The Freight Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of shipping, logistics and international trade terminology. Never be confused by industry jargon again.
194 glossary terms are shown.
3
3PL (Third-Party Logistics)
A company that provides outsourced logistics services including warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment for other businesses.
4
4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics)
A supply chain integrator that manages multiple 3PLs and other logistics providers. Acts as a single point of contact for the entire supply chain.
A
AEO (Authorized Economic Operator)
An international customs certification for trusted traders. Provides benefits like simplified procedures and mutual recognition between countries.
AES (Automated Export System)
The U.S. electronic system for filing export information. Required for shipments over $2,500 or requiring export licenses. Issues the ITN number.
Air Freight
Transportation of cargo by aircraft. Fastest mode but most expensive. Used for high-value, time-sensitive, or perishable goods.
All-Risk Coverage
The broadest cargo insurance covering all risks of physical loss or damage except those specifically excluded. Also known as Institute Cargo Clause A.
AMS (Automated Manifest System)
The U.S. Customs system for electronic submission of cargo manifests. Carriers must transmit manifest data 24 hours before loading at foreign port.
AMS Fee
Fee charged for filing Automated Manifest System data with U.S. Customs. Required for all shipments entering the United States.
Anti-Dumping Duty (AD)
Additional duties imposed on imports sold below fair market value to protect domestic industries from unfair foreign competition.
Arrival Notice
A notification sent by the carrier or agent to the consignee when cargo arrives at destination. Includes charges due and instructions for pickup.
AWB (Air Waybill)
The contract of carriage for air freight, equivalent to the bill of lading for ocean. Non-negotiable document covering airport to airport transport.
B
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)
A surcharge that fluctuates with fuel prices. Compensates carriers for changes in bunker (ship fuel) costs. Also called Fuel Surcharge.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A legal document issued by a carrier to acknowledge receipt of cargo. It serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title.
Blank Sailing
When a carrier cancels a scheduled voyage, usually due to low demand or operational issues. Affects supply chain planning and can cause delays.
Bonded Warehouse
A warehouse where imported goods can be stored without paying duties until withdrawn for consumption. Storage period typically limited to 5 years.
Booking
A reservation for space on a vessel for shipping containers. Made with the carrier or through a freight forwarder, specifying cargo details, origin, and destination.
Breakbulk
Cargo that is loaded individually rather than in containers. Includes items too large for containers like machinery, project cargo, or commodities like steel and lumber.
C
C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
A U.S. voluntary supply chain security program. Members receive benefits like reduced inspections and faster processing in exchange for meeting security standards.
CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor)
A surcharge applied to compensate for currency exchange rate fluctuations between the time of booking and payment.
Cargo Claim
A formal demand for compensation filed when cargo is lost, damaged, or delivered short. Claims are submitted to carriers or insurers with supporting documentation.
Cargo Insurance
Insurance covering loss or damage to goods during transit. Protects beyond carrier liability limits. Highly recommended for international shipments.
Cargo Ready Date (CRD)
The date when cargo will be ready for pickup at the shipper's facility. This date is critical for booking vessel space and coordinating logistics schedules.
Cargo Survey
An inspection of goods by a qualified surveyor to assess condition, quantity, or damage. Surveys are used for insurance claims, quality verification, or dispute resolution.
Carrier
A company that provides transportation services. In ocean shipping, refers to the steamship line operating the vessel. Major carriers include Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM.
CBM (Cubic Meter)
A unit of volume measurement used to calculate freight charges, especially for LCL shipments. Length x Width x Height in meters.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection)
The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing trade laws.
Certificate of Origin (CO)
A document certifying the country where goods were manufactured. Required for customs, may qualify goods for preferential duty rates under trade agreements.
CFR (Cost and Freight)
An Incoterm where the seller pays cost and freight to destination port. Similar to CIF but without insurance. Risk transfers when goods are on board.
CFS (Container Freight Station)
A facility where LCL cargo is consolidated into containers for export or deconsolidated from containers for import. CFS-CFS means warehouse to warehouse.
Chargeable Weight
The weight used to calculate freight charges - either actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.
Charter
Hiring a vessel for a specific voyage or time period. Types include voyage charter (single trip), time charter (fixed period), and bareboat charter (vessel only).
Chassis Fee
Daily rental charge for using a chassis to transport containers. Can include split fees for picking up/returning at different locations.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
An Incoterm where the seller pays for cost, insurance, and freight to bring goods to the destination port. Risk transfers at origin port.
CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)
An Incoterm where the seller pays freight and insurance to destination. Similar to CPT but includes insurance. Risk transfers at first carrier.
Classification
The process of determining the correct HS/HTS code for goods. Critical as it determines duty rate, trade agreement eligibility, and regulatory requirements.
Cold Chain
Temperature-controlled supply chain for perishable products. Requires refrigerated storage and transport from origin to destination.
Commercial Invoice
A document provided by the seller to the buyer showing the value, description, and terms of sale for goods. Required for customs clearance and duty calculation.
Consignee
The party receiving the goods at destination, usually the buyer or their agent. Named on the bill of lading as the recipient of cargo.
Consolidation
Combining multiple smaller shipments into one larger shipment to achieve better rates and efficiency. Common in LCL ocean and LTL trucking.
Container
A standardized metal box used to transport goods by sea, rail, or truck. Standard sizes are 20ft and 40ft. Containers protect cargo from damage and theft while enabling efficient intermodal transport.
Container Imbalance Charge (CIC)
A surcharge applied to cover the cost of repositioning empty containers from areas with trade imbalances. Common on routes where exports significantly exceed imports.
CPT (Carriage Paid To)
An Incoterm where the seller pays freight to the named destination but risk transfers when goods are handed to the first carrier.
Cross-Docking
A logistics practice where incoming cargo is unloaded and immediately loaded onto outbound trucks with minimal storage. Reduces handling and storage time.
Customs Bond
A financial guarantee ensuring payment of duties, taxes, and penalties to customs. Required for importing goods into the U.S. Can be single entry or continuous.
Customs Broker
A licensed professional who handles customs clearance on behalf of importers. Required to be licensed by CBP in the United States.
Customs Clearance
The process of getting goods approved by customs authorities for import or export. Includes document review, duty payment, and inspections.
Customs Exam (Inspection)
Physical or x-ray examination of cargo by customs. Types include VACIS/x-ray, intensive (tailgate), and full devanning. Selected randomly or based on risk.
Customs Hold
When cargo is stopped by customs for examination, documentation review, or other issues. Can delay shipments significantly.
Customs Valuation Method
The methodology used to determine the value of imported goods for calculating duties and taxes. The primary method is transaction value (price paid), with alternative methods when this cannot be used.
Cut-off Date/Time
The deadline by which cargo must arrive at the port/terminal to be loaded on a specific vessel. Missing cut-off results in cargo rolling to the next sailing.
CVD (Countervailing Duty)
Additional duties imposed on imports that received government subsidies in the exporting country. Offsets unfair competitive advantage.
CY (Container Yard)
A designated area at a port or inland depot where full containers are stored, received, and delivered. CY-CY means port to port service.
D
DAP (Delivered at Place)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods ready for unloading at the named destination. Buyer handles import clearance and duties.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods cleared for import at the named destination. Maximum obligation for seller, minimum for buyer.
Deconsolidation
Breaking down a consolidated shipment into individual shipments for final delivery to multiple consignees. Happens at destination CFS.
Delivery Order (D/O)
A document authorizing the release of cargo from the terminal or warehouse to the consignee or their agent. Issued after all charges are paid.
Destination Charges
All fees at the destination including terminal handling, documentation, delivery, customs clearance, and local charges.
DG (Dangerous Goods)
Goods that pose risks to health, safety, or property during transport. Same as hazmat. Requires special declaration and certified packaging.
Dimensional Weight (DIM)
A calculated weight based on package dimensions rather than actual weight. Used when cargo is light but takes up significant space.
Distribution Center (DC)
A warehouse focused on rapid throughput rather than long-term storage. Receives, sorts, and ships products to retailers or end customers.
Documentation Fee
Charges for preparing and processing shipping documents. Includes bill of lading issuance, data entry, and administrative costs.
Door-to-Door
A complete shipping service where the freight forwarder handles transportation from the shipper's premises to the consignee's final destination, including all intermediate handling and customs clearance.
DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods unloaded at the named destination. Replaced DAT in Incoterms 2020. Seller bears unloading costs.
Draft (Draught)
The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a ship's hull. Determines the minimum water depth required for the vessel to navigate safely.
Drawback (Duty Drawback)
A refund of duties paid on imported goods that are later exported. Encourages exports by reducing the cost of imported components.
Drayage
The transport of cargo over a short distance, typically from port to warehouse or rail terminal. Usually performed by truck.
Duty (Customs Duty)
A tax imposed on imported goods based on classification and value. Rates vary by product and country of origin. Collected by customs authorities.
DWT (Deadweight Tonnage)
The total weight a vessel can carry, including cargo, fuel, crew, and provisions. A key measure of a ship's carrying capacity.
E
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
Computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in standardized format. Used for bookings, B/Ls, customs filings, and status updates.
Embargo
A government order prohibiting trade with a specific country or in specific goods. Can be comprehensive or limited to certain products.
Emergency Bunker Surcharge (EBS)
A temporary fuel surcharge implemented when bunker (marine fuel) prices rise sharply or unexpectedly. EBS helps carriers recover sudden increases in operating costs.
Entry (Customs Entry)
The formal declaration to customs for importing goods. Includes Entry Summary (Form 7501 in U.S.) with classification, value, and origin information.
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
The expected date and time when a vessel or shipment will arrive at its destination.
ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)
The expected date and time when a vessel or shipment will depart from its origin.
Export License
A permit required to export controlled items like technology, weapons, or dual-use goods. Issued by BIS, State Department, or other agencies.
Exporter of Record (EOR)
The party responsible for ensuring exported goods comply with export regulations, including licensing requirements and trade restrictions. The EOR files export declarations with authorities.
Express Release
Similar to telex release - cargo released at destination without original B/L. The original B/L is surrendered at origin or waived entirely.
EXW (Ex Works)
An Incoterm where the seller makes goods available at their premises. The buyer bears all costs and risks from that point forward.
F
FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods alongside the vessel at the port of shipment. Buyer bears loading costs and all subsequent risks.
FCA (Free Carrier)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods cleared for export to the carrier at a named place. Popular for containerized cargo and multimodal transport.
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipment that occupies an entire shipping container, typically 20ft or 40ft. The shipper pays for the whole container regardless of whether it's completely filled.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
U.S. agency regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. Requires prior notice for food imports and reviews drug and device entries.
Feeder Vessel
A smaller ship that transports containers between regional ports and major hub ports where they connect with larger mother vessels for long-haul routes.
FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit)
A unit of measurement equal to one 40-foot container, or 2 TEUs. Used to measure vessel and terminal capacity.
Flat Rack Container
A container with collapsible sides used for oversized or heavy cargo that cannot fit in standard containers. Commonly used for machinery, vehicles, and construction equipment.
FOB (Free on Board)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers to buyer once goods are on the ship.
Force Majeure
Unforeseeable circumstances beyond anyone's control that prevent fulfillment of a contract, such as natural disasters, wars, or pandemics. Force majeure clauses may excuse parties from liability.
Free Time
The number of days cargo can remain at port or container can be used without incurring demurrage, detention, or storage charges.
Freight Collect
A shipping payment term where the consignee (receiver) pays the freight charges upon delivery or arrival at destination. The shipper does not prepay transportation costs.
Freight Forwarder
A company that arranges transportation of goods on behalf of shippers. They coordinate carriers, handle documentation, and manage logistics.
Freight Prepaid
A shipping payment term where the shipper pays all freight charges before the cargo departs. The consignee receives the goods without owing transportation fees.
FTA (Free Trade Agreement)
An agreement between countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and trade barriers. Examples include USMCA, EU FTAs, and various bilateral agreements.
FTL (Full Truckload)
Trucking service where shipper uses the entire truck capacity. More cost-effective for large shipments. Direct delivery without consolidation.
FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone)
A designated area where goods can be imported, stored, and processed without immediate customs duties. Duties paid only when goods enter U.S. commerce.
Fulfillment
The complete process from receiving an order to delivering it to the customer. Includes picking, packing, shipping, and returns handling.
Fumigation Certificate
A document certifying that wood packaging materials or cargo have been treated to eliminate pests. Required under ISPM 15 regulations.
G
General Average
A maritime principle where all cargo owners share losses when cargo is sacrificed to save the vessel. Without insurance, you must contribute to claims.
General Rate Increase (GRI)
A carrier-announced increase in base freight rates, typically effective on specific dates. GRIs are common before peak shipping seasons and help carriers adjust to market conditions.
Gross Weight
The total weight of goods including all packaging. For containers, includes the weight of cargo plus the container itself.
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
A program providing duty-free treatment for products from developing countries. Designed to promote economic growth in beneficiary nations.
H
HAWB (House Air Waybill)
The air waybill issued by the freight forwarder to the shipper. Used for consolidated air cargo. Similar to House B/L in ocean shipping.
Hazmat (Hazardous Materials)
Dangerous goods requiring special handling, packaging, labeling, and documentation. Classified into 9 classes by UN/IMO regulations.
High Cube Container (HC)
A container that is one foot taller than standard containers (9'6" vs 8'6"). Provides approximately 13% more volume, ideal for lightweight, voluminous cargo.
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
The bill of lading issued by the freight forwarder to the shipper. Used when cargo is consolidated or when a forwarder acts as NVOCC.
HS Code (Harmonized System Code)
An internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products. Used to determine duty rates and trade statistics.
HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule)
The U.S. version of the HS Code system, with additional digits for more specific classification. Used to determine import duties.
I
IMDG Code
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code - the international guidelines for safe transport of dangerous goods by sea.
IMO (International Maritime Organization)
The United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety and security, and prevention of marine pollution from ships.
Import License
A permit required to import certain controlled goods. May be needed for quotas, controlled substances, weapons, or protected species.
Importer of Record (IOR)
The entity legally responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with all local laws and regulations. The IOR is liable for duties, taxes, and proper documentation with customs authorities.
Incoterms
International Commercial Terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. They specify who pays for shipping, insurance, duties, and at what point risk transfers from seller to buyer.
Insurance Certificate
A document proving that marine cargo insurance is in place for a shipment. Often required by buyers, banks, or when using CIF/CIP terms.
Intermodal
Transportation using multiple modes (ship, rail, truck) with cargo staying in the same container throughout. Efficient for long-distance inland moves.
ISF (Importer Security Filing)
Also known as "10+2" - a U.S. Customs requirement for importers to submit cargo information 24 hours before vessel departure from foreign port.
ISF Fee
Fee charged for filing Importer Security Filing (10+2) with U.S. Customs. Separate from AMS fee.
ISPS Fee
International Ship and Port Facility Security fee. Covers security measures required under ISPS Code implemented after 9/11.
ITN (Internal Transaction Number)
A number issued by AES confirming acceptance of export filing. Required on export documentation as proof of compliance.
J
JIT (Just-in-Time)
An inventory strategy where materials arrive exactly when needed for production, minimizing storage costs. Requires precise supply chain coordination.
L
Last Mile Delivery
The final leg of delivery from distribution center to end customer. Often the most expensive and complex part of the delivery process.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
A shipment that doesn't fill an entire container and is consolidated with other shipments. Cost is calculated by volume (CBM) rather than per container.
Lead Time
The total time from placing an order to receiving goods. Includes production time, transit time, and customs clearance.
Letter of Credit (L/C)
A bank guarantee ensuring seller payment upon presenting compliant documents. Common in international trade to reduce payment risk between unknown parties.
Liner Shipping
Regular scheduled shipping services operating on fixed routes with published timetables. The dominant form of container shipping, operated by major carriers.
Low Sulfur Surcharge (LSS)
A fee charged by carriers to cover the increased cost of using low-sulfur fuel as required by IMO 2020 environmental regulations. This surcharge helps offset cleaner fuel expenses.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Trucking service for shipments that don't fill an entire truck. Cargo is consolidated with other shipments. Cost based on weight, dimensions, and class.
M
Manifest Correction Fee
A charge for amending cargo information on a vessel manifest after it has been submitted to customs. Late changes require administrative work and may delay cargo release.
Marine Insurance
Insurance covering goods, vessels, and liabilities in maritime trade. Cargo insurance is a type of marine insurance.
Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
The bill of lading issued by the ocean carrier to the freight forwarder. It covers the entire shipment from origin port to destination port.
MAWB (Master Air Waybill)
The air waybill issued by the airline to the freight forwarder. Covers the main flight. Similar to Master B/L in ocean shipping.
Mother Vessel
A large container ship operating on main trade routes between major hub ports. Feeders bring cargo to/from smaller ports to connect with mother vessels.
MSDS/SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
A document detailing the hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures for hazardous materials. Required for DG shipments.
Multimodal Transport
International transport using at least two different modes under a single contract. The multimodal operator takes responsibility for the entire journey.
N
Net Weight
The weight of goods without packaging. Important for customs valuation and for products sold by weight.
No-Show Fee
A penalty charged when a shipper fails to deliver booked cargo to the port or carrier as scheduled. This compensates the carrier for reserved space that went unused.
Notify Party
A party that should be notified when cargo arrives at destination. Often the buyer's agent or customs broker. Listed on the bill of lading.
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)
A freight forwarder that issues their own bills of lading and takes responsibility for cargo without operating vessels. Licensed by the FMC.
O
Ocean Freight
The base charge for transporting cargo by sea from port to port. Quoted per container (FCL) or per cubic meter/ton (LCL).
OOG (Out of Gauge)
Cargo that exceeds the standard dimensions of a container. Requires special equipment like flat racks or open tops and may incur additional charges.
Open Top Container
A container without a solid roof, covered by a tarpaulin. Used for tall cargo that cannot be loaded through standard doors, such as machinery or timber.
Origin Charges
All fees at the origin location including terminal handling, documentation, pickup, and local charges before ocean transport.
P
Packing List
A detailed document listing the contents, quantities, weights, and dimensions of each package in a shipment. Used for customs and cargo handling.
Particular Average
Partial loss or damage to cargo that is not shared among all parties (unlike General Average). Each cargo owner bears their own loss.
Payload
The maximum cargo weight a container can carry. Standard 20ft container payload is about 28 tons, 40ft about 26 tons due to weight limits.
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
An additional fee applied by carriers during high-demand shipping periods, typically before major holidays. PSS compensates for increased operational costs and limited vessel space.
Per Diem
Daily charges for equipment use beyond free time, particularly for chassis. Similar to demurrage/detention but for trucking equipment.
PGA (Partner Government Agency)
U.S. government agencies besides CBP that regulate imports. Includes FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, and others. Each has specific requirements.
Phytosanitary Certificate
An official document certifying that plants or plant products are free from pests and diseases. Required for agricultural exports by most countries.
Place of Delivery
The final destination where cargo is delivered to the consignee. This location marks the end of the carrier's responsibility and transfer of goods to the receiver.
Place of Receipt
The location where a carrier or freight forwarder takes custody of cargo from the shipper. This marks the beginning of the carrier's responsibility for the goods.
POA (Power of Attorney)
A legal document authorizing a customs broker to act on behalf of an importer for customs clearance. Required before a broker can file entries.
POD (Port of Discharge)
The port where cargo is unloaded from a vessel at destination. May differ from final destination if inland transport is required.
POL (Port of Loading)
The port where cargo is loaded onto a vessel for export. One of the key locations specified in shipping documentation and contracts.
Port Congestion
A situation where a port experiences delays due to excessive cargo volume, labor shortages, equipment limitations, or vessel bunching. Congestion can cause detention charges and extended transit times.
Port Storage
Charges for keeping cargo at a port terminal beyond the allowed free time. Port storage fees accumulate daily and can become significant if cargo is not promptly retrieved.
Project Cargo
Oversized, heavy, or complex cargo requiring specialized handling and transportation. Includes industrial equipment, turbines, and construction materials.
Q
Quota
A limit on the quantity of goods that can be imported during a specific period. Can be absolute (hard limit) or tariff-rate (higher duties after threshold).
R
Reefer Container
A refrigerated container with temperature control capability, used to transport perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Can maintain temperatures from -30°C to +30°C.
Reverse Logistics
The process of moving goods from their final destination back through the supply chain for returns, repairs, recycling, or disposal.
Roll-Over Fee
A charge applied when cargo misses its scheduled vessel and must be loaded onto a subsequent sailing. This can occur due to documentation delays, port congestion, or late cargo arrival.
Rolling (Cargo Roll)
When cargo misses its intended vessel and must wait for the next available sailing. Can occur due to late delivery, documentation issues, or vessel capacity.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
A vessel designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, and trailers that can be driven on and off the ship. Common for automotive and heavy equipment transport.
S
Sea Waybill
A non-negotiable shipping document that serves as receipt and contract of carriage. Cargo released to named consignee without presenting original documents.
Section 301 Tariffs
U.S. tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act, typically in response to unfair trade practices. Notably used in U.S.-China trade dispute.
Shipment Tracking
Real-time monitoring of cargo location and status throughout the supply chain. Uses container numbers, B/L numbers, or booking references.
Shipper
The party sending the goods, usually the seller or exporter. Responsible for preparing cargo for shipment and providing documentation.
SLI (Shipper's Letter of Instruction)
Instructions from the exporter to the freight forwarder detailing how to handle and document the shipment. Includes routing, documentation, and special requirements.
SOLAS
Safety of Life at Sea - international maritime safety treaty. Includes VGM requirements for container weights to prevent accidents from misdeclared cargo.
Storage Charges
Fees for storing cargo at a terminal, warehouse, or CFS beyond free time. Increases the longer cargo remains in storage.
Stuffing/Destuffing
Stuffing is the process of loading cargo into a container, while destuffing is unloading. These operations can occur at warehouses, CFS facilities, or shipper/consignee premises.
Supply Chain
The entire network of organizations, activities, and resources involved in creating and delivering a product from raw materials to end consumer.
Switch Bill of Lading
A second set of bills of lading issued to replace the original, often to hide the origin or change consignee details. Used in triangular trade.
T
Tank Container (ISO Tank)
A specialized container designed to transport liquids, gases, or powders. Built to ISO standards with a cylindrical tank inside a rectangular frame.
Tare Weight
The weight of an empty container or packaging. Gross weight minus net weight equals tare weight.
Tariff
A schedule of duty rates applied to imported goods. Also refers to the duty itself. Tariffs protect domestic industries and generate government revenue.
Telex Release
An electronic message from the origin agent authorizing release of cargo at destination without presenting the original bill of lading. Faster than courier.
TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)
A standard unit of measurement for container capacity. One TEU equals a 20-foot container. A 40-foot container equals 2 TEUs.
THC (Terminal Handling Charge)
Charges for handling containers at the port terminal. Includes loading/unloading from vessel and moving within the terminal.
TMS (Transportation Management System)
Software for planning, executing, and optimizing the movement of goods. Manages carriers, rates, routing, and documentation.
Tramp Shipping
Ships that operate without fixed schedules or routes, going wherever cargo is available. Common for bulk commodities like grain, coal, and ore.
Transit Time
The number of days cargo spends in transit from origin to destination. Varies by routing, mode of transport, and transshipment points.
Transloading
Transferring cargo from one container or mode to another. Often done to change container size, consolidate shipments, or switch transportation modes.
Transshipment
The transfer of cargo from one vessel to another at an intermediate port before reaching the final destination. Common when direct services are unavailable.
U
Ultimate Consignee
The final recipient or end-user of imported goods. In customs documentation, this identifies who will ultimately receive and use the merchandise, which may differ from the notify party.
USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Agency regulating agricultural imports. Includes APHIS for plant/animal health and FSIS for meat/poultry inspection.
V
Valuation (Customs Valuation)
Determining the value of goods for customs purposes. Usually based on transaction value (price paid). Affects duty amount owed.
Vessel Manifest
A document listing all cargo carried on a vessel, including descriptions, weights, and consignee information. Required by customs authorities.
VGM (Verified Gross Mass)
The verified weight of a packed container, required under SOLAS regulations before loading on a vessel. Must be provided by the shipper.
W
Warehouse
A facility for storing goods before distribution. Can be public (shared) or private (dedicated). Offers storage, inventory management, and value-added services.
Wharfage
A charge for using the wharf or pier facilities at a port. Covers infrastructure costs for loading/unloading cargo.
WMS (Warehouse Management System)
Software for managing warehouse operations including receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and inventory control.