Airfreight – The carriage of goods by aircraft.

Airfreight Forwarder – A 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.

Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) – Detailed shipment information transmitted to a customer or consignee in advance of delivery, designating the contents (individual products and quantities) and nature of the shipment. May also include carrier and shipment specifics including time of shipment and expected time of arrival. The message is usually sent in an electronic format (EDI).

Airway bill (AWB) –The document of carriage governing the transport of an airfreight consignment.

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.

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.

Agency Fee –Fee payable by a ship owner or ship operator to an agent.

All-Water – Service rendered by Carriers on a port-to-port basis; cargo moving via ocean Carrier only.

Amidships- The middle of a vessel.

 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.

Assignment – An act which involves transfer of rights, title, and interest for the purpose of assigning goods by endorsement of the bill of lading.

B/L Terms – Bill of Lading terms under which a shipment is carried.

Backhaul –The process of a transportation vehicle returning from the original destination point to the point of origin.

Banding – Securing of cargo on a pallet generally by a steel/metal stripping.

Base Port – Ports from which standard tariff rates applies to those normally serviced directly by members.

Bay – A vertical division of a vessel, partly indicating the stowage of containers.

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.

Berth – A location in a port where a vessel docks.

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.

Bill of Lading Instructions – Instructions sent to the carrier outlining the information necessary to complete the preparation of a Bill of Lading.

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.

Bonded Warehouse –A warehouse used for storing goods until duty is paid or goods are released in some other proper manner. Also see: Bonded.

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.

Break Bulk Cargo (Conventional Cargo, B/B) –General cargo stowed conventionally as opposed to unitised (palletised), containerised and Roll On/Roll Off cargo.

Break bulk 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.

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.

Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) –Adjustment applied by shipping lines or liner conferences to compensate for the effect of fluctuations in the cost of fuel.

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.

 Cabotage –Transport of goods between two locations within the same country.

 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Carrier –One who owns, operates or charters vehicles of transportation for movement of cargo.

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).

Certificate of Origin (C/O) – A formal document stating the origin of the cargo and any relevant cargo details.

CFS Cargo – Loose containerisable cargo handled in a container freight station (warehouse).

Chains & Binders – Equipment used to secure (brace & chock) oversized cargo to equipment.

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.

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.

 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.

Collapsible Flat Rack –Specialised flat rack on which either/both ends can collapse to accommodate odd-sized cargo (® Flat Rack).

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.

Commodity –Indication of the type of cargo.

Common Tariff –Tariff published by or for the account of two or more transportation lines as issuing carriers.

Congestion –Accumulation of vessels at a port resulting in waiting time for arriving vessels to load or discharge for a vacant berth.

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).

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 –Combining two or more shipments in order to realize lower transportation rates.

Consolidation Point –Location where the consolidation of consignments takes place.

Consolidator –A firm or a company which provides consolidation of cargo.

Container (Freight Container) –An item of equipment as defined by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for transport purposes.

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 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 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 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 Utilization – The percentage of available space in a container that is occupied by cargo.

Containerised – Indication that goods are stowed in a container.

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.

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.

Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) – Terms of sale. Seller quotes a price including cost of goods, insurance and transportation charges to point of destination.

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.

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.

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.

Customs Broker –An authorised agent specialised in customs clearance procedures on behalf of importers/exporters.

Customs Clearance –Shipment cleared by Customs for movement.The process of declaring and clearing cargoes through 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 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.

Damage Report –Form on which physical damage to containers is recorded.

Dangerous Goods –Cargo of a hazardous nature as classified under IMO regulations.

DDC (Destination Delivery Charge) -A charge assessed by the Carrier for handling positioning of a full container within the container yard.

Deadhead – The return of an empty transportation container to its point of origin.

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.

Deconsolidation – Stripping and segregating cargo from a container unit or truck, received as one shipment.

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.

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 –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.

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.

Depreciation – The reduction in the value of a long-lived asset from use to obsolescence (i.e. not usable anymore). The decline is recognized in accounting terms by a periodic allocation of the original cost of the asset to current operations.

Direct Consignment –One company shipping directly to another without third party involvement.

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.

Distribution Center (DC) – The warehouse facility which holds inventory from manufacturing pending distribution to the appropriate stores.

Diversion Charge – Fee for diverting cargo from one discharge port to another.

Dock – Where vessel positions itself to load/unload.

Draft (Bill of Exchange) – A written order for a certain sum of money to be transferred on a certain date.

Dry Reefer –Reefer container used to carry dry cargo not requiring temperature control.

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 goods from the Carrier by means of the Consignee´s signature on the reverse side of a Bill of Lading.

Ex Works (EXW) -means that the seller delivers when he places the goods at the disposal of the buyer at the seller´s premises.

Exemption Clause –A clause in a contract relieving the Carrier from responsibility for certain events.

Export Documents –The documents required to export a shipment.

 Extra Loader –Additional vessel brought into schedule to cater for e.g. seasonal fluctuations.

Factory Ship Date (FSD) – The date that cargo must leave the factory premises for transport.

Feeder – The transportation vehicle utilised to relay cargo from mother vessel to ultimate destination, usually a small container vessel.

First In, First Out (FIFO) –Warehouse term meaning first items stored are the first used.

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.

Forty Foot Equivalent Unit (FEU) – Unit of measurement equivalent to one forty foot container.

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.  

Free Carrier (FCA) – Means that the seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place.

Free In and Out (FIO) – Transport term signifying that the freight rate excludes the costs of loading/discharging, 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.

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 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 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.

Fumigation –Treating of cargoes with gases to exterminate vermin.

General Cargo –Cargo, consisting of merchandise, unpacked or packed in cartons, crates, bags or bales, often palletised. General cargo can be shipped either in Break bulk or stuffed in containers.

Gross Weight –Weight (mass) of cargo including packing, but excluding the Carrier´s equipment.

Gross Weight of Container –Total weight of container including cargo.

Handling Costs –The cost involved in moving, transferring, preparing, and otherwise handling inventory.

Haulage –The inland carriage of cargo or containers between named locations.

Heated Storage –Warehouse specifically heated to protect bottled 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.

 Hold –The space below the deck of a vessel used to carry cargo.

Home Port –The port of registration of a vessel.

Hub –Transshipment point in a service network, which serves points beyond that of a particular service by means of feeder vessels.

Hull –Outer shell of a vessel, usually made of steel plates.

Husbanding-Taking care of a vessel’s non cargo related operations as instructed the by the master or owner of the vessel.

Import/Export License – Official authorization issued by a government allowing the shipping or delivery of a product across national boundaries.

 In-transit Inventory – Material moving between two or more locations, usually separated geographically.

Incoterms – International terms of sale developed by the International Chamber of Commerce to define sellers´ and buyers´ responsibilities.

Inland Point – City with no port; landlocked city.

Inspection Certificate – A document certifying that cargo inspection has taken place. The inspection certificate must state the shortcomings of the cargo if not in good condition.

Interchange – Transfer of a container from one party to another.

Invoice – A statement from a supplier, for goods and/or services supplied by him.

IT (In Transit) –Type of Customs document governing movement of in transit (bonded) cargo.

Jetty –A mole or breakwater, built into the sea to protect the harbour or coast.

Knot –Unit of measurement for the speed of a vessel equal to a nautical mile (= 1852 metres) per hour.

Laden On Board –Statement on a Bill of Lading which indicates that a shipment has been loaded on board a vessel.

 Landed Cost –Cost of product plus relevant logistics costs such as transportation, warehousing, handling, etc. Also called Total Landed Cost or Net Landed Costs.

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 the amount of cargo is not enough to warrant an FCL.

Letter of Credit (L/C) –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 practice should be exercised with extreme caution, and cannot be recommended.

Liability –Legal responsibility for the consequences of certain acts or omissions.

License Cargo –Cargo necessitating a license to move.

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.

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.

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.

Long Length –Any piece of cargo exceeding 40´ in length.

LS or LM –Lump Sum. A freight rate which is inclusive of all charges.

Manifest –A cumulative list of Bills of Lading for official and administrative purposes, drawn up by the agents in the place of loading.

Marginal Cost –The cost to produce one additional unit of output. The change in total variable cost resulting from a one-unit change in output.

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.

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.

Mother Vessel –Main vessel in a liner service designated to move containers from set origin points to set destination points on a regular basis.

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.

No Show –Cargo that fails to appear for the vessel it was originally booked.

Non-Negotiable B/L –Copy of original B/L which cannot be negotiated with bank.

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.

Off-Dock Location –Depot at a distance from the main terminal used to load/unload cargo -truck/rail and delivery of cargo to Consignee.

 On Board B/L –A Bill of Lading where a Carrier acknowledges that goods have been placed on board a certain vessel.

On Deck Stowage –Cargo stowed on deck of vessel.

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.

Out of Stock –The state of not having inventory at a location and available for distribution or for sell to the consumer (zero inventory). Also called Stock Out.

Outward Doc –Department responsible for issuance/dispatch of all export documents.

Over Landed – Cargo taken beyond original port of discharge.

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).

Overlength Cargo –Cargo exceeding the standard length (of a flatrack/ATD).

Overwidth Cargo –Cargo exceeding the standard width (of a flatrack/ATD).

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.

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.

Piggyback –The carriage of trailers on railway wagons.

Pilferage –Petty stealing of merchandise from a ship´s hold, containers, terminal, cargo shed or warehouse.

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.

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.

Positioning –The transport of equipment from a depot to Shipper´s premises or from Consignee´s premises.

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).

Procurement –The process of acquiring material and/or services in the desired quantity, quality, place and time from a supplier.

Project Rates –Freight Rates established for a specific project.

Proof of Delivery –A receipt signed by the Consignee upon delivery.

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.

Quota –A control system for imports, exports or production by specifying certain limitations.

Rack – A storage device for handling material in pallets.

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.

Received for Shipment B/L –Bill of Lading issued on receipt of cargo; cargo not necessarily loaded yet.

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.

Return Cargo –Cargo to be returned to original place of receipt.

Reverse Logistics –A specialized segment of logistics focusing on the movement and management of products and resources after the sale and after delivery to the customer. Includes product returns for repair and/or credit.

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.

Rotation –Sequence in which a vessel calls at the ports on her schedule.

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.

Schedule – A timetable comprising arrival/departure times of ocean- and feeder vessels and also inland transportation.

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.

 Sea-Air –Movement of cargo by sea to connecting discharge port, then air-freighted to ultimate destination.

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.

Ship Broker –Acts as intermediary between shipowners or Carriers on the one hand and cargo interests on the other.

Ship operator – A ship operator is either the ship owner or the legal person responsible for the de-facto management of a vessel and its crew.

Shipment –A separately identifiable collection of merchandise to be carried. See also: Consignment.

Ship owner –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 Reference Number -A Shipper ID number for a shipment.

Shipside –Cargo located alongside the vessel.

Short Landed –Cargo volume count less than originally shipped.

Short Shipped –Cargo missing vessel that originally intended for due to Carrier´s option.

Shortage – The difference between actual available or delivered quantity and the required/documented quantity.

Slot –The space on board a vessel, required by one 20´ or 40´container.

Spreader –Device used for lifting containers and unitised cargo.

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.

Stackweight – The total weight of containers and cargo in a certain row.

Stem – The foremost part of a vessel.

Stern –The aftermost part of a vessel.

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.

Stowaway – An unwanted person who hides on board of a vessel to get free passage, to flee a country, to evade port officials etc.

Stuffing (Vanning, Packing) – The loading of cargo into a container.

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.

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.

Tanker –A vessel specially designed for the carriage of liquid cargo in bulk.

Target Commodity –Cargo with a special sales priority; cargo to be concentrated on.

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.

THC –Terminal Handling Charge. A charge assessed by the terminal for the positioning of cargo within the terminal/yard.

Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL) –A firm which provides multiple logistics services for use by customers.

Throughput –A measure of warehousing output volume (weight, number of units).

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.

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.

Tramp Vessel – A vessel not operating under a regular schedule.

Transfer Pricing – The pricing of goods or services transferred from one segment of a business to another.

Transit Time –Time vessel takes moving from one port to another.

Trans loading –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.

Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) –Unit of measurement equivalent to one twenty foot container.

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.

Unit Train –Train comprised of containers from one container company.

Unstuffing/Unstripping –Loading and devanning of containers.

Upgraded 20´/40´ –Reinforced container for weight cargo.

 Upstream –Principal direction of movement for customer orders which originate at point of demand or use, as well as other flows such as return product movements, payments for purchases, etc. Opposite of downstream.

Value Added Services (VAS) – VAS encompasses the following four services: Customs House Brokerage, Insurance, Trucking, and Documentation.

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.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) –The practice of retailers making suppliers responsible for determining order size and timing, usually based on receipt of retail POS and inventory data. Its goal is to increase retail inventory turns and reduce stock outs.

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.

Voyage –A journey by sea from one port another or, in case of a round trip, to the same port.

Voyage Number –Reference number assigned by the Carrier or his agent to the voyage of the vessel.

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.

Warehouse –A building intended for receipt, storage and handling of goods.

Warehouse Management System (WMS) –The systems used in effectively managing warehouse business processes and direct warehouse activities, including receiving, putaway, picking, shipping, and inventory cycle counts.

Warehouse Receipt –Receipt for goods deposited in a warehouse.

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.

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.