Acceptance of Goods
The process in which a carrier receives a shipment from the sender, typically issuing a formal receipt as acknowledgment. The carrier’s legal accountability for the consignment begins from this moment and location.
Act of God
Unforeseeable natural events entirely beyond human control — such as floods, lightning strikes, or hurricanes — commonly referred to in legal contracts as force majeure.
Ad Valorem
A Latin expression meaning “according to value.” Applied to freight charges or customs duties that are calculated as a percentage of the declared worth of the goods.
Advice Note
A written communication informing a party about the current condition or movement status of their goods.
Agency Fee
A payment made by a shipowner or vessel operator to a port agent as compensation for services provided.
Agent
An individual or organization formally authorized to act on behalf of another party. An agent may function as part of the principal’s organization or operate independently under a contractual arrangement.
Air Waybill (AWB)
A document issued by or on behalf of an air carrier confirming receipt of goods and establishing the terms of the carriage agreement between the shipper and the carrier.
Allotment
A pre-reserved share of space on a vessel, allocated to a specific party such as a carrier or agent, for the purpose of booking cargo on a designated voyage.
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
A U.S.-based maritime classification body that develops and enforces construction, safety, and operational standards for ocean-going vessels and equipment.
Arbitration
A method of resolving disputes in which both parties agree to submit their case to a mutually chosen independent adjudicator, avoiding formal court proceedings.
Arrival Date
The scheduled date on which a shipment or transport vehicle is expected to reach its delivery point.
Arrival Notice
A communication dispatched by the carrier to a pre-designated notify party, informing them that a specific shipment has arrived or is nearing arrival.
Assignment
The formal transfer of rights, entitlements, or obligations from one party to another.
Authorised Consignee / Consignor
A trader approved by the European Commission under regulation 2454/93 to send or receive goods under transit procedures without needing to physically present goods or documents at a customs office.
Authorization
A formal permission granted to a person or entity to act on behalf of another — for example, to issue Bills of Lading or to collect freight payments.
Average (Marine Insurance)
In marine insurance, this refers to any loss or damage sustained by goods or equipment. Statistically, it also denotes a value derived by dividing the total of several quantities by the number of those quantities.
Average Adjusters
Specialists assigned to calculate and distribute general average losses among all parties with a stake in a maritime venture, and to determine which costs qualify under general average principles.
B/L (Bill of Lading)
A specific provision, clause, or stipulation within a Bill of Lading. Such clauses may be standard and pre-printed on the document.
Bank Guarantee
A formal commitment issued by a bank to cover a financial obligation on behalf of a client, in the event that the client fails to perform their contractual duties.
Bar Coding
A data encoding system using a series of alternating printed bars and spaces that can be read by electronic scanners. Bar codes represent alphanumeric characters and enable rapid, accurate entry of product or shipment data into computer systems.
Bay
A vertical section of a vessel measured from bow to stern, used to identify the exact storage location of containers. Odd-numbered bays indicate 20-foot positions; even-numbered bays indicate 40-foot positions.
Bay Plan
A detailed diagram showing the precise placement of every container loaded aboard a vessel.
Berth
A designated mooring spot within a port where a vessel can dock, usually identified by a specific name or number.
Bilateral Transport Agreement
A formal agreement concluded between two countries to govern and regulate their mutual transport activities and relations.
Bill of Exchange
An unconditional written instruction ordering a party to pay a defined sum of money to a named individual or entity.
Bill of Health
A certificate issued by local port health authorities describing the sanitary conditions at a port of departure or port of call. It must be endorsed by the consul of the destination country prior to sailing. A vessel with a “clean” Bill of Health is confirmed free of contagious disease and in compliance with quarantine requirements.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A legally recognized document that serves as evidence of a sea transport contract between a carrier and a shipper.
Bill of Lading Clause
A specific condition or provision forming part of a Bill of Lading, which may be pre-printed as a standard term on the front of the document.
Bill of Material
A structured list of all parts, sub-assemblies, and raw materials required to manufacture a finished product, specifying the required quantity of each item.
Block Train
A dedicated group of railway wagons — typically loaded with containers — that travels directly from an origin to a destination without intermediate marshalling, wagon changes, or coupling operations.
Bona Fide
A Latin phrase meaning “in good faith,” signifying honest intentions and the absence of fraud or deception.
Bonded
Goods held under customs supervision, upon which import duties have not yet been paid. Bonded goods may be stored in a bonded warehouse, held in a sealed ship’s store, or remain in transit pending customs clearance.
Booking
The act of a shipper formally offering cargo for carriage, and the acceptance of that offer by the carrier or their representative.
Booking Reference Number
A unique identifier assigned by the carrier or their agent to a specific cargo booking.
Break Bulk
The act of beginning to discharge a vessel’s cargo, or separating a unitized load into individual pieces. Break bulk cargo refers to goods shipped in traditional loose form rather than in containers.
Break Bulk Cargo
General cargo shipped individually in conventional form — such as in bags, crates, or bales — as opposed to containerized, unitized, or roll-on/roll-off cargo.
Broker
A party that acts as an intermediary between shipowners or sea carriers and cargo interests. Functions include acting as a forwarding agent or customs broker, negotiating charter arrangements, and serving as a chartering agent.
BSI Container Specification
The British Standards Institution’s published technical specifications and standards for freight containers.
Buffer Stock
A reserve quantity of goods maintained in storage to protect against unexpected demand spikes or supply disruptions.
Bulk Cargo
Homogeneous unpacked goods poured or loaded loosely into a vessel or container — such as grain, coal, or petroleum.
Bulk Carrier
A single-deck vessel specifically designed to carry large volumes of unpacked dry commodities such as grain, iron ore, or coal.
Bulk Container
A specialized container for transporting free-flowing dry goods, loaded through roof hatches and discharged through openings at one end.
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
A freight rate surcharge imposed by shipping lines or liner conferences to compensate for fluctuations in fuel (bunker) prices.
Bunkers
The total quantity of fuel carried on board a vessel for propulsion purposes.
Bureau Veritas
A French maritime classification society responsible for setting and maintaining safety and construction standards for vessels.
Business Process
The sequence of actions taken by an organization in response to specific events, converting inputs into outputs to achieve defined business objectives.
Business Process Model
A structured representation that breaks down all levels of business processes within a defined scope, illustrating process dynamics, interdependencies, and workflow — describing what a process does rather than how it is technically implemented.
Cabotage
The transport of goods between two locations within the same country. In road transport, it refers to a foreign-registered vehicle carrying cargo domestically. In container logistics, it also describes repositioning a container from a surplus area to a location specified by the container owner.
CAD (Cash Against Documents)
A payment arrangement in which the buyer pays for goods upon receiving the transport documents that entitle them to take delivery from the carrier.
CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor)
A freight rate adjustment applied by shipping lines or conferences to offset gains or losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations in the currencies used in tariffs.
Call
A vessel’s visit to a specific port during its voyage.
Call Sign
An internationally assigned identification code published by the International Telecommunication Union, used for communication between vessels, port authorities, and maritime trade participants. The code combines a country-assigned designation series with a nationally assigned digit.
Capacity
The maximum amount — in terms of volume or weight — that can be accommodated in a storage facility or loaded onto a means of transport at a given time.
Cargo
Goods being transported or awaiting transport, covered under a Bill of Lading. This includes all merchandise, wares, and articles carried on a vessel or aircraft, excluding mail, crew belongings, ship’s stores, and passenger baggage.
Cargo Handling
All physical and administrative procedures involved in moving, loading, discharging, and managing goods during transport.
Cargo Tracer
A document circulated among all relevant parties by the agent to report cargo that is either missing or over-landed at the discharge point.
Cargo Unit
A vehicle, container, pallet, portable tank, or any other unit used to facilitate cargo transport, belonging to the ship but not permanently fixed to it.
Carriage
The physical movement of goods from one point to another as part of a transport operation.
Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP)
An INCO term indicating that the seller arranges and pays for transport and insurance to a named destination.
Carriage Paid To (CPT)
An INCO term indicating that the seller pays freight costs to a named destination, but insurance responsibility transfers to the buyer upon handover to the carrier.
Carrier
The party that undertakes responsibility for transporting goods between two locations under a contract of carriage.
Carrier Haulage
Inland transport services organized by the sea carrier under the terms of their tariff and the applicable transport document.
Carriers Bill of Lading Ports
Ports listed on the Bill of Lading — including pre-terminal or post-terminal ports as per tariff — that are not actually called at by the carrier’s ocean vessels.
Carrier’s Lien
The carrier’s legal right to retain possession of “freight collect” goods as security for unpaid charges until the outstanding amount is settled.
Cartage
Short-distance road haulage of goods, typically between a terminal and a nearby location.
Cash on Delivery (COD)
A payment method in which the carrier collects payment from the consignee at the point of delivery and then remits the funds to the shipper.
Caveat Emptor
A Latin phrase meaning “let the buyer beware,” indicating that the buyer bears responsibility for verifying the quality and condition of goods before purchasing.
Cellular Vessel
A ship purpose-built for container transport, featuring internal cell guides that hold containers securely in fixed vertical rows.
CENSA
The Council of European and Japanese National Shipowners’ Associations — an industry body representing the interests of major shipowner groups.
Certificate of Classification
An official document issued by a classification society confirming the class designation under which a vessel is registered.
Certificate of Origin
A document certifying the country in which goods were originally produced, commonly used by customs authorities to determine applicable duties under preferential trade agreements.
Charge
A fee payable for the carriage of goods or for supplementary services rendered in connection with that carriage.
Charge Type
A distinct and identifiable component of the total charges applicable to a specific service provided to a customer.
Charter Party
A contract in which a shipowner makes a vessel (or part of it) available to a charterer for a specified voyage or period, in exchange for freight calculated per ton of cargo or a fixed hire payment.
Charterer
The individual or company that enters into a charter party, effectively leasing a vessel or a portion of its capacity from the owner.
Chassis
A wheeled frame onto which a container is mounted for road transport. Also refers to the mechanical and structural underpinning of a motor vehicle, excluding the body.
Claim
A formal demand presented to a carrier seeking compensation for cargo loss, damage, or delivery delay.
Classification
The systematic arrangement of items into categories or groups based on shared characteristics or attributes.
Classification Society
An independent organization that surveys vessels and sets standards for their construction, maintenance, engines, and safety equipment. Classification societies also inspect and certify containers.
Clean Bill of Lading
A Bill of Lading issued without any remarks or endorsements about the apparent condition or packaging of the goods, indicating they were received in good order.
Client
A party with whom a company has a commercial relationship involving the transport of cargo or provision of related services, either directly or through an agent.
Co-loading
Adding additional cargo from a second shipper along the route when that cargo is destined for the same final location as the originally loaded goods.
Combined Transport
A form of intermodal transport where the majority of the journey is performed by a single primary mode — such as rail, sea, or inland waterway — with road or another mode used for the collection and/or delivery legs.
Combined Transport Document (CTD)
A negotiable or non-negotiable document issued by a carrier confirming a contract for goods movement across multiple transport modes, typically on a door-to-door basis.
Combined Transport Operator (CTO)
A party that contracts to move goods using more than one mode of transport.
Commercial Invoice
A document issued by the seller to the buyer itemizing the goods supplied, their value, and the commercial terms of the sale transaction.
Commodity
A classification of the type of goods being transported. Commodities are categorized using the Harmonized System coding structure.
Conditions
Requirements that must be met before a contract is performed or completed. Also refers to the printed terms and stipulations on a transport or commercial document.
Conditions of Carriage
The general terms established by a carrier governing the rights and obligations of all parties involved in the transport of goods.
Conditions of Contract
The terms and conditions printed on or incorporated into an Air Waybill, governing the air carriage agreement.
Conference
A situation at a port where multiple vessels arrive simultaneously and are forced to wait for a berth to become available.
Consignee
The party named in the transport document as the recipient of the goods, cargo, or containers.
Consignment
A defined, separately identifiable quantity of goods shipped from one consignor to one consignee under a single transport document, using one or more modes of transport.
Consignment Instructions
Directions provided by the seller or buyer to a freight forwarder, carrier, or agent covering the physical movement of goods, customs procedures, document distribution, charge allocation, and any special requirements such as insurance or dangerous goods handling.
Consignment Note
A document prepared by the shipper that forms a transport contract, containing details of the goods and signed by the inland carrier as proof of receipt.
Consignor
The party that dispatches goods for transport; the sender of a consignment.
Consolidated Container
A container packed with multiple shipments from different shippers, destined for one or more consignees.
Consolidation
The grouping of several smaller shipments into one larger combined load to achieve lower per-unit transport costs.
Consolidation Point
The location where multiple smaller consignments are brought together and combined into a single larger shipment.
Consolidator
A company or individual that specializes in combining cargo from multiple shippers into consolidated loads.
Consortium
A cooperative arrangement between two or more carriers to jointly operate services on a specific trade route.
Container
A standardized, reusable transport unit as defined by ISO, designed to carry goods across multiple modes of transport without intermediate reloading. It must be strong enough for repeated use, fitted with handling devices, easy to fill and empty, and have an internal volume of at least 1 cubic meter. The term does not include vehicles or standard packaging.
Container Check Digit
The seventh digit in a container’s identification number, used to verify that the prefix and serial number combination is correct.
Container Depot
A facility used for storing empty containers when not in service.
Container Freight Station (CFS)
A facility where LCL export cargo is received from shippers and stuffed into containers, or where LCL import cargo is stripped from containers and handed over to consignees.
Container Lease
A contractual agreement in which the owner of containers (the lessor) grants the right to use those containers to another party (the lessee) for a fixed period in exchange for regular rental payments.
Container Load Plan (CLP)
A document listing all items loaded into a specific container, including their loading sequence.
Container Manifest
A document prepared by the responsible loading party listing the full contents of a container or transport unit.
Container Number
A unique identification code assigned to each container, consisting of a four-letter owner prefix, a six-digit serial number, and a check digit (e.g., KNLU 123456-7).
Container Prefix
The first four letters of a container identification number, indicating the container’s registered owner.
Container Size Code
A two-digit code indicating the container’s nominal length and nominal height.
Container Terminal
A specialized facility where containers are loaded onto or discharged from vessels, trucks, or trains.
Container Yard (CY)
A facility where full container load (FCL) cargo and empty containers are exchanged between the carrier and the merchant.
Containerised
A term indicating that goods have been loaded and secured inside a container for transport.
Contraband
Goods whose import or export is prohibited under national law.
Contract
A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties, establishing their respective rights and obligations.
Conventional Cargo
General cargo stowed in traditional break-bulk form, as distinct from containerized, unitized, or roll-on/roll-off cargo.
Cost and Freight (CFR)
An INCO term indicating that the seller covers the cost of goods and freight to the named destination port, but risk transfers to the buyer once goods are on board the vessel.
Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF)
An INCO term under which the seller pays for the cost of goods, freight, and marine insurance to the named destination port.
Crew Member
Any individual formally employed and listed on the crew register who performs duties on board a vessel during a voyage.
Cruise Ship
A passenger vessel operating internationally, carrying travelers on a group itinerary with scheduled port visits, and not normally loading cargo or embarking non-itinerary passengers during the voyage.
Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)
A surcharge applied to freight rates by shipping lines or conferences to compensate for exchange rate fluctuations in the currencies used in their tariffs.
Customs
The government department responsible for controlling the import and export of goods, levying duties and taxes, and enforcing regulations on prohibited or restricted items.
Customs Broker
A licensed professional authorized to handle customs clearance procedures on behalf of importers or exporters.
Customs Clearance Agent
A customs broker or other authorized representative designated by the consignee to manage customs formalities on their behalf.
Customs Invoice
A document submitted to the importing country’s customs authority by the exporter, declaring the value of goods and related costs such as freight and insurance, for the purpose of calculating applicable duties.
Customs Value
The declared monetary value of goods in a consignment, as reported to customs for duty assessment and trade statistics.
Damaged Cargo Report
A written statement documenting confirmed damage to cargo or equipment, prepared at the time of discovery.
Dangerous Goods
Any substances or materials that pose a risk of harm to people, the environment, or property during transport.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
A document issued by the consignor confirming that hazardous materials are correctly classified, packaged, and labeled in accordance with applicable regulations.
Dangerous Goods Packing Certificate
A supplementary document to the Dangerous Goods Declaration in which the responsible party confirms that dangerous cargo has been properly stowed in a clean container, in compliance with IMDG regulations, and adequately secured.
Deadfreight
Freight charges levied on a shipper for failing to supply the full quantity of cargo committed under a charter party or booking agreement.
Deadweight (DWT)
The maximum total weight a vessel can carry when loaded to its permitted waterline — encompassing cargo, equipment, fuel, provisions, fresh water, and spare parts. Expressed in metric tons.
Degroupage
The process of splitting a consolidated shipment back into individual consignments for separate delivery.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
An INCO term under which the seller bears all costs and risks, including import duties and taxes, until the goods are delivered to the named destination.
Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)
An INCO term under which the seller delivers goods to the named destination but leaves import duty payment to the buyer.
Delivered Ex Quay (DEQ)
An INCO term under which the seller delivers goods onto the quay at the named destination port, cleared for import.
Delivered Ex Ship (DES)
An INCO term under which the seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the named destination port, before customs clearance.
Delivery Instruction
A document issued by the buyer providing the carrier or agent with specific instructions regarding how and where goods should be delivered.
Delivery Note
A document issued upon delivery of goods to a consignee, acknowledging receipt and recording the details of the delivered items.
Delivery Order
A carrier-issued negotiable document used to split a Bill of Lading into separate portions after surrender, allowing individual parcels to be released to different parties.
Demurrage
A fee charged to carriers or customers for using carrier-owned equipment or occupying a terminal beyond the free time allowance specified in the applicable terms and conditions.
Despatch Advice
A notification sent by the shipper to the recipient of goods, confirming that specified items have been dispatched or are ready to be sent, including details of the consignment contents.
Destination
The final location to which goods or a vehicle are consigned, as specified in the contract of carriage.
Detention
The retention of transport equipment beyond the permitted free use period.
Detention Charge
A fee levied for keeping transport equipment beyond the free time period as defined in the relevant inland rules and conditions.
Devanning
The process of unloading goods from a container; also referred to as stripping or unpacking.
Deviation from a Route
A departure from the agreed or customary transport route.
Dimensions
The physical measurements — length, width, and height — of cargo or transport equipment.
Direct Delivery
The conveyance of goods directly from the vendor to the buyer, often facilitated by a third-party intermediary. Also refers to discharging cargo directly from a vessel onto road, rail, or barge transport without intermediate storage.
Direct Interchange
The transfer of leased container equipment from one lessee directly to another, without returning it to the owner in between.
Direct Route
The shortest available operated path between two points in a transport network.
Discharge
The unloading of cargo from a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle. Also refers to the act of landing cargo at a port or terminal.
Discrepancy
A difference found between the details stated in transport or commercial documents and the actual goods or quantities received.
Distribution Centre
A warehouse facility designed for receiving, storing, and dispatching goods to customers or other destinations.
Distribution Channel
The network or path through which a company moves goods from production to the final customer.
Door-to-Door Transport
The carriage of goods from the consignor’s premises all the way to the consignee’s premises, covering the complete journey under a single arrangement. (In the USA, often referred to as “Point to Point Transport.”)
Double Stack Train
A rail service using specially equipped flat cars that allow containers to be stacked two units high, effectively doubling the cargo capacity per train.
Draft
The vertical distance between the surface of the water and the lowest point of a vessel’s keel, indicating how deeply the ship sits in the water. Draft marks are permanently fixed to both sides of the vessel.
Drawback
A refund of customs or excise duties previously paid on imported goods, granted when those goods are subsequently exported.
Drayage
Short-distance road haulage, typically between a railway terminal and the point of stuffing or delivery.
Drop-off Charge
A fee charged by the container owner or terminal operator when a leased or pool container is returned to a depot. It may include handling costs, storage fees, and applicable surcharges.
Dunnage
Protective packing material — commonly timber or boards — used inside a container or vessel hold to prevent cargo movement and avoid damage during transport.
Duty Free Zone
A designated area where goods may be stored without payment of import customs duties, pending onward transport or further processing.
EDI for Administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/EDIFACT)
The ISO-defined syntax rules for structuring user data and service data in the electronic interchange of messages between organizations.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
The automated computer-to-computer exchange of structured business data between organizations, using agreed formats and communication standards.
Electronic Data Processing (EDP)
The computerized management and processing of business information and data.
Embargo
A government order banning the movement of commercial vessels or goods through its ports. It also refers to a carrier’s temporary refusal to accept certain cargo types on specific routes or areas.
Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
Onboard medical response procedures to be followed in case of health emergencies arising during a vessel’s voyage.
Endorsement
The transfer of rights to collect goods from a carrier, achieved by the consignee signing the back of a Bill of Lading. If no new consignee is named, the endorsement is “open,” allowing any holder of the document to claim the goods.
Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR)
A document recording the physical inspection and formal transfer of equipment between two parties.
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
The expected date and time at which a vessel or aircraft is due to arrive at a specific port or location.
Estimated Time of Departure (ETD)
The expected date and time at which a vessel or aircraft is scheduled to depart from a specific port or location.
Ex Works (EXW)
An INCO term under which the seller makes goods available at their premises, with the buyer bearing all subsequent transport costs and risks.
Export
The process of sending goods to another country for sale or use. The exporter is the party legally responsible for managing this process.
Export Licence
An official government permit authorizing the export of specified goods within a defined timeframe.
Exporter
The party responsible for the export of goods to another country.
Factory Delivery
The handover of finished goods by a manufacturer to another internal department, such as a commercial or distribution division, for onward processing or dispatch.
Feeder Vessel
A smaller ship used to carry containers between regional ports and major hub ports that are not directly served by the mainline ocean vessel.
Flag
An indication of the country in which a vessel is registered, typically represented by the national ensign of that country.
Flammable
A descriptor applied to substances that can be ignited and will sustain combustion under defined conditions.
Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which a substance generates sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air.
Flat Rack Container
A container with two fixed end walls and open sides, used for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.
Fleet
A group of vessels, vehicles, or aircraft operating together or managed under unified control.
FMC (Federal Maritime Commission)
The United States government authority responsible for regulating the international ocean transportation industry under applicable shipping laws.
Force Majeure
An extraordinary event beyond the control of either party to a contract — such as war, natural disaster, or government action — that may exempt the affected party from liability for non-performance.
FEU (Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit)
A standard unit of container measurement equivalent to one 40-foot container.
Forwarder (Freight Forwarder)
A specialist who arranges the movement of goods on behalf of shippers or consignees, including transport coordination, documentation, and customs clearance.
Forwarding Charge
Charges paid for preliminary surface or air transport to the airport of departure, arranged by a forwarder but not covered by the carrier under an Air Waybill.
Forwarding Instruction
A document issued by a shipper to a freight forwarder, providing specific instructions on how the described goods are to be forwarded.
FTL (Full Truck Load)
A shipment in which an entire truck is loaded with cargo from a single supplier traveling directly to a single receiver.
Garments on Hangers
Clothing items transported inside containers on suspended hangers and rails, reducing handling time and the risk of creasing or damage.
Gateway
A point in a transport network where cargo is exchanged between carriers or modes of transport. Also used to describe a point of entry or access.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
A major international trade agreement among numerous nations aimed at reducing barriers to international trade. Its functions have largely been taken over by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
General Average (G/A)
A maritime legal principle under which any deliberate sacrifice or extraordinary expenditure made to protect the vessel and its cargo from peril is shared proportionally among all parties with a financial interest in the voyage.
General Average Act (York-Antwerp Rules)
A general average act exists when an extraordinary sacrifice or expenditure is intentionally and reasonably made for the common safety of all property involved in a maritime venture.
General Cargo
Goods — packed or unpacked — shipped individually or in units such as cartons, crates, bags, or bales, either in break-bulk or containerized form. Also refers to any consignment not classified as valuable cargo.
General Purpose Container
A standard container with two end walls and open sides, suitable for transporting a wide range of general goods without special temperature or handling requirements.
Goods
Any movable items, merchandise, or wares that can satisfy a demand or need. Also refers to all cargo received from a shipper, including any equipment supplied by them.
Goods in Transit
Goods that have left their point of origin but have not yet reached their final destination.
Goods Receipt
A document issued by a port, warehouse, or terminal operator acknowledging the receipt of goods as described therein.
Groupage
The consolidation of multiple smaller road consignments into a single larger combined shipment.
Hague Rules
The 1924 international convention establishing uniform rules for Bills of Lading, including the liabilities and responsibilities of shipping lines.
Hague-Visby Rules
A 1968 revision of the Hague Rules, introducing amendments to carrier liability provisions.
Hamburg Rules
The United Nations Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea, adopted in 1978 and entering into force in 1992, updating and replacing the Hague and Hague-Visby Rules.
Harmonized System (HS)
A six-digit international coding system for classifying traded goods, established by the World Customs Organization in 1983. It covers approximately 5,000 product descriptions and is used by customs services, trade statisticians, and transport operators worldwide.
Haulage
The inland transport of cargo or containers between specified locations. May be arranged either by the carrier (carrier haulage) or by the merchant (merchant haulage), each involving sub-contractors accordingly.
Haulier
A road transport company or operator responsible for moving goods by truck.
House-to-House Transport
The transport of cargo from the consignor’s premises directly to the consignee’s premises, covering the full journey end-to-end. (Also called Door-to-Door Transport.)
Hub
A central interchange point in a transport network where cargo from multiple origins is consolidated and then distributed onward to various destinations via connecting services.
Idle Time
The period during which an available resource — such as a container sitting unused in a yard — is not being productively utilized.
In Transit
The status of goods or persons who have cleared outward customs at the origin but have not yet completed inward customs clearance at the destination.
INCO Terms
Standardized international trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce, last updated in 2000, defining the division of delivery responsibilities, costs, and risks between buyer and seller.
Inland Waterways Bill of Lading
A transport document issued for goods carried on inland waterways, made out to a named party, to order, or to bearer, and signed by the carrier upon receipt.
Insurance
A financial arrangement in which a party pays regular premiums in exchange for compensation against defined losses or damages.
Insurance Certificate
A document serving as proof that an insurance contract has been taken out for specified goods or shipments.
Insurance Company
The entity that assumes the risk of loss or damage in exchange for premium payments from the insured party.
Intermodal Transport
The movement of goods in a single loading unit across two or more modes of transport, without physically handling the goods themselves when switching modes.
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
An international airline industry organization founded in 1945, responsible for promoting safe, reliable, and economical air travel and freight through coordination and standardization among member airlines.
International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
A voluntary body of national shipowner associations that promotes members’ interests in the technical and legal aspects of shipping operations.
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
A classification and regulatory code developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the safe transport of hazardous materials by sea.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
A United Nations agency focused on maritime safety, environmental protection, and the legal framework for international shipping. Formerly known as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO).
Invoice
A billing document issued by a supplier detailing goods or services provided and the amounts payable.
Jetsam
Goods that have been deliberately thrown overboard or lost at sea.
Jettison
The deliberate act of throwing cargo overboard to reduce a vessel’s weight or to protect the ship and remaining cargo in an emergency, undertaken for the common benefit of all interests involved.
Jetty
A structure projecting into the sea to protect a harbor or coastline. It may also serve as a landing pier for vessels.
Jib
The projecting arm of a crane, or an attachment fixed to the top of a crane boom to extend its reach.
Job
A defined unit of work assigned to meet a customer or production order, identified by a unique reference number for planning and control purposes.
Joint Venture
A business activity conducted jointly by two or more companies, typically under a shared identity or common operational framework.
Journey
A trip made by a vessel or vehicle from one location to another — or, in the case of a round trip, back to the starting point.
Jurisprudence
The body of legal decisions and rulings used to interpret and apply the law in specific cases.
Just In Time (JIT)
A supply chain strategy that synchronizes the delivery of goods or materials precisely when they are needed, minimizing excess inventory and storage costs.
Kyoto Convention
An international customs convention originally held in 1974 in Kyoto, aimed at simplifying and harmonizing national customs procedures. A revised and restructured version was unanimously adopted by 114 customs administrations in June 1999 to address computerized controls and improve cooperation between customs authorities and the trade community.
Label
A tag — made of paper, metal, or another material — attached to goods or equipment to identify their nature, destination, owner, contents, or other relevant details.
Lash
To secure cargo in position using wires, ropes, chains, or straps to prevent movement during transport.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
A shipment where the cargo volume is insufficient to fill a full container, requiring consolidation with other consignments. The carrier is responsible for packing and unpacking. Also referred to as LTL (Less than Truck Load) for road transport.
Lessee
The party that receives the right to use specified property for a defined period in exchange for rental payments.
Lessor
The party that grants another party the right to use specified property for a defined period in exchange for rent.
Letter of Credit (L/C)
A bank-issued instrument guaranteeing payment to a seller (beneficiary) upon presentation of specified documents within a defined time limit, at the request of the buyer (applicant).
Letter of Indemnity
A written undertaking by one party to compensate another for any costs or liabilities arising from performing a specific act — for example, a shipper requesting a clean Bill of Lading despite disputed cargo condition.
Liability
Legal responsibility for the consequences of specific actions or omissions.
Lien
A legal right to retain or claim possession of property as security for the payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation.
Liner Conference
A formal arrangement among two or more shipping companies operating on a common trade route, agreeing on uniform freight rates and standardized service conditions.
Liner In Free Out (LIFO)
A freight rate condition under which the cost of sea transport and loading are included, but the cost of discharging is excluded from the rate.
Liner Terms
A freight condition in which the carrier bears the cost of both loading and discharging, subject to the custom of the ports involved.
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
A British maritime classification society responsible for setting construction and safety standards for vessels.
Main-line Operator (MLO)
A carrier that operates vessels on the principal routes of a trade but is not part of a consortium arrangement.
Manifest
An official document listing the specifications of all goods loaded onto a vessel or transport unit. It is typically compiled by cargo agents at the loading port and serves cumulative administrative and official purposes.
Marine Insurance Policy
A contract that protects the insured against financial loss due to damage or loss of goods during ocean transport.
Mate’s Receipt
A document signed by the ship’s chief officer acknowledging receipt of a specified consignment on board, with any remarks about the condition of the goods noted at the time of loading.
Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG)
A reference document providing onboard medical response instructions for accidents involving dangerous goods.
Merchant Haulage
Inland transport of containers arranged by the shipper or consignee, including repositioning of empty containers to or from carrier handover points. The carrier’s liability under the Bill of Lading does not extend to this inland stretch.
Multimodal Transport
The movement of goods using at least two different modes of transport under a single contract, without reloading the goods at each modal transfer.
Multimodal Transport Document
A negotiable or non-negotiable document issued by a carrier confirming a contract for the carriage of goods using multiple transport modes, often on a door-to-door basis.
Multimodal Transport Operator / Carrier
The party in whose name the multimodal transport document is issued and who bears responsibility for the entire transport operation under the contract.
Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
A freight carrier that issues Bills of Lading and contracts for cargo carriage in its own name, without owning or operating any vessels.
Notify Address
The address of the party — other than the consignee — who is to be informed of the goods’ arrival.
Notify Party
The designated party to be notified upon the arrival of goods at the destination.
Oncarriage
The transport of goods from the port of discharge to the final place of delivery, using any mode of transport.
One Stop Shop
An organization that provides all required services or solutions from a single location or point of contact.
Open Top Container
A freight container similar to a standard unit but without a rigid roof, fitted instead with a flexible or removable cover — such as canvas or reinforced plastic — typically supported by removable roof bows.
Out of Gauge Cargo
Cargo that exceeds the standard external dimensions of a 20- or 40-foot container in length, width, or height.
Outturn Report
A written statement prepared by the stevedoring company documenting the condition of cargo discharged from a vessel, along with any quantity discrepancies compared to the ship’s manifest.
Overheight Cargo
Cargo that exceeds standard height limits for conventional container transport.
Overlength Cargo
Cargo that exceeds standard length limits for conventional container transport.
Overwidth Cargo
Cargo that exceeds standard width limits for conventional container transport.
Owner
The legal owner of cargo, transport equipment, or a means of transport.
P&I Club (Protection and Indemnity Club)
A mutual insurance association for shipowners providing coverage for third-party liabilities arising from vessel operations, funded through member contributions.
Package
An individual unit of cargo, consisting of the contents and their outer packaging, designed to facilitate manual or mechanical handling.
Packaging
Materials used to contain, protect, handle, and present goods for transport, along with the process of placing and securing goods within those materials.
Packing Instruction
An internal document specifying how goods are to be packed for transport.
Packing List
A document itemizing the contents of each individual package within a shipment.
Pallet
A flat, portable platform — typically made of wood or plastic — on which goods are stacked and secured for efficient movement using forklifts or slings.
Panamax Size
The maximum vessel dimensions permitted to pass through the Panama Canal.
Payload
The revenue-generating cargo load carried by a means of transport.
Payment Against Documents
An instruction from a seller to a bank stipulating that the buyer may only obtain the shipping documents — and therefore take delivery of the goods — upon actual payment of the invoice.
Physical Distribution
All activities involved in moving finished goods from the point of production to the final customer.
Pier
The section of a wharf or jetty structure designated for the mooring of vessels.
Pilferage
The petty theft of goods from a ship’s hold, cargo shed, or warehouse.
Place of Acceptance
The location where the carrier takes delivery of a consignment from the shipper, marking the commencement of the carrier’s transport liability.
Place of Delivery
The location where the carrier hands over the consignment to the consignee, marking the end of the carrier’s transport liability.
Place of Despatch
The name and address of the location from which goods are collected or taken over by the carrier, if different from the consignor’s address.
Place of Receipt
The location where the carrier formally receives a consignment from the shipper and assumes responsibility for the transport.
Port of Call
A port at which a vessel drops anchor or moors during the course of a voyage.
Port of Discharge
The port at which cargo is physically unloaded from the ocean vessel.
Precarriage
The transport of goods from the place of receipt to the port or place of loading onto the main ocean vessel.
Precarrier
The carrier responsible for moving goods from the collection point to the main vessel’s loading port.
Preshipment Inspection (PSI)
An examination of goods before shipment by an independent inspector to verify quantity, quality, and compliance with applicable phytosanitary, sanitary, or veterinary standards. Some countries also use PSI to verify that pricing is correct.
Principal
The party on whose behalf an agent acts.
Pro Forma Invoice
A preliminary invoice sent by the exporter to the importer before the order is confirmed or goods are shipped, used to facilitate import licenses, foreign exchange allocations, or the opening of letters of credit.
Project Cargo
A quantity of goods associated with a single project, often transported in multiple shipments at different times from various origins.
Proof of Delivery
The signed receipt provided by the consignee upon acceptance of the goods, confirming that delivery has taken place.
Proper Shipping Name
The officially designated name used to identify and describe specific goods on all transport documents and notifications, and where appropriate, on the goods themselves.
Quarantine
A mandatory isolation period imposed on a vessel, its crew, cargo, or passengers suspected of carrying a contagious disease, to prevent its spread to the broader population.
Quay
The section of a port structure where vessels moor for the purposes of loading and discharging cargo.
Rate
The price charged for a transport service, or the unit measure used to calculate freight charges.
Rebate
A portion of the transport charge that the carrier agrees to refund to the shipper or consignee under agreed conditions.
Receipt
A written acknowledgment confirming that goods, documents, or payments have been received.
Reefer Cargo
Goods that require controlled temperature conditions during transport and storage.
Reefer Container
An insulated container equipped with a refrigeration unit (mechanical or absorption type) used to maintain a controlled temperature environment for perishable or temperature-sensitive cargo.
Regroupage
The process of both splitting consolidated shipments into individual consignments and re-consolidating those consignments into new combined loads.
Release Order
A document issued by or on behalf of the carrier authorizing the release of import cargo as identified on the relevant Bill of Lading.
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)
A vessel loading and discharge system in which wheeled cargo — such as trucks, trailers, and cars — is driven directly on and off the ship via a ramp.
Route
The path or itinerary along which goods or transport vehicles are directed to travel.
Routing
The process of determining the most efficient transport path for goods, vessels, or vehicles, considering cost, distance, and operational requirements.
Said to Contain (STC)
A Bill of Lading notation indicating that the carrier has not verified the nature, quantity, or condition of the goods inside a sealed unit and is relying entirely on the shipper’s stated description.
Salvage
The rescue of a vessel and/or its cargo from loss, damage, or destruction at sea.
Schedule
A timetable specifying the arrival and departure times of vessels and inland transport services, identifying the ports of call and voyage numbers for a specific trade.
Seal
A tamper-evident device applied to a container, truck, or locker to confirm that it has not been opened or disturbed during transit.
Seaworthiness
The condition of a vessel being properly equipped, maintained, and structurally sound to safely undertake a specific voyage with a specified cargo.
Sender
The party who dispatches goods or documents for transport or delivery.
Ship Operator
Either the shipowner or the legally designated person responsible for managing the vessel and its crew on a day-to-day basis.
Ship’s Protest
A formal statement made by the ship’s master before competent authorities, recording extraordinary events or incidents that occurred during the voyage.
Ship Leasing Company
A company from which vessels or transport equipment are obtained under a lease arrangement.
Shipment
A defined collection of goods prepared and sent as a single consignment for transport. (In the USA, “shipment” is commonly used in place of “consignment.”)
Shipowner
The party legally registered as the owner of a vessel, with ownership details recorded in the ship’s certificate of registry.
Shipper
The party in whose name a contract of carriage has been concluded with a carrier, or the party who physically delivers the goods to the carrier for transport.
Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)
A U.S. customs form required for all exports, used by the government to compile export trade statistics.
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)
A document containing the shipper’s or shipper’s agent’s instructions for document preparation and cargo forwarding for air freight.
Shipping Documents
All documents required to accompany goods during the carriage process.
Shipping Instruction
A document provided by the exporter to the carrier detailing cargo information and specific requirements for its physical movement.
Shipping Label
A label affixed to a unit of cargo containing identification and routing data.
Shipping Marks
Identification markings applied to individual packages to help ensure they are moved without confusion or delay to the correct destination, and can be verified against shipping documents.
Shipping Note
A document provided by the shipper or agent to the carrier, terminal, or other receiving authority, containing information about an export consignment and providing receipts and liability declarations.
Shortage
A deficiency in the actual quantity of goods available or delivered compared to the quantity expected or ordered.
Shrink Wrapping
A method of unitizing packages by applying heat to a polyethylene film shrink-wrapped around the goods, consolidating them into a single stable unit — commonly used to secure palletized cargo.
Slot
The space on a vessel occupied by one TEU, primarily used for planning and administrative cargo allocation purposes.
Slot Charter
A voyage charter arrangement in which the shipowner places a defined number of container slots at the charterer’s disposal for a specific voyage.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
An international monetary unit used by the IMF, also used in shipping to express the maximum limits of a carrier’s financial liability.
Special Rate
Any freight rate that differs from the standard published tariff rate.
Stability
A vessel’s ability to return to an upright position after being displaced by external forces such as waves or wind, determined by its metacentric height.
Stack
An organized arrangement of containers stored in a defined location at a terminal, container yard, or depot.
Storage
The activity of placing and keeping goods in a designated facility such as a warehouse, and the costs associated with doing so.
Storage Charge
The fee levied for storing goods in a warehouse or terminal facility.
Stowage
The arrangement and securing of cargo or containers inside a vessel, aircraft, or container to ensure safe and stable transport.
Stowage Factor
The ratio of a cargo’s volume to its weight — expressed in cubic feet per ton or cubic meters per tonne — used to determine how much of a given cargo type can be loaded into a specific space.
Stowage Instructions
Specific directives provided by the shipper or their agent regarding how particular cargo must be arranged and secured during transport.
Stowage Plan
A diagram showing the placement of all consignments aboard a vessel, used by stevedores and ship officers for operational planning.
Stripping
The unloading and removal of cargo from inside a container.
Stuffing
The loading and packing of cargo into a container.
Supply Chain
The end-to-end sequence of activities — including production, assembly, storage, and delivery — that transforms raw inputs into finished goods and moves them to the final customer.
Supply Vessel
A vessel that delivers provisions, equipment, and supplies to offshore drilling platforms or rigs.
Surcharge
An additional charge added on top of the standard freight rate to cover specific extraordinary costs or circumstances.
Survey
A formal inspection of a vessel, container, or cargo item conducted by a recognized specialist on behalf of a classification bureau or government body.
Surveyor
A qualified specialist who carries out formal inspections, often representing a classification society or official authority.
Tallyman / Clerk
A person who counts and records cargo items at the time of loading or discharging, noting their condition and quantities.
Tank Container
A pressure-rated tank mounted within a standard container frame, used for transporting liquid or gaseous cargo in bulk.
Tanker
A vessel specifically designed and built for the bulk carriage of liquid cargo such as crude oil or chemicals.
Tare Weight of Container
The weight of an empty container, including all fittings and accessories associated with it under normal operating conditions.
Tariff
A published schedule of freight rates, charges, and the associated terms and conditions applicable to a carrier’s services.
Terminal
A facility located at either end of a transport route, equipped for the servicing, handling, and transfer of cargo.
Terms of Delivery
The agreed conditions between buyer and seller regarding the delivery of goods, typically expressed using INCO terms to avoid ambiguity.
Terms of Freight
The conditions agreed between a carrier and a merchant defining the applicable freight type, charges due, and whether these are prepaid or payable at destination.
TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit)
The standard unit of measurement in container shipping, equivalent to one 20-foot container.
Tonnage
The cubic cargo capacity of a merchant vessel. Also used to express the total weight or quantity of cargo measured in tons.
Tracing
The process of actively retrieving information about the current location or status of cargo, equipment, or consignments.
Track & Trace
A proactive system for monitoring and following a product’s movement along the supply chain, along with the associated documentation flow.
Tracking
The ongoing function of maintaining and updating the status and location information of cargo, containers, or equipment.
Trailer
A non-powered road vehicle designed for cargo transport, intended to be towed by a powered motor vehicle.
Trailer on Flat Car (TOFC)
A rail transport method in which road trailers are loaded onto specially designed flatcars — also known as piggyback transport.
Tramp Vessel
A vessel that operates without a fixed route or regular schedule, taking on cargo wherever it is available.
Transhipment
The transfer of cargo from one vessel to another at an intermediate port as part of a single journey under one Bill of Lading. The intermediate port is known as the transhipment port.
Transit Cargo
Cargo that has cleared outward customs at the origin point but has not yet completed inward customs clearance at the final destination.
Transport
The movement of people or goods from one location to another using an appropriate means of conveyance.
Transport Document
A document that evidences a contract of carriage — such as a Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, or Multimodal Transport Document — between a shipowner and a consignor.
Type of Cargo
A classification of the nature of goods being transported — for example, break bulk, containerized, or RoRo.
Type of Movement
A description of the service type used for moving containers, such as FCL/FCL, LCL/LCL, or combinations thereof, as noted on the Bill of Lading or manifest.
Type of Packing
A description of the packaging material used to wrap, contain, and protect goods during transport.
Ultimate Consignee
The party identified on the invoice or packing list as the final recipient of the goods.
Unaccompanied Baggage
Passenger luggage that travels separately from the passenger who owns it.
Unit Load
Multiple individual packages bundled, palletized, or strapped together to form a single unit, enabling more efficient mechanical handling.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
A UN agency involved in international trade, including shipping policy. It oversees the liner code under which cargo is shared between shipping lines of importing, exporting, and third countries in a 40:40:20 ratio.
United Nations Dangerous Goods Number (UNDG Number)
A four-digit number assigned by the UN Committee of Experts on Transport of Dangerous Goods to identify specific hazardous substances or groups of substances. The prefix “UN” must always precede these numbers.
Valuable Cargo
A consignment containing one or more high-value articles requiring special handling or insurance arrangements.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
An indirect tax levied at each stage of production and distribution based on the value added at that stage, ultimately included in the final price paid by the end consumer.
Vanning
The process of loading cargo into a container; another term for stuffing.
Vendor
The party selling goods or services; the seller.
Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)
A large tanker vessel designed to carry liquid cargo in bulk, with a loading capacity ranging from 50,000 to 250,000 DWT.
Vessel
A floating structure built and designed for the transport of cargo and/or passengers.
Volume
The three-dimensional measurement of a space or object, expressed in cubic units.
Volume Charge
A freight charge for air cargo calculated based on the volume of the goods being transported.
Voyage
A sea journey from one port or country to another — or, in the case of a round trip, back to the starting port.
Voyage Charter
A contract in which a shipowner agrees to carry a defined quantity of cargo between specified ports, with freight calculated per unit of cargo or as a lump sum amount.
Voyage Number
A reference number assigned by the carrier or their agent to identify a specific vessel voyage.
Warehousing
The full range of activities involved in receiving, storing, managing, and dispatching goods from a warehouse facility.
Warsaw Convention
An international agreement signed in Warsaw in 1929 (and amended by the Hague Protocol in 1955) governing the legal obligations of parties and the liability limitations of carriers in international air transport.
Waybill
A non-negotiable transport document evidencing a contract of carriage, issued to a named consignee only, without the need for surrender to collect goods.
Weight Charge
A freight charge for air cargo calculated based on the weight of the goods being transported.
Wharf
A port structure where vessels berth for the purpose of loading and discharging cargo.
Wharfage
A fee levied for the use of wharf facilities for mooring, loading, discharging, or storing goods.
X-ray
High-frequency electromagnetic radiation with a short wavelength, capable of penetrating most solid materials. Used in cargo inspection systems for security screening.
X.25
An international CCITT standard for packet-switched data communications networks.
X.400
A CCITT standard designed to enable international message and information exchange between users of computer-based store-and-forward messaging systems and office information platforms across public and private data networks.
X.500
ITU/ISO recommendations (ISO 9594) for the structure of electronic directories used in email addressing and information management systems.
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
A World Wide Web Consortium standard for encoding document content and structure in a format that can be exchanged between different computer applications. XML is a subset of SGML and serves as a successor to HTML.
XML/EDI
The exchange of structured business data over the Internet using XML as the communication syntax.
Yard
A fenced outdoor area used for the storage and repair of containers and transport equipment.
Yaw
The lateral deviation of a vessel’s course — swinging to port or starboard — caused by the action of wind or waves.
Yawl
A small vessel’s rowing boat typically propelled by a single oar. Also refers to a small fore-and-aft rigged sailing boat with a short mizzenmast positioned behind the cockpit, distinguishing it from a ketch.
Yield Bucket
The remaining available slot capacity on a trade or voyage — for a specific loading port — after subtracting slots reserved under specific contracts.
Yield Management
A revenue optimization strategy for carriers aimed at maximizing the financial contribution of every available slot, vessel, and trade route by allocating the right capacity to the right customer at the right price, in combination with load factor management.
York-Antwerp Rules
An internationally recognized set of rules governing general average in maritime trade. A general average act is defined as any extraordinary sacrifice or expenditure intentionally and reasonably made for the common safety of all property involved in a maritime venture.
Zodiac
An inflatable rubber dinghy used for the transport of people, especially between a vessel and the shore.
Zone
A defined geographic area, belt, or district established for transport planning or charge calculation purposes.
Zone Haulage Rate
The rate at which a carrier will undertake the haulage of goods or containers between a place of delivery and the carrier’s appropriate terminal, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable tariff and Combined Transport Bill of Lading.
Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP)
A U.S. postal system for simplifying the sorting and delivery of mail, using a five-digit code to identify the state, city or district, and specific delivery zone.