Glossary
159 entries. Pick a category or read straight through.
Ocean freight
ATAActual Time of ArrivalThe confirmed date and time the vessel or flight actually arrived.ATDActual Time of DepartureThe confirmed date and time the vessel or flight actually left.BKGBookingThe reservation of space and equipment with a carrier for a specific sailing.CFSContainer Freight StationA warehouse where LCL cargo is packed into or unpacked from containers.COContainer OperatorThe shipping line or lessor responsible for a container, as recorded in port and depot systems.COCCarrier Owned ContainerA container supplied by the shipping line as part of the freight booking.Cut-offCut-off (closing time)The deadline for delivering a container or submitting documents so cargo makes a sailing.CYContainer YardThe area in a port terminal where full containers are received from and released to truckers.DirectDirect serviceA sailing where the cargo stays on the same vessel from load port to discharge port.ETAEstimated Time of ArrivalThe planned date the vessel or flight reaches the destination port or airport.ETDEstimated Time of DepartureThe planned date the vessel or flight leaves the origin port or airport.FCLFull Container LoadA shipment that fills a whole container, booked and priced as one box.FeederFeeder vesselA smaller ship that carries containers between a regional port and a hub where the big vessels call.FPODFinal Port of DischargeThe last port the cargo is discharged at when the voyage includes transhipment.LCLLess than Container LoadA shipment too small for its own container, so it shares one with other shippers' cargo.MLOMain Line OperatorA large shipping line that runs the long-haul trunk services between major ports.NVOCCNon-Vessel Operating Common CarrierA company that sells ocean freight and issues its own bills of lading but does not own ships.PODPort of DischargeThe seaport where cargo is unloaded from the vessel.POLPort of LoadingThe seaport where cargo is loaded onto the vessel.PORPlace of ReceiptWhere the carrier first takes charge of the cargo, which may be inland rather than at the port.RolledRollover (cargo rolled)When a booked container is not loaded on its planned vessel and is pushed to a later sailing.SLOTSlot (vessel space)A single container position on a vessel that a carrier or forwarder has the right to fill.SOBShipped on BoardConfirmation that the cargo has physically been loaded onto the named vessel.SOCShipper Owned ContainerA container owned or leased by the shipper rather than supplied by the shipping line.SOLASInternational Convention for the Safety of Life at SeaA global maritime treaty that sets minimum safety standards for ships.T/STranshipmentMoving cargo from one vessel to another at an intermediate port on the way to its destination.TTTransit TimeHow many days the cargo takes from departure to arrival.VOCCVessel Operating Common CarrierA shipping line that operates the ships carrying the containers.VOYVoyage numberThe code a shipping line gives to one specific trip of a vessel.
Air freight
AWBAir WaybillThe document an airline or forwarder issues for an air shipment, serving as the contract of carriage and receipt.HAWBHouse Air WaybillThe air waybill a forwarder issues to its customer for cargo travelling under the forwarder's master AWB.IATAInternational Air Transport AssociationThe trade body for airlines that sets the rules forwarders follow for air cargo, including dangerous goods.KCKnown ConsignorA shipper approved by the aviation authority to secure its own cargo at its own premises.MAWBMaster Air WaybillThe air waybill the airline issues to the forwarder for a consolidated shipment.RARegulated AgentA forwarder or handler approved by the aviation authority to secure air cargo before it reaches the airport.SCOSecured for Cargo Aircraft OnlyA security status meaning the cargo has been screened to a level acceptable only for freighter flights.SPXSecured for Passenger and Cargo AircraftA security status meaning the cargo has been screened and can fly on any aircraft.TACTThe Air Cargo Tariff and RulesIATA's reference for published air cargo rates and the rules for handling and documentation by country.ULDUnit Load DeviceA pallet or container built to fit an aircraft hold, used to load cargo as one unit.
Incoterms
CFRCost and FreightThe seller pays the freight to the named destination port, but risk passes to the buyer once goods are on board at origin.CIFCost, Insurance and FreightThe seller pays the freight and minimum insurance to the named destination port, but risk passes to the buyer once goods are on board at origin.CIPCarriage and Insurance Paid ToThe seller pays for carriage and insurance to a named place, but risk passes when the goods are handed to the first carrier.CPTCarriage Paid ToThe seller pays for carriage to a named place, but risk passes when the goods are handed to the first carrier.DAPDelivered at PlaceThe seller delivers the goods to the named destination, ready for unloading; the buyer handles import clearance and duty.DDPDelivered Duty PaidThe seller delivers the goods to the named destination with import clearance, duty and tax already paid.DDUDelivered Duty UnpaidA trade term where the seller delivers the goods to a named place, but the buyer pays any import duties and taxes.DPUDelivered at Place UnloadedThe seller delivers and unloads the goods at the named destination; the buyer handles import clearance and duty.EXWEx WorksThe buyer collects the goods from the seller's premises and handles everything from there, including export clearance.FASFree Alongside ShipThe seller delivers the goods, export-cleared, alongside the vessel at the named port; the buyer loads and ships.FCAFree CarrierThe seller hands the goods, export-cleared, to the buyer's nominated carrier at a named place.FOBFree on BoardThe seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port of loading, export-cleared; the buyer pays the freight and everything after.IncotermsInternational Commercial TermsA set of eleven standard three-letter terms that say who pays for and who is responsible for each stage of a shipment.
Documentation
ANArrival NoticeA notice the carrier or forwarder sends the consignee saying the cargo is about to arrive and what must be paid to collect it.B/LBill of LadingThe document a carrier issues to confirm it has received the cargo and will deliver it to the named party.CICommercial InvoiceThe seller's invoice to the buyer, used by customs to assess duty and tax on the goods.DODelivery OrderThe document that authorises a port or warehouse to release cargo to the consignee or their trucker.HBLHouse Bill of LadingThe bill of lading a freight forwarder issues to its customer for a shipment carried under the forwarder's master B/L.LCLetter of CreditA bank's promise to pay the seller once documents proving shipment are presented exactly as the LC requires.ManifestCargo ManifestThe carrier's complete list of all cargo on board a vessel or aircraft, filed with customs.MBLMaster Bill of LadingThe bill of lading the shipping line issues to the freight forwarder.OBLOriginal Bill of LadingThe signed paper original of a bill of lading, which must be handed over to collect the cargo.PLPacking ListA document listing what is in each package of a shipment, with weights and dimensions.PODProof of DeliveryA signed record that the consignee received the goods.SIShipping InstructionsThe details the shipper sends the carrier or forwarder to prepare the bill of lading.SWBSea WaybillA non-negotiable shipping document that lets the named consignee collect cargo without presenting an original.TLXTelex ReleaseAn instruction from the carrier's origin office allowing cargo to be released at destination without the original B/L.
Charges & surcharges
AMSAutomated Manifest SystemA US Customs filing the carrier or NVOCC must make at least 24 hours before loading cargo bound for the USA.BAFBunker Adjustment FactorA surcharge that moves with the price of ship fuel.CAFCurrency Adjustment FactorA surcharge that compensates the carrier for exchange rate movements between the tariff currency and its cost currency.CFS chargeContainer Freight Station chargeThe fee for stuffing or unstuffing LCL cargo at the consolidation warehouse.CICContainer Imbalance ChargeA surcharge carriers add when they have to reposition empty containers because more cargo flows one way than the other.DEMDemurrageA daily charge for leaving a full container inside the port or terminal beyond the free time.DETDetentionA daily charge for keeping the carrier's container outside the port beyond the free time.DOC FEEDocumentation FeeA flat fee the carrier or forwarder charges for preparing and issuing the bill of lading.DTHCDestination Terminal Handling ChargeThe terminal handling charge paid at the port of discharge.EBSEmergency Bunker SurchargeA temporary fuel surcharge carriers add when fuel prices spike faster than the regular BAF can adjust.ENSEntry Summary DeclarationA security filing the carrier must submit to EU customs before cargo is loaded for Europe.GRIGeneral Rate IncreaseA blanket increase carriers announce on freight rates for a trade lane from a set date.ISPSInternational Ship and Port Facility SecurityA small per-container surcharge that funds the security measures ports and ships must follow under the IMO's ISPS Code.LSSLow Sulphur SurchargeA surcharge for the extra cost of cleaner, low-sulphur fuel required by IMO rules.OTHCOrigin Terminal Handling ChargeThe terminal handling charge paid at the port of loading.PP / CCPrepaid / CollectWhether the freight is paid at origin by the shipper (prepaid) or at destination by the consignee (collect).PSSPeak Season SurchargeA surcharge carriers add when demand is high, typically before Christmas and Chinese New Year.RTRevenue TonThe billing unit for LCL cargo: one cubic metre or one metric tonne, whichever is greater.StorageStorage (port or warehouse)A charge for keeping cargo in a port, terminal, or warehouse beyond the free period.THCTerminal Handling ChargeA fee the port terminal charges for moving a container between the quay and the yard, passed on by the carrier.TTTelegraphic TransferA bank wire transfer, the usual way freight invoices are paid.W/MWeight or MeasureA rate basis where you pay on either the weight or the volume of the cargo, whichever gives the higher charge.
Customs & compliance
AEOAuthorised Economic OperatorA customs status for trusted companies that gets them faster clearance and fewer inspections.BrokerCustoms broker / declaring agentA licensed company that lodges customs declarations on behalf of importers and exporters.C-TPATCustoms Trade Partnership Against TerrorismThe US supply chain security programme that gives certified importers and forwarders faster clearance and fewer exams.COOCertificate of OriginA document certifying which country the goods were made in.CTNCargo Tracking NoteA mandatory document, issued before loading, that many African countries require for every import shipment.DutyCustoms dutyA tax charged by a country on goods imported into it, based on the goods' classification and value.EORIEconomic Operators Registration and IdentificationThe number a business needs to be identified by customs when importing into or exporting from the EU.HS CodeHarmonized System CodeA standard numbering system used worldwide to classify goods for customs duty and controls.ISFImporter Security FilingA US Customs filing the importer must submit at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded for the USA, also called 10+2.ISPM 15International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15The rule that wooden packaging used in international shipping must be treated and stamped to stop pests spreading.
Singapore-specific
CA ProductControlled Product (Competent Authority)Goods that need approval from a specific Singapore government agency before they can be imported or exported.FTZFree Trade ZoneA designated area, such as the port and airport, where goods can be landed, stored, and re-exported without paying duty or GST.GSTGoods and Services TaxSingapore's consumption tax, charged on most imported goods at the point of import.IN / OUT permitImport (IN) and Export (OUT) permitThe Customs permit needed to bring goods into Singapore (IN) or send them out (OUT).LWLicensed WarehouseA Customs-licensed warehouse in Singapore for storing dutiable goods, such as liquor, tobacco, and motor vehicles, with duty and GST suspended.MESMajor Exporter SchemeA Singapore scheme that lets approved businesses import goods without paying GST upfront.NTPNetworked Trade PlatformSingapore's government trade platform that connects shippers, forwarders, banks, and agencies to share trade documents and data.STAStrategic Trade ActSingapore's law controlling the export, transhipment, and brokering of strategic goods that could be used for weapons.STPSecure Trade PartnershipSingapore Customs' programme certifying companies with secure supply chains, recognised by AEO programmes overseas.TradeFIRSTTrade Facilitation and Integrated Risk-based SystemThe Singapore Customs framework that assesses a company and decides which customs schemes and facilitation it can get.TradeNetTradeNetSingapore's electronic system for declaring imports, exports, and transhipments to Customs and the other controlling agencies.ZG warehouseZero-GST WarehouseA Customs-licensed warehouse in Singapore where imported goods can be stored without paying GST until they leave.
Container types & equipment
BBBreak-bulkCargo shipped as individual pieces, such as crates, drums, or machinery, rather than in containers.DepotContainer depotA yard outside the port where empty containers are stored, inspected, and repaired.FRFlat Rack containerA container with no roof or sides, just a floor and end walls, for oversized or heavy cargo.GPGeneral Purpose containerA standard closed steel container with doors at one end, the most common type for dry cargo.HCHigh Cube containerA container one foot taller than standard, giving about 12% more volume.ISO tankISO tank containerA stainless steel tank inside a standard container frame, used to ship liquids and gases in bulk.MTEmpty (container)Shorthand for an empty container, as in 'MT return' or 'MT pick-up'.OOGOut of GaugeCargo that is too tall, wide, or long to fit inside a standard closed container.OTOpen Top containerA container with a removable tarpaulin roof so cargo can be loaded from above by crane.PTIPre-Trip InspectionA check of a reefer container's cooling unit before it is released for loading.RFReefer containerA refrigerated container with its own cooling unit, used for perishable or temperature-sensitive cargo.RTReefer TruckA refrigerated truck used to move temperature-controlled cargo by road.SealContainer sealA numbered tamper-evident lock fitted on the container doors after stuffing.VGMVerified Gross MassThe certified total weight of a packed container that the shipper must give the carrier before it can be loaded.
Dangerous goods
CAOCargo Aircraft OnlyA label meaning the goods can only fly on freighter aircraft, not on passenger flights.Class 1 to 9Dangerous goods hazard classesThe nine UN categories that group dangerous goods by the kind of hazard they pose.DGDangerous GoodsCargo that is hazardous to people, property, or the environment and must be packed, labelled, and declared under special rules.DGDDangerous Goods DeclarationThe signed document in which the shipper declares exactly what dangerous goods are in a shipment and that they are packed correctly.IATA DGRIATA Dangerous Goods RegulationsThe rulebook for shipping dangerous goods by air.IMDGInternational Maritime Dangerous Goods CodeThe IMO rulebook for shipping dangerous goods by sea.LQLimited QuantityA relaxation of the DG rules for small inner packages of certain dangerous goods.MSDSMaterial Safety Data SheetA document from the manufacturer describing a product's hazards and how to handle it safely.PGPacking GroupA rating of how dangerous a substance is within its class: I is high danger, II medium, III low.UN numberUnited Nations numberA four-digit code that identifies a specific dangerous substance or article.UN3480 / UN3481Lithium ion batteriesLithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods with their own strict rules, especially by air.
Warehousing & 3PL
3PLThird-Party LogisticsA company that runs warehousing, transport, and distribution for a customer under contract.4PLFourth-Party LogisticsA company that manages a customer's whole supply chain, including choosing and coordinating the 3PLs and carriers.ASNAdvance Shipping NoticeAn electronic message telling the receiving warehouse what is on the way before it arrives.D2DDoor to DoorA service where the forwarder handles the shipment from the shipper's premises to the consignee's premises.FEFOFirst Expired, First OutA stock rule where the stock closest to its expiry date is picked and shipped first.FIFOFirst In, First OutA stock rule where the oldest stock is picked and shipped first.GRNGoods Received NoteA record confirming what the warehouse actually received against an inbound delivery.LTL / FTLLess than Truckload / Full TruckloadThe trucking equivalents of LCL and FCL: sharing a truck with other cargo versus booking the whole truck.POPurchase OrderThe buyer's order to a supplier, listing the goods, quantities, and price.SKUStock Keeping UnitA unique code for one specific product variant, used to count and track stock.X-dockCross-dockingMoving goods straight from an inbound truck or container to an outbound one without putting them into storage.
Systems & EDI
APIApplication Programming InterfaceA way for one software system to request data or actions from another in real time, such as pulling a tracking status.EDIElectronic Data InterchangeA standard way for companies' computer systems to exchange documents like bookings, manifests, and invoices without retyping.TMSTransport Management SystemSoftware that plans, books, tracks, and costs shipments across carriers and modes.WMSWarehouse Management SystemSoftware that tracks where every item is in a warehouse and directs receiving, put-away, picking, and shipping.
Units & measures
CBMCubic MetreA unit of volume, one metre by one metre by one metre, used to measure and price cargo.CTNCartonA cardboard box, the most common packing unit counted on shipping documents.CWChargeable WeightThe weight an air shipment is billed on: the higher of its actual weight and its volumetric weight.FEUForty-foot Equivalent UnitA unit equal to one 40-foot container, or two TEU.GWGross WeightThe total weight of the goods including all packaging.MTMetric TonneA unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms.PKGPackageA generic unit for counting pieces of cargo when they are not all cartons or pallets.PLTPalletA flat wooden or plastic base that cargo is stacked on so it can be moved by forklift.TEUTwenty-foot Equivalent UnitThe standard unit for counting container capacity, based on a 20-foot container.