee through U.S. Customs.
Customs Invoice
Document required by the customs in an importing country in which an exporter states the invoice or other price, and specifies costs for freight, insurance and packing etc., terms of delivery and payment, for the purpose of determining the customs value and assessment of duties in the importing country.
Customs Station
Area where containers are brought for Customs inspection.
Customs Value
The cargo value expressed in a monetary amount, for a shipment declared to Customs for duty and statistical reasons.
Customs Warehouse
Where cargo is temporarily stored awaiting inspection or where cargo is stored when seized by Customs for lack of permit/entry.
Cut Off
Last possible date cargoes may be delivered to a ship or a designated point.
CY
Goto : Container Yard.
CY/CFS
Full container, stuffed by a Shipper at origin and delivered to a pier facility at destination where it is devanned by the Carrier for subsequent delivery.
CY/CY
Full container, stuffed by Shipper at origin and delivered to Carrier’s terminal for vessel loading and discharged at destination terminal for pick up and unstuffing by Consignee.
Cycle Count
Counting inventory by checking a particular location or set of locations and comparing the physical counts with the system-maintained inventory levels.
Cycle Time
The amount of time it takes to complete a business process. For example, the amount of time from when a service is ordered until it is received by the customer.
Cycle Time Reduction
The process of reducing cycle time, cutting costs and improveing customer service.
D
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DAD
Delivery Authorised Documents. ® Delivery Order.
DAF
Goto : Delivered At Frontier
Damage Report
Form on which physical damage to containers is recorded.
Damaged Cargo Report
Written statement establishing damages to cargo and/or equipment.
Dangerous Goods
Cargo of a hazardous nature as classified under IMO regulations.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
Document issued by a Shipper in accordance with applicable conventions or regulations, describing hazardous goods or materials for transport purposes, and certifying that the latter have been packed and labelled in accordance with the provisions of the prevailing conventions or regulations.
Dangerous Goods Packing Certificate
A document as part of the dangerous goods declaration in which the responsible party declares that the cargo has been stowed in accordance with the rules in a clean container according to the IMDG regulations and properly secured.
DC
Dangerous Cargo
DCC
Documentation Control Centre
DCR
Dangerous Cargo Request
D/D
Door/Door
DDC (Destination Delivery Charge)
A charge assessed by the Carrier for handling positioning of a full container within the container yard.
DDU
Goto : Delivered Duty Unpaid
Deadweight (DWT)
The total weight of cargo, cargo equipment, bunkers, provisions, water, stores and spare parts which a vessel is designed to carry. The Deadweight is expressed in tons.
Dedicated Service A service specially designed for the use by one or more particular customers.
Deep Tank
Tank fitted and equipped for the carriage of liquids in bulk.
Delinquent List
Accounts owing money past due; issued by Carrier if monies are outstanding past credit agreement terms.
Delivered At Frontier (DAF)
Means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport 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. The term «frontier» may be used for any frontier including that of the country of export. Therefore, it is of vital importance that the frontier in question be defined precisely by always naming the point and place in the term. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport when goods are to be delivered at a land frontier. When delivery is to take place in the port of destination, on board a vessel or on the quay (wharf), the DES or DEQ terms should be used. (*)
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
Means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer, cleared for import, and not unloaded from any arriving means of transport 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. If the parties wish the buyer to bear all risks and costs of the import, the DDU term should be used. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport but when delivery is to take place in the port of destination on board the vessel or on the quay (wharf), the DES or DEQ terms should be used. (*)
Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)
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. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport but when delivery is to take place in the port of destination on board the vessel or on the quay (wharf), the DES or DEQ terms should be used. (*)
Delivered Ex Ship (DES)
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 destination 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. This term can be used only when the goods are to be delivered by sea or inland waterway or multimodal transport on a vessel in the port of destination. (*)
Delivered Ex Quay (DEQ)
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. This term can be used only when the goods are to be delivered by sea or inland waterway or multimodal transport on discharging from a vessel onto the quay (wharf) in the port of destination. However if the parties wish to include in the seller's obligations the risks and costs of the handling of the goods from the quay to another place (warehouse, terminal, etc.) in or outside the port, the DDU or DDP terms should be used. (*)
Delivery
The process of delivering the shipment to the Consignee at the agreed place.
Delivery Note
A document evidencing the delivery of a shipment to a Consignee. Delivery Order
A document issued by or on behalf of the Carrier authorising the release of import cargo to Consignee.
Delivery Order
Order from the consignee, shipper, or owner of freight to a terminal operator, carrier, or warehouse to deliver freight to another party. On imports, may also be known as a pier release.
Delivery Party
The party to which the shipment is to be delivered.
Demand Chain
Another name for the supply chain, with emphasis on the customer or party controlling demand.
Demise Charter
A contract whereby the shipowner leases his vessel to the Charterer for a period of time during which the use and management of the vessel passes to the Charterer, who pays all expenses for the manning, operation and maintenance of the vessel.
Demurrage
Additional charge imposed for exceeding the free time included in the freight rate for the use of equipment.
Depot
A location designated by the Carrier where empty containers are kept in stock and received from or delivered to the container operators or Shippers/Consignees.
DEQ
Goto : Delivered Ex Quay
Derrick
Lifting equipment on a conventional vessel for loading and discharging cargo, consisting of a vertical post attached to the deck and an inclined boom.
DES
Goto : Delivered Ex Ship
Det Norske Veritas
Norwegian classification society.
Detention
Keeping equipment beyond the free time allowed.
See also : Demurrage.
Detention Charge
Charges levied on usage of equipment exceeding free time period.
Deterioration
The downgrading of a product due to prolonged storage, or damages resulting from external influences.
Devanning
Goto : Stripping, Unstuffing.
D/I
Direct Information
Differential
Amount added or deducted from base rate to make a rate to or from some other point or via another route.
Direct Consignment
One company shipping directly to another without third party involvement.
Direct Delivery
Direct discharge from vessel onto railroad car, road vehicle or barge.
Direct Interchange
Transfer of leased containers from one lessee to another.
Disbursement
Sums paid on behalf of a Carrier by a ship's agent at a port and subsequently recovered from the Carrier.
Discharge
The unloading of a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft.
Discharge Port
Port where cargo is unloaded from vessel.
Displacement
The weight of the quantity of water displaced by the vessel.
Distribution
The full range of activities and planning required to move a product from the production line to the end user.
Distribution Requirements Planning
A system of determining demand for inventory at distribution centers, consolidating the demand information backwards, and acting as input to the production and material system.
DIT
Destination Interchange Terminal - The facility operated by the ocean carrier or his agent at which containers are interchanged with the delivering motor carrier.
Diversion Charge
Fee for diverting cargo from one discharge port to another.
DOC
Drop-off Charge
Dock
Where vessel positions itself to load/unload.
Dock Receipt (DR)
Document issued by a shipping line acknowledging receipt of goods for shipment.
Documentary Credit
The basis of international trade by means of which payment is made against surrender of the original transport documents (B/L).
Double Stack Car
Rail car capable of carrying two FFE, one on top of each other.
Double Stack Train
A number of railway wagons, usually a block train, on which containers can be stacked two-high.
Down Time
The period of time during which a machine is not available due operational failure or lack of maintenance.
Draft (Draught)
The draft of a vessel is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the keel of the vessel.
Draft (Bill of Exchange)
A written order for a certain sum of money to be transferred on a certain date.
Draft Sight and Time
Sight Draft (S/D): A draft so drawn as to be payable upon presentation to the drawee or at a fixed or determination date thereafter.
Time Draft: A draft so drawn as to mature at a certain fixed time after presentation or acceptance.
Draught
Goto : Draft.
Drawback
99% refund of imported, duty paid materials, which are to be exported.
Drayage
Haulage of containers over the road via truck.
Dry Box
Goto : Container.
Dry-dock
Facility used to lay up vessels for maintenance and/or repair.
Dry Reefer
Reefer container used to carry dry cargo not requiring temperature control.
D/S
Double Stack
D.S.
Dansk Standard
DST
Double Stack Train
Dunnage
Stowage material, mainly timber or board, used to prevent damage to cargo during carriage.
Duty Drawback
Payment returned for cargoes re-exported or trade show material returned. A Customs refund on re-exported cargo.
DWT
Goto : Deadweight.
E
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EAN
EAN barcodes are used when the country origin needs to be known. There are 13 digits in EAN 13 where the first two characters are used to define the country of origin,. the next ten are data, followed by the checksum. Both 2 and 5 digit supplementals are also supported.
EAN8
EAN barcodes are used when the country origin needs to be known. There are 8 digits in EAN 8 where the first two characters are used to define the country of origin,. the next 5 are data, followed by the checksum. Both 2 and 5 digit supplementals are also supported.
Earnings
Income after a company´s taxes and all other expenses have been paid. Also called profit or net income.
ECD
Empty Container Depot.
Economic Value Added (EVA)
Measuring Shareholder value as a company´s operating profits after tax, less a charge for the capital used in creating the profits. EVA is a registered trademark of Stern & Co. in the U.S.
ECU
European Currency Unit.
EDI
Goto : Electronic Data Interchange.
EDP
Goto : Electronic Data Processing.
EDR
Equipment Damage Receipt
EIR
Goto : Equipment Interchange Receipt.
Elcee (L/C)
Goto : Letter of Credit.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Document transfer by computer to computer from one company to another.
Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport (EDIFACT)
The ISO application level syntax rules for the structuring of user data and of the associated service data in the interchange of messages in an open environment.
Electronic Data Processing (EDP)
The computerised handling of data (e.g. business data).
Embargo
A government order prohibiting the entry or departure of commercial vessels or merchandise at its ports.
Endorsement
The transfer of the right to obtain delivery of the goods from the Carrier by means of the Consignee's signature on the reverse side of a Bill of Lading.
Equalisation
Compensation for additional charges incurred by the Shipper for delivering cargo to port designated by the Carrier other than the closest port to the supplier.
Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR)
Physical inspection and transfer receipt of a container.
Error List
Report showing discrepancies (errors) in data input.
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival.
ETC
Equipment Transfer Charges
ETD
Estimated Time of Departure
ETS
Expected Time of Sailing
Ex Works (EXW)
means that the seller delivers when he places the goods at the disposal of the buyer at the seller's premises or another named place (i.e. works, factory, warehouse, etc.) not cleared for export and not loaded on any collecting vehicle. This term thus represents the minimum obligation for the seller, and the buyer has to bear all costs and risks involved in taking the goods from the seller's premises. (*)
Exemption Clause
A clause in a contract relieving the Carrier from responsibility for certain events.
Export Dec.
Export Declaration (Shippers) Bureau of Census document which spells out shipment details for entry to government statistical system. Documents for export shipping declaring value of cargo to U.S. Customs.
Export Documents
The documents required to export a shipment.
Extra Loader
Additional vessel brought into schedule to cater for e.g. seasonal fluctuations.
EXW
Goto : Ex Works
EZC
European Zone Charges
F
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F A B
Features, Advantages, Benefits. · Feature - facts about the product itself. · Advantage - what it does. · Benefits - rewards for the customer, its value. Selling points which must be personalised (you, yours) for full effectiveness
FAC
Forwarding Agents Commission
FAF
Fuel Adjustment Factor
Fairway
A navigable channel for vessels, often the prescribed route a vessel will follow to avoid danger.
FAK
Goto : Freight All Kinds.
FAS
Goto : Free Alongside Ship
FCA
Goto : Free Carrier
FCL
Goto : Full Container Load.
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
U.S. Government agency responsible for overseeing regulatory aspects of the Shipping Act.
Feeder
The transportation vehicle utilised to relay cargo from mother vessel to ultimate destination, usually a small container vessel.
Fender
An appliance made of rubber, timber and/or rope or other materials normally attached to a dock or quay used to prevent damage to the hull of a vessel during operations.
FEQ / FFE
Forty-foot Equivalent.
FEU
Goto : Forty Foot Equivalent Unit.
FF
Freight Forwarder. Federally licensed (by FMC) company that handles documentation details for Shipper of export cargo (U.S.).
Fifth Wheel
Circular bearing mechanism, secured on the rear of the chassis of a truck that engages and locks the semi-trailer to the truck.
FIR
Financial Information Reporting
Flag
An indication of the country in which a vessel is registered.
Flag Waiver
Permission from government to carry cargo otherwise reserved for a particular flag Carrier.
Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which a commodity produces enough vapour to form a flammable mixture with air.
Flat
Goto : Flat Rack.
Flat Bed Trailer
A wheeled trailer or a semi-trailer with a flat cargo carrying surface.
Flat Car
Railroad car on which container or container/chassis is placed.
Flat Rack
A flat bed 20’ op 40’ container with fixed or collapsible ends suitable for the carriage of cargo of excessive width and plated for carriage of heavy loads.
Flexitanks
A polythene "bag" which can be fitted inside a 20' container for the transportation of non-hazardous liquids.
Floating Crane
Heavy-duty cranes brought in to handle cargo when unable to use gantry crane. A crane mounted on a barge or pontoon, which can be towed or is self-propelled.
Floating Dock
A floating structure which can be partially submerged to enable vessels to enter and leave the structure for use as a dry dock.
FMC
Federal Maritime Commission. U.S. regulatory body affecting ocean-going Carriers. U.S. government body that oversees all maritime rules and regulations.
FMC No.
Number assigned by government identifying tariffs, trade agreements, and authorising a freight forwarder to operate.
FOB Goto : Free On Board.
Force Majeure (Act of God)
Circumstances beyond the control of one of the parties to a contract which may, depending on the terms and conditions of the contract, relieve that party of liability for failing to execute such contract.
Fork Lift Truck
A mechanical truck with forks at the front designed for lifting, carrying and stowing cargo.
Forty Foot Equivalent Unit (FEU)
Unit of measurement equivalent to one forty foot container.
Forwarder (Freight Forwarder)
The party arranging the carriage of goods and connected services and/or associated formalities on a Shipper or Consignee's behalf.
Franc Poincaré
Value unit in which the limitation of the Carrier's liability may be expressed. One franc Poincaré consists of 65.5 milligram of gold with a fineness of 900/1000.
Franchise
Amount which in case of damage is borne by the insured.
Free Alongside Ship (FAS)
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 of or damage to the goods from that moment. The FAS term requires the seller to clear the goods for export. (*)
Free Carrier (FCA)
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. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport, including multimodal transport. (*)
Free In and Out (FIO)
Transport term signifying that the freight rate excludes the costs of loading/discharging, stowage, and lashing.
Free In Liner Out (FILO)
Transport term signifying that the freight rate is inclusive of the ocean carriage and the cost of discharging, the latter usually as per the custom of the port. It excludes the cost of loading, stowage, and lashing.
Free On Board (FOB)
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 damage 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 sea or inland waterway transport. If the parties do not intend to deliver the goods across the ship's rail, the FCA term should be used. (*)
Free Pratique
Permission granted by local medical authorities, meaning that the vessel has a clean Bill of Health allowing people to embark and disembark.
Free Time
Storage allowed at Carrier facility without penalties assessed.
Freight
The amount of money due for transporting the goods, payable either in advance or upon delivery.
Freight All Kinds (FAK)
Single freight which is charged irrespective of the commodity.
Freight Cashier
Responsible for collections of freight/charges/release of cargo/release of Bills of Lading.
Freight Claim
Formal letter with supporting documents, i.e., B/L, D/R, temperature chart, etc., making claim against Carrier for lost or damaged cargo.
Freight Collect
Freight and charges be paid at destination (by the Consignee).
Freight Forwarder
Goto : Forwarder.
Freight Invoice
An itemised list of cargo shipped and services rendered listing charges involved.
Freight Manifest
A summary of cargoes stating all freight particulars.
Freight Prepaid
Freight and charges to be paid by the Shipper.
Freight Ton
A unit for freighting cargo according to weight and/or cubic measurement.
Freighted B/L
A Bill of Lading that lists all charges pertaining to cargo movement from origin to destination.
Freighter
A vessel used for the carriage of cargo.
Full Container Load (FCL)
A container stuffed or stripped under risk and for account of the Shipper and/or the Consignee.
Fully Cellular Containership
A vessel specially designed to carry containers, with cell-guides below deck and necessary fittings and equipment on deck.
Fumigation
Treating of cargoes with gases to exterminate vermin.
G
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G/A
Goto : General Average.
Gang
A number of workmen acting together especially for performing manual tasks in connection with loading and/or discharging of a vessel by means of the necessary gear.
Gangway
Bridge/staircase laid from an opening in the railing or side of a vessel to the shore or to a platform giving access to the vessel.
Gantry Crane
A crane or hoisting machine mounted on a structure spanning an intervening space, which often travels on rails.
Gear & Tackle
Ship’s equipment used to level, secure and brace cargo for loading/unloading from vessel.
General Average (G/A)
Intentional act or sacrifice which is carried out to safeguard vessel and cargo. If the maritime venture is in peril and the Captain decides to sacrifice the ship or cargo for the common good, then all parties who gain by the safe completion of the voyage make a contribution to reimburse those who have suffered from the sacrifice. Measures taken for the sole benefit of any particular interest are not considered general average.
General Average Statement
Statement showing details of all general average costs and expenses and the contribution of each interest in the general average in proportion to its value.
General Cargo
Cargo, consisting of merchandise, unpacked or packed in cartons, crates, bags or bales, often palletised. General cargo can be shipped either in Breakbulk or stuffed in containers.
Gen-set (Genset)
Generator used to provide power to regulate temperature in a reefer container; can be run on its own fuel or plugs provided on pier/vessel.
Germanischer Lloyd
German classification society.
GO
General Order Cargo seized by Customs due to failure on the part of Consignee to make Customs entry within allotted free time (U.S.).
GO Warehouse
A Customs warehouse utilised when cargo goes into General Order due to lack of permit/entry filed (U.S.).
Godown
A warehouse or cargo shed. (Far East).
Gooseneck
Gooseneck shaped front end of a trailer or chassis.
GP
General Purpose
GRI
General Rate Increase.
Gross Tonnage (GRT)
A volume measure of the overall size of a vessel determined in accordance with the provisions of the international convention on measurement of vessels usually expressed in register ton.
Gross Weight
Weight (mass) of cargo including packing, but excluding the Carrier's equipment.
Gross Weight of Container
Total weight of container including cargo.
H
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Hague Rules
International convention for the unification of rules, pertaining to Bills of Lading (1924). These Rules describe the responsibilities of ocean Carriers.
Hague-Visby Rules
Set of rules, published in 1968, amending the Hague Rules.
Hamburg Rules
United Nations Convention on the carriage of goods by sea of 1978 adopted in 1992.
H/P
House to Pier. Shipper loaded container that will be de-consolidated at destination terminal for distribution.
Hanger Beam
Beam affixed with hanging, looped rope utilised to hang clothing in a hangertainer.
Hangertainer
Specialised container equipped with hanger beams for the purpose of stowing garments.
Harbour
Place of shelter for vessels used as an indication for the geographical location.
Hatch Cover
Watertight means of closing the hatchway of a vessel.
Hatch Way
Opening in the deck of a vessel through which cargo is loaded into, or discharged from the hold and which is closed by means of a hatch cover.
Haulage
The inland carriage of cargo or containers between named locations.
Haulier
Road Carrier.
HBD
Harbour Dues. Assessment by Port Authorities when vessels enter harbour.
Heated Storage
Warehouse specifically heated to protect bottled cargo.
Heavy Lift (H/L)
Single commodity exceeding the capacity of normal loading equipment and requiring special equipment and rigging methods for handling. Pieces of cargo normally weighing in excess of 8,960 lbs.
Heavy Lift Charge (HLC)
Additional tariff charge assessed for use of special heavy-duty machine to handle heavy cargo.
Heavy Lift Vessel
A vessel specially designed and equipped for the carriage of heavy cargoes.
High Cube Container (HC)
Container 40’ in length 9’ 6" height.
Hinterland
An inland area served by a particular port.
Hold
The space below the deck of a vessel used to carry cargo.
Home Port
The port of registration of a vessel.
House to House (H/H)
Another term for CY/CY.
Hull
Outer shell of a vessel, usually made of steel plates.
Hub
Transshipment point in a service network, which serves points beyond that of a particular service by means of feeder vessels.
Husbanding
Taking care of a vessel's non cargo related operations as instructed the by the master or owner of the vessel.
Hustler
Tractor that pulls containers around the pier for positioning.
I
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IA
Independent Action. A Carrier can take an independent action in a conference resulting in a unique rate for that Carrier within a conference (to and from the USA); ability to file a rate independently of other Carrier’s action.
ICS
Goto: International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
IET
Inter European Transport
IHC
Inland Haulage Charge. Cost to move a container to an inland destination.
IHL
Inland Haulage
IHT
Inland Haulage Tariff
ILA
International Longshoremen’s Association. Union for dock workers on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf.
ILWU
International Longshoremen Workers Union. Union for dock workers on the U.S. West Coast.
IMDG Code
Goto : International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
IMO
Goto : International Maritime Organisation.
Inbound Doc.
Inbound Documentation.
Incoterms RUN PROGRAM
Trade terms in coded form as established by the International Chamber of Commerce in 1953, last updated in 1990. The terms represent a set of international rules for the interpretation of the principal terms of delivery used in trade contracts.
Indemnification
Compensation for expenses incurred as a result of suffered losses or damages.
Independent Carrier
Carrier that is not a member of a conference.
Inland Point
City with no port; landlocked city.
Interchange
Transfer of a container from one party to another.
Interchange Agreement
Contract between two steamship companies or between a steamship company and a trucker which legally permits interchange of equipment.
Intercoastal
As opposed to coastal water operations, intercoastal refers to water transport carried out between coasts (e.g. between U.S. Pacific and Atlantic coasts).
Intercontainer
A co-operative formed by 19 European Railways, for the management of international rail container traffic in Europe.
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
A voluntary organisation of national Shipowner's associations with the objective of promoting member interests, primarily in the technical and legal fields of shipping operations.
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
A code, representing the classification of dangerous goods as defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in compliance with international legal requirements.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
A United Nations agency concerned with safety at sea. Its work includes codes and rules pertaining to tonnage measurement of vessels, load lines, pollution and the carriage of hazardous goods. Previous name: Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO).
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
A world-wide federation of national standards institutes (ISO member bodies).
Invoice
A statement from a supplier, for goods and/or services supplied by him.
IPI
Inland Points Intermodal. Inland carriage by another mode of transportation after port discharge; cargo moving to/from an inland point (synonym for micro-bridge). (Reverse IPI - same as above except cargo moves overland to another port not in the natural flow necessitating longer water transit).
IT (In Transit)
Type of Customs document governing movement of in transit (bonded) cargo.
ITC
Inland Transportation Charge.
ISO
Goto : International Organisation for Standardisation
J
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Jetty
A mole or breakwater, built into the sea to protect the harbour or coast.
JHTA
Japan Harbour Transportation Association
Jib a. Projecting arm of a crane. b. Attachment connected to the top of a crane boom.
JIT
Just in Time
JOC
Journal of Commerce (U.S.) A trade publication. Trade transportation journal.
JOC Stats
Journal of Commerce Statistics. Statistics indicating cargo movement over specific period from specific port. (U.S.)
Joint Venture
A joint activity of two or more companies, usually performed under a common name.
Jumbo-ised
The enlargement of a vessel f. inst. through the insertion of one or more sections.
Jurisprudence
Juridical decisions used for explanation and meaning of law.
K
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Keel
Longitudinal girder at the lowest point of a vessel providing the base for the framework.
Kgs
Kilograms (equivalent to 2.205 lbs.)
Knot
Unit of measurement for the speed of a vessel equal to a nautical mile (= 1852 metres) per hour.
L
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LC
Goto : Letter of Credit.
LCL
Goto : Less than Container Load.
Lead Time
The time elapsed between the request of a service and the actual provision of such service.
Lease
A contract by which one party gives to another party the use of equipment, f. inst. containers, for a specified time against fixed payments.
Leasing Contract
A contract for the leasing of property or equipment.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
A general reference for cargo in any quantity intended for container carriage, where stuffing/unstuffing is carried out by the line, but where an LCL container usually consists of multiple consignments.
Letter of Credit (L/C) (ELCEE)
A written undertaking by a bank (issuing bank) given to the seller (beneficiary) at the request, and on the instructions of the buyer (applicant) to pay at sight or at a given future date up to a stated sum of money, within a prescribed time limit and against a stipulated set of documents (including the original Bill of Lading).
Letter of Indemnity
A letter indemnifying a company the Carrier from the consequences associated in the release of goods without an original Bill of Lading. This practise should be exercised with extreme caution, and cannot be recommended.
L/G
Goto : Company Guarantee.
Liability
Legal responsibility for the consequences of certain acts or omissions.
License Cargo
Cargo necessitating a license to move.
Lien
Goto : Carriers’ Lien.
Lighter
Goto : Barge.
Lighter Aboard Ship (Lash)
A vessel specially designed to carry lighters (barges).
Lighterage
The carriage of goods within a port area by a barge.
Liner
Vessel engaged in regular liner trade.
Linerbag
Bag, usually made of plastic, used to line the inside of containers for subsequent stowage of dry bulk commodities (nuts, cocoa beans etc.)
Liner Conference
Goto : Conference
Liner Service
Carrier advertises fixed schedule of services; port calls usually not made on inducement basis.
Liner Shipping Company
A company transporting cargo over sea in a regular service.
Liner Terms
Condition of carriage according to which thet costs for loading and unloading are borne by the Carrier.
Liner Service
A regular service which according to a pre-defined schedule serves a number of regular ports within a trade.
Live Reefer
Reefer container used for transport of temperature-controlled cargo (as opposed to dry Reefer).
Lloyd's Register of Shipping
British classification society.
LNG Carrier
Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier.
Load List
Goto : Container Stuffing List (CSL).
Load Port
Port where cargo is actually loaded on vessel.
Loadmaster
A device (calculator or computer) designed for a vessel approved by a classification bureau for the calculation of the vessel’s stability.
Log Book
The daily report of all events and other relevant particulars of a vessel and attested by proper authorities as a true record.
Long Length
Any piece of cargo exceeding 40’ in length.
Longitude
The angular distance of a position on the equator east or west of the standard Greenwich meridian up to 180o east or west.
LO/LO
Lift On Lift Off
Low Boy
Special trailer used to accommodate over height cargo with flat bed, approximately 12’ above ground.
LS or LM
Lump Sum. A freight rate which is inclusive of all charges.
LT
Long Ton (equivalent to 2,240 lbs.)
Lump-sum
An agreed sum of money, which is paid in full at one time.
M
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Mafi Trailer
German brand name trailer with solid rubber wheels used for RoRo purposes.
Maiden Trip
First voyage of a vessel after delivery to her owner(s).
Manifest
A cumulative list of Bills of Lading for official and administrative purposes, drawn up by the agents in the place of loading
Marks & Numbers
The identifying detail on a package. Actual markings which appear on packages.
Mate's Receipt
A document signed by the chief officer of a vessel acknowledging the receipt of a certain shipment on board. Remarks can be made as to the order and condition of the consignment.
MCBR
Mixed Commodity Box Rate
Measurement Ton
A ton of one cubic metre water.
Memo B/L
A Bill of Lading issued for in-house purposes for cargo short shipped or loaded in advance of issuance of full Bill of Lading.
Merchant
Shipper and/or Consignee and anyone acting on their behalf, owning or entitled to possession of the goods.
Merchant Haulage (MH)
Inland transport of cargo in containers arranged and paid by the Merchant under Merchant’s responsibility.
MHC
Mobile Harbour Crane.
Micro-Bridge
Cargo moves via land from/to inland point; another term for IPI..
Minimum B/L
The least amount you can charge per individual Bill of Lading.
Minimum Charge
The lowest amount which applies to the transport of a consignment, irrespective of weight or volume.
MLB
Miniland Bridge. Cargo moves port to port via land; port to port via rail; port destination served overland by rail.
Mother Vessel
Main vessel in a liner service designated to move containers from set origin points to set destination points on a regular basis.
Motor Bridge
Cargo that moves via truck overland to U.S. West Coast.
MT
Metric Ton (equivalent to 2,204.62 lbs. or 35.314 cft.)
MTG
Meeting
Multi Purpose Vessel
Vessel designed for the carriage of different types of cargo: general, bulk, heavy and/or containerised cargo.
Multimodal Transport
The carriage of cargo (containers) by means of at least two different modes of transport.
Multimodal Transport Document
Goto : Combined Transport Document.
N
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NAI
Net All In
Negligence
Careless action or omission which may cause injury, damage or loss.
Negotiable
In terms of documents, "negotiable" means that e.g. a Bill of Lading may be sold to another party whereby the ownership of the cargo is transferred by means of an endorsement of the Bill of Lading to the order of the other party whom is subsequently entitled to take possession of the goods.
Net Tonnage (NRT)
A volume measure of the useful capacity of a vessel determined in accordance with the provisions of the international convention on tonnage measurement of vessels.
Net Weight
The weight of the merchandise, excluding all packing.
Neutral Body
Investigation body designated by conference Carriers to insure that conference rules are adhered to.
NOE
Not Otherwise Enumerated.
Non-Conference Carrier
Outsider or independent Carrier not a member of the Conference.
Non-Negotiable B/L
Copy of original B/L which cannot be negotiated with bank.
Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
A party who undertakes to carry goods and issues in his own name a Bill of Lading for such carriage, without having the availability of any own means of transport.
No Show
Cargo that fails to appear for the vessel it was originally booked.
NOS
Not Otherwise Specified.
Notice of Readiness
Written document or telex issued by the master of a vessel to the Charterer advising them the time at which a vessel is ready to load or discharge.
Notify Address
Address of the party (other than the Consignee) to be advised of the arrival of the goods.
Notify Party
Company/person who appears on the Bill of Lading to be notified when cargo arrives. Could be different from Consignee – usually actual receiver of goods.
NTV
Net to Vessel. Yield towards the contribution to fixed expenses. Freight revenue minus variable costs.
NVOCC
Goto : Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier.
NYSA
New York Shipper Association
O
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OB
On Board.
OBL
Original Bill of Lading.
O/C
Oncarriage. Movement of cargo by connecting Carrier to ultimate destination.
OCP
Overland Common Point.
Off-Dock Location
Depot at a distance from the main terminal used to load/unload cargo -truck/rail and delivery of cargo to Consignee.
OH Crane
Overhead crane.
Oil Bulk Ore Vessel (OBO-Vessel)
A vessel designed for the carriage of dry or liquid bulk cargo.
On Board B/L
A Bill of Lading where a Carrier acknowledges that goods have been placed on board a certain vessel.
Oncarriage
The carriage of cargo (containers) by any mode of transport to the final place of delivery after discharge from the ocean vessel at the port of discharge.
On Deck Stowage
Cargo stowed on deck of vessel.
OOG
Goto : Out of Gauge Cargo.
Open Rates
Rates established for each individual Carrier (U.S.). These rates although in the same tariff may differ according to Carrier.
Open Side Container
Container with frames with mesh at the sides covered by a tarpaulin which can be pulled away to give unrestricted sideways access to the container for stuffing or stripping.
Open Top Container
A dry freight container with a tarpaulin roof normally supported on movable or removable roof bows.
Operator
The party responsible for the operational management of premises or equipment such as warehouses, terminals, and vessels.
Optional Cargo
Cargo for which the final destination will be declared during transport.
Optional Port
A port which may or may not be called by a vessel during a voyage, depending on available cargo volumes.
OSTD
Outturn Shortage and Damage Report. Cargo short and damaged reported at discharge port.
Outbound
Export shipments.
Out of Gauge Cargo (OOG cargo)
Cargo which dimensions exceed the normal dimensions of a container, whether in length, width, height, or a combination of same.
Outsider
A Carrier which operates in a Trade route served by a Liner Conference but which is not a member of that Conference.
Outturn Report
Written statement issued by a stevedore detailing the condition of cargo discharged from a vessel along with any discrepancies in the quantity compared with the vessel's manifest.
Outward Doc
Department responsible for issuance/dispatch of all export documents.
Overcarrier
A Carrier within a consortium who carries cargo beyond his allotted share.
Overheight Cargo
Cargo exceeding the standard height (of an open-top container/flatrack).
Over Landed
Cargo taken beyond original port of discharge.
Overlength Cargo
Cargo exceeding the standard length (of a flatrack/ATD).
Over The Road Limitations
State or country regulations for weight limits allowed per container/truckload.
Overtime
Work extending beyond normal established working hours usually compensated by a premium to be paid to the employees concerned.
Overwidth Cargo
Cargo exceeding the standard width (of a flatrack/ATD).
Owner
The legal owner of cargo, equipment or vessels, trucks, etc.
P
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P & I Club
Goto : Protection and Indemnity Club.
Packing List
Document listing the contents of each individual package.
Pallet
A platform, usually made of wood, on which merchandise can be stacked in order to facilitate the handling by a forklift or sling.
Panamax Size
The maximum dimensions of a vessel capable to transit the Panama Canal.
Partlow Chart
A chart which indicates temperature reading in a reefer container.
Payload
The load carried in a container against which freight rates are levied.
Pentle Hook
Steel pivot upon which chassis and cab are connected.
Per Diem
Costs per day. Charge on container held by customers for an extended time; charges levied upon a trucker due to late return of equipment
P/H
Pier to House. Cargo received at pier loaded in a container and picked up at destination terminal intact by Consignee.
Pier
Goto : quay.
Piggyback
The carriage of trailers on railway wagons.
Pilferage
Petty stealing of merchandise from a ship's hold, containers, terminal, cargo shed or warehouse.
Pilot
Local expert advising a vessel's captain on safe navigation.
Place of Delivery
The location where a shipment is delivered to the Consignee; the place where Carrier's liability for the transport ceases.
Place of Receipt
The location where a shipment is received by the Carrier from the Shipper; the place where Carrier's liability for the transport commences.
Plimsoll Mark
A mark, welded on both sides of the vessel, indicating the limit to which a vessel may be loaded, depending on the specific gravity of the water in which the vessel is located.
PONC
Price of Non Conformance.
Port
Harbour with facilities for vessels to moor and load or discharge.
Port of Call
Place where a vessel actually moors during a voyage.
Port of Discharge
The port where the cargo is actually discharged from the vessel.
Port of Loading
The port where the cargo is actually loaded on board the vessel.
Portal Crane
A type of gantry crane with vertical legs of sufficient height and width to allow trucks/chassis or railroad equipment to pass between the legs.
Positioning
The transport of equipment from a depot to Shipper's premises or from Consignee's premises.
Poultry Bridge
A miniland bridge movement set up for poultry.
P/P (CFS/CFS)
Pier to Pier. Cargo movement delivered loose to pier at origin point and picked up loose at destination terminal.
PPD
Prepaid.
Precarriage
The carriage of cargo by any mode of transport from the place of receipt to the port of loading into the ocean vessel.
Precarrier
The carrier by which the cargo is moved prior to the port of loading.
Prepaid Bill of Lading
A Bill of Lading stating that freight has to be paid prior to the Bill of Lading being released to Shipper or Shipper’s designated party.
Prepaid Collect
Shipper is responsible for ocean freight charges prepaid at destination. Money to be paid at destination prior to release of Bills of Lading (at origin).
Pre-slinging
The act of grouping goods in slings for subsequent loading into and discharging from a conventional vessel.
Pre-trip Inspection (PTI)
A technical inspection of Reefer containers prior to their being positioned for stuffing.
Pricing
The process of establishing freight rates for particular shipments.
Principal
Party for whom another acts as agent.
Priority Account
Major account with volume potential/performance deserving special attention.
Product Carrier
Vessel specially designed for the transport of refined petroleum products.
Pro Forma Invoice
Draft invoice sent to an importer by the exporter prior to order confirmation and shipment to assist in matters relating to obtaining import licences or foreign exchange allocations, or to advise the value of a shipment for the purposes of opening Letters of Credit.
Procurement
The process of acquiring material and/or services in the desired quantity, quality, place and time from a supplier.
Profit Centre
An organisational unit held responsible for its own profits and losses.
Project Cargo
Cargo of various categories connected to the same project, f. inst. construction of a cement factory.
Project Rates
Freight Rates established for a specific project.
Proof of Delivery
A receipt signed by the Consignee upon delivery.
Protection and Indemnity Club (P&I Club)
A mutual association of shipowners who by means of contributions provide protection against liabilities.
Public Warehouse
A warehouse available to all companies and persons who wish to make use of the services offered.
Purchase Order
An order from a customer to a supplier for specific quantity of goods, materials, services or products at agreed terms of delivery and prices.
Q
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QIT
Quality Improvement Team
Quarantine
The period during which a vessel, its equipment, cargo, crew or passengers, suspected to carry or carrying a contagious disease is detained in isolation to prevent the spread of such a disease.
Quay (Pier)
The part of a wharf intended for the mooring of vessels.
Quota
A control system for imports, exports or production by specifying certain limitation.
Quotation
Offer providing the price according to tariff for certain services to be provided or issued to a customer with specification on conditions for carriage.
R
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Rail Pig
A railroad-owned container (trailer).
Rail Ramp
An inclined path used to unload rail cars or trailers.
Rail Terminal
Location where railroad cars are parked and/or turn around.
Rail Yard
Location where rail cars are concentrated for loading and unloading of containers.
Railhead
Location for loading and unloading containers at railroad terminal.
Rate
The price for a transport service.
Rate Agreement
Group of Carriers which discusses rates and common problems with options to file independent tariffs.
Rate Initiative
A specific pricing proposal initiated by a member line of a Conference requiring approval of the remaining member lines of that Conference.
Received for Shipment B/L
Bill of Lading issued on receipt of cargo; cargo not necessarily loaded yet.
Redelivery
Return of a charter vessel or equipment to the owners.
Reefer Cargo
Cargo requiring temperature control.
Reefer Container
A thermal container with refrigerating machinery (mechanical compressor unit, absorption unit etc.) to control the temperature of cargo.
Reefer Plug
Electrical outlet on ship or a terminal providing electrical current for maintaining temperature.
Register Ton
The unit of measurement for the internal capacity of a vessel whereby one register ton equals 100 cubic feet (2.83 cubic meter)
Return Cargo
Cargo to be returned to original place of receipt.
Revenue Ton
Unit for which freight is paid; per ton or cubic metre.
RMG Crane
Rail mounted gantry crane.
ROE
Rate of Exchange
ROI
Return on Investment
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)
Principle of loading and discharging a vessel whereby the cargo is rolled on and off by means of a ramp.
RoRo
Goto : Roll-on Roll-off.
Rotation
Sequence in which a vessel calls at the ports on her schedule.
Round Trip
A voyage to a certain port or country and back again.
Routing
The process of determining how a shipment will be moved between Shipper and Consignee - between place of receipt and place of delivery.
Row
A vertical division across a vessel, used as a part of the indication of a stowage place for containers.
ROY
Rest of Year
RTG Crane
Rubber tyred gantry crane, transteiner.
R/V
Roundvoyage
S
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Said to Contain (STC)
Term in a Bill of Lading declaring that the master and the Carrier are unaware of the nature or quantity of the goods in a container, particulars of which have been furnished by the Shipper.
Sales Call Report
Log of sales calls and pertinent information on results of sales calls.
Sales Lead
Account information for follow-up from sales, often in other locations.
Sales Meeting
Meeting where past and future sales matters are discussed and planned.
Sales Prospect
Possible sales accounts; sales target account.
Salvage
The saving or rescue of a vessel and/or the cargo from loss and/or damage from perils of the sea.
Schedule
A timetable comprising arrival/departure times of ocean- and feeder vessels and also inland transportation.
Schedule B
U.S. Government listing to properly declare cargo; seven digit number assigned by the Bureau of Census to identify types of cargo.
Sea-Air
Movement of cargo by sea to connecting discharge port, then air-freighted to ultimate destination.
Sea Way Bill
Non-negotiable Bill of Lading used for through consignments; no original Bill of Lading required, proof of identity (of Consignee), only is required.
Seal
A numbered locking device used for containers, lockers, trucks or lorries providing proof to relevant parties that they have remained closed during transport.
Seaworthiness
Term depicting the fitness of a vessel to travel in the open seas mostly related to a particular voyage with a particular cargo.
Self-Sustained Vessel
Vessel equipped with cranes/derricks that does not require shore equipment to load/unload cargo.
Service Contract
A rate negotiable and agreed to between two parties allowing for a particular rate based on volume; written agreement between Carrier and customer for specified rate, volume, and service level by Carrier over an agreed time.
Shed
Goto : Warehouse.
Shift
Part of the work-programme of a stevedoring company (a working day may have up to 3 shifts (3 x 8 = 24 hours)).
Ship Broker
Acts as intermediary between shipowners or Carriers on the one hand and cargo interests on the other.
Ship’s Chandlers
Suppliers of stores/provisions to the vessel.
Ship's Protest
Statement of the master concerning exceptional events which occurred during a voyage of a vessel which is lodged with the competent authorities.
Shipment
A separately identifiable collection of merchandise to be carried.
See also : Consignment.
Ship operator
A ship operator is either the shipowner or the legal person responsible for the de-facto management of a vessel and its crew.
Shipowner
The legal person officially registered as such in the vessel's certificate of registry.
Shipper
The merchant with whom a contract of carriage of goods has been concluded with a Carrier.
Shipper’s Load, Stow & Count
Mention on a Bill of Lading stating that the contents of a container are stowed and counted by Shipper. Cargo loaded and stowed by Shipper in container; CY load.
Shipper’s Reference Number
A Shipper ID number for a shipment.
Shipping Act of 1984
Congressional legislation establishing U.S. regulations for the ocean transportation industry.
Shipping Marks
The identification shown on individual packages to enable the checking of merchandise against documents.
Shipside
Cargo located alongside the vessel.
Shortage
The difference between actual available or delivered quantity and the required/documented quantity.
Short Landed Cargo volume count less than originally shipped.
Short Shipped Cargo missing vessel that originally intended for due to Carrier’s option.
Shrink Wrapping
Plastic wrapping around a consignment, usually a pallet, whereby a plastic film is heat-treated so as to fit snugly around the entire consignment.
Skids
Battens fitted underneath frames, boxes or packages to raise them off the floor and allow easy access for a.o. fork lift trucks.
Sleepsheet Method of loading packages in a container via a thin liner board and forklift.
Sliding Scale
Rates based on number of containers moving over a period of time. The higher the cargo volume, the lower the rate.
Sling
Chains, ropes, or straps used for cargo handling purposes.
Slot
The space on board a vessel, required by one 20’ or 40’container.
Slot Charter
A charter whereby the shipowner agrees to place a certain number of container slots (TEU and/or FEU) at the charterer's disposal.
Spreader
Device used for lifting containers and unitised cargo. Beam or frame that holds the slings vertical when hoisting a load.
SS
Steamship
ST Short Ton (equivalent to 2,000 lbs.)
Stack
An identifiable amount of containers stowed in a orderly way in one specified location.
Stack Train Train with containers placed two high on rail flat car.
Stacking
To pile containers etc. on top of each other.
Stacking Cone Metal cone for guiding containers during stacking.
Stackweight
The total weight of containers and cargo in a certain row.
Statutory Notice Specific time period before a rate regulation can become effective (U.S.).
STC
Goto : Said To Contain.
Stem
The foremost part of a vessel.
Stern
The aftermost part of a vessel.
Stevedore Terminal operator entrusted with the operation of loading and discharging vessels and various terminal activities.
Storage Charge Charge for goods held in railroad or other warehouses under fixed agreement for periods of time, and which is not included in other service arrangements.
Stowage
The placing and securing of cargo or containers on board a vessel or of cargo in a container.
Stowage Factor
Ratio of a cargo's cubic measurement to its weight, expressed in cubic feet to the ton or cubic metres to the tonne, used in order to determine the total quantity of cargo which can be loaded in a certain space.
Stowage Plan
A plan indicating the locations on the vessel of all the shipments for the benefit of stevedores and vessel's officers.
Stowaway
An unwanted person who hides on board of a vessel to get free passage, to flee a country, to evade port officials etc.
Straddle Carrier
Wheeled vehicle designed to lift and carry shipping containers within its own framework. It is used for moving, and stacking containers at a container terminal.
Straight Frame Type of chassis used to move containers.
Stripping (Devanning, Unstuffing, Unpacking)
The unloading of cargo out of a container.
STS Crane Ship to Shore Crane.
Stuffing (Vanning, Packing)
The loading of cargo into a container.
Subrogation Form
Document declaring that the claimant indeed holds title to a particular cargo claim, f. inst an insurance company on behalf of a merchant.
Sufferance Warehouse Bonded Customs warehouse in Canada.
Supercargo
Experienced officer assigned by the Charterer of a vessel to safeguard the effective utilisation of a vessel and protect the interests of the Charterer.
Supply Vessel
Vessel that carries supplies from shore to platforms (drilling rigs).
Surcharge
An additional charge levied in addition to the usual or customary freight.
Survey
An inspection of a certain item or object by a recognised or certified specialist.
Surveyor
A specialist who carries out surveys.
Sweeper
Container with freight to many destinations.
Switch Bill of Lading
A B/L that is re-made to effect movement from discharge port to final destination.
T
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T & E
Transfer and Entry.
T/VII
Time/Volume.
Tallyman
A person who records the number of cargo items and/or containers together with the condition thereof at the time it is loaded into or discharged from a vessel.
Tank Container (Tanktainer)
A tank, surrounded by a framework with the overall dimensions of a container designed for the transport of liquids or gasses in bulk.
Tanker
A vessel specially designed for the carriage of liquid cargo in bulk.
Tare Weight of Container
Mass of an empty container including all fittings and appliances associated with that particular type of container.
Target Commodity
Cargo with a special sales priority; cargo to be concentrated on.
Tariff
A schedule of rates and charges offered for ocean transportation. Rules and regulations governing a particular trade are also contained in this publication. List of rules, regulations and rates applicable to specific trade lanes.
Tarpaulin
Waterproof sheet, e.g. canvas, to spread over cargo to protect it from getting wet.
Terminal
Area closely aligned to dock used to collect, store and dispatch containers and cargo.
Terms of Freight
Conditions between merchant and Carrier relating to the type of freight and charges due to the Carrier and whether these are prepaid or are to be collected.
TEU
Goto : Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit.
THC
Terminal Handling Charge. A charge assessed by the terminal for the positioning of cargo within the terminal/yard.
Tier
A horizontal division of a vessel from bottom to top, used as a part of the indication of a stowage place for containers.
Tier Rates
Rates assessed based on volumes moved.
Time Charter
A contract whereby a vessel is let to a Charterer for a determined period of time or a voyage, against a remuneration known as hire.
TLC
Truck Loading Charge.
TOFC
Goto : Trailer on Flat Car.
Ton a. Unit of weight measurement: 1000 kilograms (metric ton) or 2,240 lbs (long ton). b. Unit of cubic measurement, mainly used to express the cubic capacity of a vessel. c. Unit of weight or measurement used as a basis for the calculation of freights (freight ton).
Tonnage a. Cubic capacity of a vessel. b. Total weight or amount of cargo expressed in tons.
Top Handlers Equipment that loads/unloads containers at container yard.
TOS
Terms Of Sale (i.e., FOB / CIF / FAS etc.)
Tracing
The action of retrieving information concerning the whereabouts of cargo and equipment.
Tracking
The function of maintaining status information, including current location, of cargo and containers, whether full or empty.
Trading House
Consortium of buyers/sellers of various commodities at high volume.
Trailer
A vehicle without propulsion, designed for the carriage of cargo to be towed by a truckhead. Container and chassis as one unit.
Trailer on Flat Car (TOFC)
Carriage of piggyback highway trailers on specially equipped railway wagons.
Tramp Vessel
A vessel not operating under a regular schedule.
Transit Time
Time vessel takes moving from one port to another.
Transloading
Taking cargo from one vessel and loading it into another for further on-carriage.
Transshipment
Transfer; A shipment under one Bill of Lading, whereby the ocean transport consists of two or more parts, and where the shipment is transferred from one vessel to another.
TRC
Terminal Receiving Charge. Charge assessed by the terminal for cargo being delivered for export.
Tri-axle
A third axle used for supporting additional weight.
Trucker’s Depot
Where trucks load/unload cargo.
Tug Boats
Boats used to guide & tow vessels in/out of port.
TVC
Time Volume Contract. Contract between customer and Carrier; written agreement between Carrier and customer for specified rate, volume, and service level by Carrier over an agreed time.
Tween Deck
Deck below the main deck.
Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU)
Unit of measurement equivalent to one twenty foot container.
Twin-Lift Spreader
Spreader able to pick up either, two 20 ft ISO containers at the same time, or one 40 ft container.
Twistlock
Device which has to be inserted into the corner fittings of a shipping container and is turned or twisted, thus locking the container for the purpose of securing or lifting.
U
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UCP 500
Goto : Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits.
ULCC
Goto : Ultra Large Crude Carrier.
Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC)
A vessel designed for the carriage of liquid bulk cargo with a loading capacity ranging from 250.000 to 500.000 DWT.
UNCTAD
Goto : United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Undercarrier
A Carrier in a conference or consortium who carries less cargo than the allotment distributed to him.
Underdeck Stowage
Cargo/container which is stowed below the main deck.
Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits
Unit Train
Train comprised of containers from one container company.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
A United Nations agency whose work in shipping includes the liner code involving the sharing of cargoes between the shipping lines of the importing and exporting countries and third countries in the ratio 40:40:20.
Unmatched List
List of payments entered to freight accounts receivable but unmatched due to no B/L in EDP.
Unstuffing/Unstripping
Loading and devanning of containers.
Upgraded 20’/40’
Reinforced container for weight cargo.
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture.
V
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Value Added Tax (VAT)
Sales tax paid on products and services at each stage of production or distribution, based on the value added at each individual stage and included in the cost to the end customer.
Vanning
Goto : Stuffing.
VAT
Goto : Value Added Tax.
VSA
Vessel Sharing Agreement. Co-operation agreement between two or more carriers, whereby liner services are provided jointly with each party contributing tonnage to the service and sharing the resulting total capacity in proportion to the tonnage provided.
Ventilated Container
Container used for transporting cargo requiring ventilation.
Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)
A vessel designed for the carriage of liquid bulk cargo with a loading capacity ranging from 50.000 to 250.000 DWT.
Vessel (Ship)
A floating, self-propelled structure designed for the transport of cargo and/or passengers.
VIAP
Vessel Insurance Additional Premium. Charge levied when moving cargo in close proximity of war zones.
VIP Volume Incentive Programme. Refunds offered by Conference after predetermined levels have been attained; discount on ocean freight dependent on volume; rebate designed for importers, offering a legalised rebate based on a specific revenue during a specified time span.
VLCC
Goto : Very Large Crude Carrier.
VOCC Vessel Operating Common Carrier.
Voyage
A journey by sea from one port another or, in case of a round trip, to the same port.
Voyage Charter
A contract under which the shipowner agrees to carry an agreed quantity of cargo from a specified port or ports to another port or ports for a remuneration called freight.
Voyage Number
Reference number assigned by the Carrier or his agent to the voyage of the vessel.
VSL
Vessel
W
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W/M (WORM) Weight or Measurement.
Waiver Document used to allow cargo carriage by different flag vessels than original destination country vessels. Also on government cargoes where cargo flag cannot carry the shipments.
Waiver Clause
Clause in a marine insurance policy stating that no acts of the insurer or insured in recovering, saving or preserving the property insured, shall be considered a dismissal from or acceptance of abandonment.
War Risk
Surcharge covering additional insurance premium incurred by a vessel entering a war zone.
Warehouse
A building intended for receipt, storage and handling of goods.
Warehouse Receipt
Receipt for goods deposited in a warehouse.
Warehousing
The activity of holding and handling goods in a warehouse.
Waybill
Non-negotiable transport document evidencing the contract for cargo transportation from one point to another.
Wayport Cargo
wayport cargo is cargo using our MOTHER VESSELS (e.g. AE1,AE5,TP3, etc) within only 1 region. It includes transshipment cargoes. Below are all wayport cargoes; 1) booked OAK/SIN via HKG (routing : OAK-HKG-SIN : 2 vessels) this shipment will be called WAYPORT between HKG-SIN if it uses a mother vessel such as AE1 for HKG-SIN leg. 2) booked YAT/SIN (routing : YAT-SIN : 1 vessel) if booked on mother vessel such as AE1, this is also called a wayport cargo.
Wear and Tear
Loss and/or deterioration resulting from ordinary utilisation.
WEF
With Effect From
Weight Ton
A ton of 1000 kilos.
Wharf
A place for berthing vessels to perform loading and discharging of cargo.
Wharfage
A fee charged for the use of a wharf for mooring, loading or discharging a vessel or for storing merchandise.
Wire Transfer Electronic transfer of funds.
X
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Y
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Yard
Open or fenced off outdoor storage and/or repair area.
York-Antwerp Rules
Goto : General Average Act.
YTD
Year-To-Date
Z
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0-9
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