Glossary

Search and explore key logistics and shipping terms

Showing 270 of 270 terms

Air Waybill (AWB)

A document issued by an airline acknowledging receipt of cargo for transport.

Airline Terminal Fee

A charge for handling cargo at an airline's terminal.

All-Risk Coverage

A broad cargo insurance policy covering most risks of loss or damage.

Anti-dumping Duties (AD)

Tariffs imposed on imported goods priced below fair market value.

Automated Export System (AES)

A U.S. system for filing export documentation.

Automated Manifest System (AMS)

A U.S. Customs system for advance cargo reporting.

ACH Fee

A fee for processing electronic payments through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.

AES Filing

Submission of export shipment details to the Automated Export System (AES) for U.S. customs compliance.

Accessorial Charges

Additional fees for extra services beyond standard freight transportation.

Alameda Corridor Surcharge (ACS)

A fee for cargo moving through the Alameda Corridor rail system in California.

Arrival Notice

A document from the carrier notifying the consignee of cargo arrival details.

BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)

A surcharge for fluctuating fuel costs.

BTI (Binding Tariff Information)

A customs ruling on the classification of goods for duty purposes.

Bill of Lading (BOL/B/L)

A legal document used for shipping that acts as a contract, receipt, and title of goods.

Binding Origin Information

A customs ruling on a product's country of origin for duty and compliance.

Blank Sailing

A sailing that has been canceled by the carrier, which may mean one port is being skipped, or the entire string is canceled.

Blind Shipment

A shipment where the consignee or shipper is unaware of the other party's details.

Bobtail Fee

A charge for a truck traveling without a trailer.

Bonded Goods

Imported goods stored under customs control without paying duties until cleared.

Bonded Warehouse

A facility authorized to store bonded goods under customs supervision.

Break Bulk

Cargo transported in separate pieces rather than in containers, such as machinery or lumber.

Bulk Cargo

Cargo transported in large, unpackaged quantities like grain, oil, or coal.

Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO)

The party that owns the cargo being shipped, not a freight forwarder or broker.

Billable Weight

The weight used for freight cost calculation, often based on volumetric or actual weight.

Billing Adjustment

A modification to a freight invoice due to rate changes or discrepancies.

Booking Confirmation

A document issued by a carrier or freight forwarder confirming a shipping reservation.

Booking Fee

A charge for reserving space on a vessel, truck, or aircraft.

CAIN (Customs Assigned Importer Number)

A number assigned to importers for customs clearance.

CBM (Cubic Meter)

A unit of volume measurement for freight shipments.

CBP (Customs and Border Protection)

The U.S. agency responsible for regulating imports and security.

CDS (Customs Declaration Service)

A UK system for handling import and export declarations.

CES (Centralized Examination Station)

A facility where U.S. Customs examines cargo.

CFS (Container Freight Station)

A facility where LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments are consolidated or deconsolidated.

CFS Cut-off

The deadline for cargo to be delivered to the CFS for consolidation.

CFS Fee

A charge for handling cargo at a Container Freight Station.

CHED (Common Health Entry Document)

A document required for importing certain food and animal products into the EU.

CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight)

The UK's former system for customs declarations, replaced by CDS.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

A treaty regulating trade in endangered species.

CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)

A U.S. program promoting supply chain security.

CY (Container Yard) Cutoff

The last date/time to deliver a full container to the port before vessel departure.

Cargo Insurance

Protection against loss or damage to cargo during transit.

Cargo Insurance Coverage Limits

The maximum payout under a cargo insurance policy.

Cargo Owners Liability Coverage

Insurance covering the legal liability of cargo owners.

Cargo Ready Date (CRD)

The date when cargo is packed and available for shipping.

Carrier

A company that transports goods, such as a shipping line or trucking firm.

Cartage

Local transportation of goods, usually short-distance trucking.

Chassis

A wheeled frame used to transport shipping containers by truck.

Chassis Fee

A rental charge for using a chassis to transport containers.

Chassis Pool

A shared system where multiple trucking companies use a common set of chassis.

Chassis Split

A fee for repositioning a chassis to a different location.

Chinese New Year (CNY)

A major holiday in China that disrupts supply chains due to factory shutdowns.

Clean Truck Fee

A fee imposed by some ports to encourage the use of low-emission trucks.

Closed Area

A restricted zone where access is limited for security or customs reasons.

Co-Loader

A freight forwarder or NVOCC that consolidates cargo from multiple shippers.

Commerce Control List (CCL)

A list of controlled items requiring export licenses from the U.S.

Commercial Invoice

A document detailing the goods, value, and terms of sale for customs clearance.

Common Carrier

A transportation provider that offers services to the public.

Compliance Assessment

A customs review of an importer's compliance with trade regulations.

Concealed Damage Coverage

Insurance covering damage to goods that was not visible at delivery.

Consignee

The party receiving the shipment.

Consolidation

The process of combining multiple shipments into one to optimize logistics.

Container

A standardized metal box used for transporting goods by ship, truck, or rail.

Container Yard (CY)

A facility where full containers are stored before or after shipping.

Continuous Customs Bond

A bond that covers multiple import transactions over a year.

Contract of Carriage

A legal agreement between a shipper and a carrier outlining terms of transport.

Control of Damaged Goods

The process of managing and disposing of damaged shipments.

Countervailing Duties

Tariffs imposed to counteract subsidies given to foreign producers.

Country of Origin

The country where a product was manufactured or assembled.

Country of Origin Marking

A label indicating where a product was made, required for customs compliance.

Customs Bond

A financial guarantee ensuring payment of duties and compliance with regulations.

Customs Broker

A licensed agent that handles customs clearance for importers/exporters.

Customs Business

Activities related to customs compliance and trade regulations.

Customs Clearance

The process of obtaining permission from customs to import/export goods.

Customs Entry

The declaration submitted to customs for an import/export shipment.

Customs Exam

An inspection by customs authorities to verify compliance.

Customs Exam Fee

A charge for customs inspections.

Customs Procedure Codes

Codes indicating the customs treatment of goods.

Customs Valuation

The process of determining the value of imported goods for duty calculation.

Carriers Lien

The carrier's legal right to hold cargo until freight charges are paid.

Certificate of Origin (CoO)

A document certifying the country where goods were manufactured.

Chassis Usage Fee

A charge for using a chassis to transport a container.

Congestion Surcharge

An additional fee applied when ports or transport hubs experience delays.

Consignor

The sender of a shipment, often the exporter or seller.

Customs Duty Destination

Duties imposed at the import destination country.

Customs Duty Origin

Duties imposed at the export country before shipping.

Chargeable Weight

The weight used for calculating shipping costs, which may be based on actual or volumetric weight.

Debris Removal

The cost of clearing away packaging or damaged goods.

Declared Value Coverage

Insurance coverage based on the shipper's declared value of goods.

Deconsolidation

The process of unpacking consolidated shipments into individual loads.

Deductible

The amount a policyholder must pay before insurance covers a loss.

Deferment Fee

A charge for delaying payment of customs duties.

Deferment or Postponed VAT Accounting

A system allowing importers to defer VAT payments.

Delivery Labor Fee

A charge for additional labor required during delivery.

Delivery Order

A document authorizing cargo release from the carrier to the consignee.

Demurrage

Fees charged when containers stay at a port beyond the free time.

Detention

Fees charged when a container is held beyond the allowed free time outside the port.

Devanning

The process of unloading cargo from a container.

Direct or Indirect Customs Representation

A customs brokerage service where the broker represents the importer (direct) or acts in their own name (indirect).

Disbursement Service Fee

A charge for a customs broker advancing duty payments on behalf of an importer.

Domestic Inland Transit

Transportation of goods within a country.

Double Blind Shipment

A shipment where neither the shipper nor consignee knows each other's identity.

Drayage

Short-distance transport of cargo, usually between ports and warehouses.

Drop

Leaving a container at a location for later pickup.

Drop Fee

A charge for dropping off a container without immediate pickup.

Drop and Pick

A trucking service where a driver drops off one container and picks up another.

Dry Run

A failed delivery attempt, often due to cargo not being ready.

Dry Van Shipping

Transporting cargo in an enclosed trailer without temperature control.

Duty

A tax imposed on imports or exports.

Duty Drawback

A refund of duties paid on imported goods that are later exported.

Dangerous Goods Surcharge

A fee for handling hazardous materials in transit.

Declared Value

The shipment's value declared for insurance or customs purposes.

Dimensional Weight

A pricing method based on cargo volume rather than actual weight.

Drop Shipping

A fulfillment method where goods are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer.

E2 (Import Entry Acceptance Advice)

A confirmation that an import entry has been accepted by customs.

EBS (Emergency Bunker Surcharge)

A temporary fuel surcharge applied due to sudden fuel price increases.

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

A unique number assigned by the IRS for business tax purposes, also used for import/export transactions.

ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

A device that tracks a truck driver's hours of service.

EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification)

A number required for businesses trading goods with the EU.

EXW (Ex Works)

An Incoterm meaning the buyer takes responsibility for the goods from the seller's premises.

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)

A U.S. code determining if an export requires a license.

Export Declaration

A document filed with customs for exporting goods.

Export License

A government-issued authorization for exporting restricted goods.

Express Bill of Lading

A B/L that releases cargo to the consignee without needing the original paper document.

External Transit (T1)

A customs transit procedure for moving non-EU goods between EU customs points.

Expedited Freight

A premium shipping service for faster delivery than standard transit times.

FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

A service where Amazon handles storage, packing, and shipping for sellers.

FBA ID

A unique identifier for shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers.

FCA (Free Carrier)

An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods to a carrier at a named location.

FCL (Full Container Load)

A shipment that occupies an entire container.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

The U.S. agency regulating food, drugs, and medical imports.

FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit)

A measure of container capacity based on a 40-foot container.

FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade)

An EU initiative regulating timber imports.

FOB (Free on Board)

An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods on board a ship, and the buyer assumes responsibility after that.

FTA (Free Trade Agreement)

A treaty reducing or eliminating tariffs between member countries.

FTL (Full Truckload)

A shipment that takes up the full capacity of a truck.

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

A U.S. agency regulating ocean freight.

First Sale Valuation

A customs valuation method that assesses duty based on the first transaction price.

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

A special area in the U.S. where goods can be stored, processed, or re-exported without immediate duty payment.

Forklift

A powered truck used for lifting and moving goods.

Fuel Surcharge (FSC)

A fee covering fuel cost fluctuations in transportation.

Final Mile

The last leg of a shipment's journey from a distribution center to the end customer.

Forwarders Cargo Receipt (FCR)

A document issued by a freight forwarder confirming cargo receipt for export.

Free Astray

Cargo that was misrouted but redirected to the correct location at no additional cost.

Freight Bill Audit

A review of freight invoices to ensure accurate charges.

Freight Carriers

Companies that transport cargo via air, sea, rail, or road.

Freight Hauler

A truck or company that transports goods overland.

Freight Terminal

A facility where cargo is stored and transferred between transport modes.

Fumigation Certificate

A document proving cargo has been treated to eliminate pests.

Fiscal Representation

A legal arrangement where a representative handles VAT obligations for a foreign company in another country.

FMC - Federal Maritime Commission

The U.S. agency responsible for regulating ocean shipping.

GRI (General Rate Increase)

A periodic increase in ocean freight rates.

Gating In

The process of delivering a container to a terminal.

General Average

A maritime principle where all parties share the loss if cargo is sacrificed for the vessel's safety.

General Order

A customs status assigned to goods not claimed or cleared in time.

Geographical Scope

The specific regions covered by a freight rate or shipping service.

Golden Week

A major holiday in China causing factory and shipping slowdowns.

Green Freight

Environmentally friendly logistics solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

HC (High Cube) Container

A taller shipping container with extra storage capacity.

HS/HTS Codes

Codes used for classifying goods in customs declarations.

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

A U.S. fee for port maintenance collected on imports.

Hazmat

Hazardous materials requiring special handling and documentation.

ISF (Importer Security Filing)

A U.S. Customs requirement for importers to submit cargo details before shipment arrival.

ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code)

Global security regulations for ports and vessels.

Importer of Record

The entity responsible for customs clearance and duty payment.

Incoterms®

International trade terms defining buyer and seller responsibilities.

Inherent Vice

A natural characteristic of cargo that makes it susceptible to damage (e.g., fruit spoiling).

Inside Delivery Fee

A charge for delivering cargo inside a building rather than curbside.

Intensive Exam

A thorough customs inspection requiring cargo unloading.

Interest Insured

The value covered by cargo insurance.

International Roadcheck

An annual truck safety inspection event.

Interruption of Transit Coverage

Insurance covering losses if transit is unexpectedly delayed or rerouted.

Inventory Linked

A system integrating warehouse inventory with supply chain tracking.

In-Bond Shipment

A shipment that moves under customs control before duties are paid.

Inland Haulage Charges (IHC)

Fees for transporting cargo from an inland location to a port or terminal.

Inspection Certificate

A document certifying goods have been inspected for quality or regulatory compliance.

Intermodal Shipping

Transporting cargo using multiple modes (e.g., truck, rail, ship) under a single contract.

International Courier

A shipping service specializing in small parcels across international borders.

IATA - International Air Transport Association

A trade association representing most of the world's airlines, establishing standards for air transport.

Jones Act

A U.S. law requiring domestic maritime shipments to use U.S.-built and crewed vessels.

Known Shipper

A shipper recognized by transportation authorities as meeting security requirements.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

A shipment that shares container space with other cargo.

LTL (Less than Truckload)

A truck shipment that doesn't fill an entire truck.

Last Free Day

The final day before demurrage or storage charges begin.

Letter of Indemnity (LOI)

A document indemnifying carriers against losses.

Liftgate

A hydraulic platform on a truck for loading/unloading heavy cargo.

Liftgate Fee

A charge for using a liftgate during delivery.

Live Unload

Unloading cargo while the truck driver waits.

Loading & Unloading Coverage

Insurance covering potential damage during loading/unloading.

Letter of Credit

A financial document issued by a bank guaranteeing payment for goods upon meeting conditions.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

A document outlining the hazards of certain goods.

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)

A U.S. fee for processing import entries.

Motor Truck Cargo Insurance

Insurance for goods transported by truck.

Multimodal Shipping

Transporting goods using multiple modes with different contracts for each leg.

MTO - Multimodal Transportation Act

Legislation governing the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transport.

MC - Motor Carrier

A company that provides trucking services for freight transportation.

NES (National Export System)

A UK system for export declarations.

NVWA (De Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit)

The Dutch authority for food safety and product compliance.

Negotiated Rate Arrangement (NRA)

A contract for freight rates between shippers and NVOCCs.

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)

A company that arranges ocean freight without operating ships.

Notify Party

The person or company to be informed when cargo arrives.

Notify Consignee

A party listed on the Bill of Lading who must be informed upon cargo arrival.

Origin Charge

Fees incurred at the origin port for handling, documentation, and other services.

Origin Engineering

Optimization of product design and sourcing to minimize duties and improve supply chain efficiency.

Original Bill of Lading (OBL)

A physical document required for cargo release at the destination.

OS&D (Over, Short, and Damaged)

A report documenting discrepancies in a shipment's quantity or condition.

Oversize Surcharge

An extra fee for cargo exceeding standard dimensions.

Overweight Surcharge

An additional charge for shipments exceeding weight limits.

PGA (Partner Government Agency)

Government agencies regulating specific imports (e.g., FDA, USDA).

POA (Power of Attorney)

A legal document authorizing a customs broker or agent to act on behalf of an importer/exporter.

PSS (Peak Season Surcharge)

Additional charge during high shipping demand periods.

Packing List (PL)

A document detailing the contents of a shipment.

Pallet

A wooden or plastic platform for stacking and transporting cargo.

Pallet Exchange Fee

A charge for swapping pallets upon delivery.

Particular Average

Insurance coverage for partial cargo losses due to accidents or damage.

Per Diem Charge

A daily fee for using shipping equipment beyond the allowed time.

Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS)

A U.S. Customs payment program allowing importers to consolidate duty payments monthly.

Pier Pass Fee

A fee in U.S. West Coast ports to encourage off-peak trucking and reduce congestion.

Port Filings

Required documentation submitted to port authorities for cargo movement.

Pre-Pull

Moving a container from the port to a yard before final delivery to avoid detention fees.

Preferential Duties

Reduced tariffs granted under trade agreements for eligible goods.

Prior Disclosure

A voluntary report to customs of errors or omissions in trade compliance to mitigate penalties.

Professional Service Fees

Charges for expert services such as customs brokerage, compliance consulting, or legal assistance.

Panama Transit Fee

A charge for vessels passing through the Panama Canal.

Pickup Fee

A fee for collecting cargo from a shipper's location.

Quality Control (QC)

Inspection processes ensuring that goods meet required standards.

Reasonable Care

An importer's legal responsibility to ensure accurate customs compliance.

Related Parties

Entities with ownership or financial relationships affecting customs valuation.

Residential Delivery Fee

A charge for deliveries to residential addresses instead of commercial locations.

Responsible Supervision and Control

The requirement for customs brokers to oversee their employees' compliance with regulations.

Rolled Cargo

Cargo delayed and moved to a later sailing due to overbooking or operational issues.

Rules of Origin

Criteria determining a product's country of origin for trade agreements and duty rates.

Ship From Address (Amazon)

The warehouse or supplier location from which goods are shipped to Amazon fulfillment centers.

Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)

A document instructing the freight forwarder on shipment details and compliance requirements.

Shipping Order (SO)

An official authorization for cargo transport issued by a carrier.

Special Delivery Fee

An extra charge for deliveries requiring special handling or scheduling.

Split Shipment

A shipment divided into multiple parts due to size, availability, or carrier limitations.

Stop-Off Fee

A charge for making additional delivery stops beyond the main destination.

Storage Charges

Fees for holding cargo at a terminal or warehouse beyond the free storage period.

Stuffing

The process of loading cargo into a container.

SCAC Code

A unique identifier assigned to carriers by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

Security Surcharge

An extra fee for security-related shipping measures.

Shipping Quote

An estimated price for transporting goods based on weight, distance, and mode of transport.

TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union)

The EU's database for tariffs, trade policies, and import regulations.

TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)

A measurement unit based on the volume of a 20-foot container.

TTW (Toestemming Tot Wegvoering)

Dutch customs authorization for moving goods within the EU.

Tail Gate Exam

A customs inspection where officers check a container's contents without full unloading.

Tariff Engineering

Designing products to classify under lower duty rates.

Tariff Quotas (Preferential or Autonomous)

Limits on the quantity of goods eligible for reduced tariffs.

Total Insured Value

The full value of insured cargo, including cost, freight, and any additional expenses.

Trade Remedy

Government actions such as tariffs or quotas to counter unfair trade practices.

Transloading

Transferring cargo from one mode of transport to another, often from ocean containers to trucks.

Transtainer

A large gantry crane used at ports to move shipping containers.

Trucking Wait Fee

A charge for delays when a trucker waits beyond the allocated free time for loading/unloading.

Tare Weight

The weight of an empty container or packaging before cargo is added.

Trade Financing in International Trade

Financial services that facilitate cross-border transactions, such as letters of credit.

Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF)

A charge for cargo movement during peak port hours to reduce congestion.

ULD (Unit Load Device)

A container or pallet used to transport cargo in aircraft.

UTB (Uitnodiging Tot Betaling)

A Dutch customs notification requesting payment of duties or taxes.

Ultimate Consignee

The final recipient of imported goods.

UN Number

A four-digit code assigned to hazardous materials for transport classification.

USDOT - United States Dpt of Trucking

The U.S. Department of Transportation, which regulates trucking and other transportation industries.

VAT (Value Added Tax) Number

A tax identification number required for businesses handling VAT transactions.

Valuation Challenge

A dispute regarding the customs value of imported goods affecting duties and taxes.

Volumetric Weight

A pricing method based on cargo size rather than actual weight.

Wharfage

A fee charged for using port facilities for loading or unloading cargo.

War Risk Surcharge

An extra fee applied to shipments traveling through conflict zones.

Warehousing Services

Storage, handling, and inventory management of goods before distribution.

X-Ray Exam

A customs inspection method using X-ray scanning to check cargo contents without opening containers.

Yard Storage

A fee for storing containers at a terminal yard beyond the allowed free period.

Zone Rate

A freight charge based on specific geographic zones rather than distance alone.