Shipping Terms Glossary

A symbol placed on packages for identification purposes; generally a triangle,square, circle, etc. with letters and/or numbers and port of discharge.

(1) A stock of merchandise advanced to a dealer and located at his place of business, but with title remaining in the source of supply. (2) A shipment of goods to a consignee.

A person or company shown on the bill of lading as the shipper.

Cargo containing shipments of two or more shippers or suppliers. Containerload shipments may be consolidated for one or more consignees.

A person or firm performing a consolidation service for others. The consolidator takes advantage of lower full carload (FCL) rates, and savings are passed on to shippers.

A program whereby the U.S. government attempted to offset the higher shipbuilding cost in the U.S. by paying up to 50% of the difference between cost of U.S. and nonU.S. construction. The difference went to the U.S. shipyard. It is unfunded since 1982.

A government official residing in a foreign country who represents the interests of her or his country and its nationals.

A formal statement describing goods to be shipped; filed with and approved by the consul of the country of destination prior to shipment.

A document, certified by a consular official, is required by some countries to describe a shipment. Used by Customs of the foreign country, to verify the value, quantity and nature of the cargo.

An official signature or seal affixed to certain documents by the consul of the country of destination.

The process of declaring the importation of foreign-made goods into the United States for use in the United States.

A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car or stacked in a container depot. Containers may be ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid or equipped with interior devices. A...

Arrangements with a steamship line to transport containerized cargo.

See CFS.

A load sufficient in size to fill a container either by cubic measurement or by weight.

Document showing contents and loading sequence of a container.

An agreement between parties that allows the efficient use and supply of containers. A common supply of containers available to the shipper as required.

An area designated for the stowage of cargoes in container; usually accessible by truck, railroad and marine transportation. Here containers are picked up, dropped off, maintained and housed.

A materialshandling/storage facility used for completely unitized loads in containers and/or empty containers. Commonly referred to as CY.

Cargo that will fit into a container and result in an economical shipment.

Stowage of general or special cargoes in a container for transport in the various modes.

Cargo that is prohibited.

A legally binding agreement between two or more persons/organizations to carry out reciprocal obligations or value.

Any person not a common carrier who, under special and individual contracts or agreements, transports passengers or property for compensation.

Sophisticated, computercontrolled systems that manage the mixtures of gases within a container throughout an intermodal journey reducing decay.

Vertical frame components fitted at the corners of the container, integral to the corner fittings and connecting the roof and floor structures. Containers are lifted and secured in a stack using the castings at the ends.

A bank that, in its own country, handles the business of a foreign bank.

Cost of goods, marine insurance and all transportation (freight) charges are paid to the foreign point of delivery by the seller.

An additional duty imposed to offset export grants, bounties or subsidies paid to foreign suppliers in certain countries by the government of that country for the purpose of promoting export.

Transverse members fitted to the bottom side rails of a container, which support the floor.

An abbreviation for “Cubic.” A unit of volume measurement.

When a container or vessel has reached its volumetric capacity before its permitted weight limit.

1,728 cubic inches. A volume contained in a space measuring one foot high, one foot wide and one foot long.

A government office where duties are paid, import documents filed, etc., on foreign shipments.

A person or firm, licensed by the treasury department of their country when required, engaged in entering and clearing goods through Customs for a client (importer).

Government agency charged with enforcing the rules passed to protect the country’s import and export revenues.

A warehouse authorized by Customs to receive duty-free merchandise.

All countries require that the importer make a declaration on incoming foreign goods. The importer then normally pays a duty on the imported merchandise. The importer’s statement is compared against the carrier’s vessel manifest to ensure that all foreign goods are...

A form requiring all data in a commercial invoice along with a certificate of value and/or a certificate of origin. Required in a few countries (usually former British territories) and usually serves as a seller’s commercial invoice.

A phrase often included in charter parties and freight contracts referring to local rules and practices which may impact upon the costs borne by the various parties.

The latest time cargo may be delivered to a terminal for loading to a scheduled train or ship.

Hundred weight (United States, 100 pounds: U.K.,112)

– Abbreviation for Container Yard. – The designation for full container receipt/delivery.