Shipping Glossary

7/27/2019 Shipping Glossary

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GLOSSARY

By alphabetic order

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abaft A point beyond the midpoint of a ships length, towards the rear or stern.

Abandon A proceeding wherein a shipper/consignee seeks authority to abandon all orparts of their cargo.

Abandonment Waiving a right or a property. In marine insurance abandonment signifies

the assignment of a damaged or lost ship, or it's cargo to the insureragainst payment of the insured value.

Aboard Referring to cargo being put, or laden, onto a means of conveyance.

Absorption The assumption that the carrier will cover extraordinary or other special

charges without increasing the price to the shipper.

Acceptance - A time draft (or bill of exchange) that the drawee (payer) has accepted

and is unconditionally obligated to pay at maturity.- Broadly speaking, any agreement to purchase goods under specified

terms.

Acceptance of Goods The process of receiving a consignment from a consignor, usually against

the issue of a receipt. As from this moment and on this place the carrier'sresponsibility for the consignment begins.

Accessorial 1. Accessorial Charges - Charges made for additional, special orsupplemental services, normally over and above the line haul services.

2. Accessorial Service - Service rendered by a carrier in addition totransportation services. (e.g. sorting, packing, pre-cooling, heating and

storage.)

Accompanied Transport The transport of complete road vehicles by another means of transport

(e.g. train, ferry accompanied by the driver).

Accrual An accounting concept. It is a gradual increase by addition over a period oftime and is a way of recognizing that an expense (or revenue) and therelated liability (or asset) can increase over time and not as signaled by an

explicit cash transaction.

Acknowledgement ofreceipt

A notification relating to the receipt of e.g. goods, messages anddocuments.

Act of God An extraordinary force of nature (such as a severe flood or earthquake)that experience, prescience or care cannot reasonably foresee or prevent.

Emirates Shipping Line DMCEST Glossary June 2009


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Actual Payload Net weight: actual difference between the gross weight of a container and

its tare weight.

AD Valorem According to value, the freight is based on the value of the goods. An AdValorem Bill of Lading is one where the value of the goods is shown on the

face of the document. This value is the limit of the carriers liability.

Add-Ons Additional charges above ocean freight.

Admiralty (Adm.) Refers to marine matters such as an Admiralty Court.

Advancement Export Demurrage and Detention applied by ESL.

Advice of Shipment A notice sent to a local or foreign buyer advising that shipment has gone

forward and containing details of packing, routing, etc. A copy of the

invoice is usually enclosed and sometimes, if desired, a copy of the bill oflading.

Advising Bank Bank where a shipper negotiates documents or where documents are firstpresented, usually at country of origin. / Also, often referred to as the

negotiating bank.

Affreight To hire, as a ship, to transport freight.

Affreightment, Contract

of

An agreement by a steamship line to provide cargo space on a vessel at a

specified time and for a specified price to accommodate an exporter or

importer.

Aft Movement toward the stern (back end) of a ship.

Agency Fee A commission which is paid in money by the ship-owner to the pertinentport agent for services rendered. These commission payments are usually

laid down in an agency contract between the ship-owner and the portagent.

Agent A person, association or corporation authorized to publish and file rates and

provisions for a carrier's account in tariffs published in the agent's name.

Aggregated Shipments Numerous shipments from different shippers delivered to one consignee,

that are consolidated and treated as a single consignment.

Agreed valuation The value of a shipment agreed upon in order to secure a specific freightrate.

Agreed Weight The weight prescribed by agreement between carrier and shipper for goodsshipped in certain packages or in a certain number.

All commodity rate A freight rate applying, with certain restrictions, to any and all

commodities.

All in Rate A sea freight rate including all extra costs and discounts.



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All Water When a shipment is transported from its origin to its destination solely by

water transportation.

Allocation The process of assigning activities, costs or facilities e.g. space to a certainorganizational units.

Allotment A share of the capacity of a means of transport assigned to a certain party,e.g. a carrier or an agent, for the purpose of the booking of cargo for aspecific voyage.

Alongside A phrase referring to the side of a ship. Goods delivered "alongside" are to

be placed on the dock or barge within reach of the transport ship's tackle so

that they can be loaded.

Ambient Temperature The temperature of a surrounding body. The ambient temperature of acontainer is the atmospheric temperature to which it is exposed.

Amidships In or toward the middle part of a ship; midway between the ends.

Anti-Dumping Duty A tariff imposed to discourage sale of foreign goods, subsidized to sell at

low prices detrimental to local manufacturers.

Apparent Authority Also known as estoppel, it is the authority of an agent which is deemed toapply in law, perhaps by inference from the principal's present or previous

conduct.

Apparent Good Order When freight appears to be free of damage so far as a general survey can

determine.

Approved Continuous

Examination Program

(ACEP)

An agreement between the owners of the equipment and the responsible

governmental body to allow continuous examination of the equipment (e.g.

containers).

Arrival Notice A notice from the ocean carrier to the 'notify party,' indicating the vessel'sestimated arrival date.

Astern A backward direction in the line of a vessel's fore and aft line; behind. If a

vessel moves backwards it is said to move astern; opposite to ahead.

ATDNSHINC Any time Day or Night Sundays & Holidays Included.

Athwartships A direction across the width of a vessel.

Average 1. In marine insurance: a loss or damage to or in respect of goods orequipment.

2. The numerical result obtained by dividing the sum of two or more

quantities by the number of quantities.

Average Adjusters In general average affairs average adjusters are entrusted with the task ofapportioning the loss and expenditure over the parties interested in the

maritime venture and to determine which expenses are to be regarded asaverage or general average.



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B

Back Letter Back letters are drawn up in addition to a contract in order to lay down

rights and/or obligations between both contracting parties, which, for some

reason cannot be included in the original contract. / This expression issometimes used for letters of indemnity which are drawn up if the condition

of the goods loaded gives rise to remarks and, nevertheless, the shipperinsists upon receiving clean Bills of Lading. Letters of indemnity are only

allowed in very exceptional circumstances.

Backhaul To haul a shipment back over part of a route it has traveled.

Balespace The balespace of a vessel is the capacity of cargo spaces under deck

(including hatchways but excluding void spaces behind cargo battens andbeams) expressed in cubic meters or cubic feet.

Ballast Materials solely carried to improve the trim and the stability of the vessel.

In vessels usually water is carried as ballast in tanks, specially designed for

that purpose.

Bank Guarantee A Guarantee issued by a bank to a carrier to be used in lieu of lost ormisplaced original negotiable bill of lading.

Bareboat Charter Party A charter party under which the ship-owner provides vessel only and the

charterer provides crew and cargo, normally for a period of years. Also

known as demise charter.

Barge Conveyance used to carry loose cargo or containers in small volumes.

Bay A Line of containers running in cross pole direction which indicates thestowage position of a container. Even numbers refer to 40'-slots and odd

numbers to 20'-slots.

Bay Plan A stowage plan which shows the locations of all the containers on thevessel.

Beam The width of a ship.

Beneficial Cargo Owner

(BCO)

Referring to the importer of record, who physically take possession of cargo

at destination and does not act as a third party in the movement of suchgoods.

Beneficiary - Entity to whom money is payable.

- The entity for whom a letter of credit is issued.- The seller and the drawer of a draft.

Berth Vessel docking area.

Bill of Exchange (B/E) A forward dated undertaking to pay prepared by the debtor and signed bythe creditor to acknowledge debt and date payment due. Used in

documentary Credits to allow period of credit.



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Bill of Lading (B/L) Acts as a receipt for goods, contains the terms of the contract of carriage

and is usually a document of title to the goods.

Bill of Lading Clause A particular article, stipulation or single proviso in a Bill of Lading.

A clause can be standard and can be preprinted on the B/L.

Bill of Sale Confirms the transfer of ownership of certain goods to another person inreturn for money paid or loaned.

Bill to Party Customer designated as party paying for services.

Black powder content An IMCO standard information requirement for explosive dangerous goods.

Blanket Rate(Not used by ESL)

- A rate applicable to or from A group of points.- A special rate applicable to several different articles in A single shipment.

Blind Shipment A B/L wherein the paying customer has contracted with the carrier that

shipper or consignee information is not given.

Block Stowage Stowing cargo destined for a specific location close together to avoid

unnecessary cargo movement.

BOF Basic Ocean Freight.

Bona fide In good faith.

Bond Port Port of initial Customs entry of a vessel to any country (First Port of Call).

Bonded indemnity A certificate filed with a carrier, relieving it from liability to which it would

otherwise be subject.

Bonded Warehouse Warehouse approved by local customs and under bond or guarantee of

compliance with revenue laws. Goods held until duties are paid are normallystored in a bonded warehouse.

Booking Arrangements with a carrier, for the acceptance and carriage of cargo.

Booking Number Reservation number used to secure equipment and act as a control number

prior to completion of a bill of lading.

Bow The front of a vessel.

Box (container) Common term for an ocean going freight container.

Break-Bulk Cargo

(not used by ESL)

Goods shipped loose in the vessels hold and not in a container.

Broken stowage The loss of space caused by irregularity in the shape of packages; any void

or empty space in a container not occupied by cargo.

BT Berth Terms.



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Bulk Bags A large polythene liner that can be fitted to a 20'GP as an alternative to

bulk containers.

Bulk Cargo(Not applicable to ESL)

Not in packages or containers; shipped loose in the hold of a ship withoutmark and count." Grain, coal and sulfur are usually bulk freight.

Bulk carrier A vessel carrying dry, liquid, grain, not packaged, bundled or bottled cargo,and is loaded without marks & number or count.

Bulk Container Shipping container designed for the carriage of free-flowing dry cargoes,which are loaded through hatchways in the roof of the container and

discharged through hatchways at one end of the container.

Bulkhead Upright partition dividing compartments on board a vessel.

Bunker Adjustment

Factor (BAF)

Freight adjustment factor to reflect current cost of the ships fuel.

Bunkers 1. Heavy oil used as fuel for ocean vessel. Fuel consumed by the engines of

a ship;2. Compartments or tanks in a ship for fuel storage.

Bureau Veritas An international certification agency. In addition to certifications, they are a

worldwide leading firm in providing HSE expertise (Health, Safety andEnvironmental). Today the headquarters are in Paris. The company went

public on the Paris Bourse in October 2007.

C

Cabotage Trade or transport in coastal waters or between two ports/points within acountry especially by parties other than domestic carriers. Many countries,

such as the USA, have laws requiring domestic-owned vessels to perform

domestic interport water transportation services.

Call The visit of a vessel to a port.

Cargo All articles, goods, materials, merchandise, or wares carried onboard a shipand for which a bill of lading, or other receipt is issued by the carrier.

Cargo Handling All procedures necessary to enable the physical handling of goods.

Cargo Manifest A manifest that lists only cargo, not charges.

Cargo nature The classification of cargo for special stowage arrangement.

Cargo Tonnage Most ocean freight is billed on the basis of weight or measurement tons

(W/M). Weight tons can be expressed in short tons of 2000 pounds, long

tons of 2240 pounds or metric tons of 1000 kilos (2204.62 pounds).Measurement tons are usually expressed as cargo measurement of 40 cubic

feet (1.12 meters) or cubic meters (35.3 cubic feet.)

Carriage The process of transporting (conveying) cargo, from one point to another.

Synonym: Transport.



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Carriage of Goods by Sea

Act (COGSA)

US federal codification passed in 1936 which standardizes carriers liability

under carriers bill of lading. US enactment of The Hague Rules.

Carrier Any individual, company or corporation engaged in transporting goods.

The term is also used to refer to the vessels.

Carriers Haulage Transport of a container to/from a seaport arranged by the shippingcompany for which the company is liable.

Carrier's lien Right of carrier to retain property as security for charges.

Cash Against Documents

(CAD)

Method of payment for goods in which documents transferring title are

given the buyer upon payment of cash to an intermediary acting for the

seller, usually a commission house.

Cash in Advance (CIA) A method of payment for goods in which the buyer pays the seller inadvance of the shipment of goods. Usually employed when the goods, such

as specialized machinery, are built to order.

Cash With Order (CWO) A method of payment for goods in which cash is paid at the time of order

and the transaction becomes binding on both buyer and seller.

Cell The construction system employed in container vessels; permits shipcontainers to be stowed in a vertical line with each container supporting the

one above it.

Center of Gravity The point of equilibrium of the total weight of a containership, truck, train

or a piece of cargo.

Certificate ofManufacture

A statement (often notarized) in which a producer of goods certifies thatthe manufacturing has been completed and the goods are now at the

disposal of the buyer.

Certificate of Origin Document certifying the country of origin of goods which is normally issued

or signed by a Chamber of Commerce or Embassy.

Certificate of Redelivery A certificate, indicating the condition of a vessel upon redelivery from acharter including ballast, available bunkers and fresh water.

CFS

(Not used by ESL)

Container Freight Station, place where consignments are grouped together

and packed into a shipping container or where such consignments are

unpacked.

CFS/CFS(Not used by ESL) A kind of cargo movement by container. Delivered loose at origin point withvanning by carrier, devanned by carrier at destination, and picked up loose

at destination.

Charter Party A contract in which the ship-owner agrees to place his vessel or a part of it

at the disposal of a third party, the charterer, for the carriage of goods forwhich he receives a freight per ton cargo, or to let his vessel for a definite

period or trip for which a hire is paid.

Chartered ship A ship under lease by its owners to others.



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Charterer The person to whom is given the use of the whole of the carrying capacity

of a ship for the transportation of goods or passenger for a specified time.

Chassis Trailer or wheeled unit on which a container is placed in order to move

container over the road.

Clean Bill of Lading A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an indication that the goodswere received in "good order and condition," without damage or otherirregularities.

Clean On Board A clause inserted in the bill of lading by some shipping/transportation

companies, stating that they have not noted or are not familiar with anyirregularities or discrepancies in the packing or in the general condition of

any part of the goods or its description.

Container must loaded under sound condition & without damage otherwisecan't indicate on BL.

Clearance Terminal Terminal where Customs facilities for the clearance of goods are available.

Cleared without

examination

Cleared by Customs without inspection.

Closing Date Last date on which export goods can be accepted for a nominated sailing.

COD Change of destination.

Collapsible container Container with hinged or removable parts; its volume can be reduced when

transported empty.

Collect Freight Freight payable to the carrier at the destination. Most bills of lading specifythat collect freight is payable even if the cargo does not arrive at

destination.

Collecting A bank that acts as an agent to the seller's bank (the presenting bank). The

collecting bank assumes no responsibility for either the documents or themerchandise.

Collection A draft drawn on the buyer, usually accompanied by documents, with

complete instructions concerning processing for payment or acceptance.

Combined B/L Covers cargo moving over various transports.

Commercial invoice A complete record of a transaction between exporter and importer with

regard to goods sold. Also reports the content of the shipment and serves

as the basis for all other documents about the shipment.

Commodity Code Code used in the Harmonized System for the classification of goods which

are most commonly produced and traded.

Cones Devices for facilitating the loading, positioning and lashing of containers.

The cones insert into the bottom castings of the container.Synonym: Locating pin.



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Conference Organization of a group of lines operating in one trade who agree to

operate a common tariff (also known as steamship conference).

Confirmed letter of credit A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank, whose validity has been

confirmed by a domestic bank. An exporter with a confirmed letter of credit

is assured of payment even if the foreign buyer or the foreign bank

defaults.

Confirming bank The bank that adds its confirmation to another bank's (the issuing bank's)letter of credit and promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of

documents in compliance with the letter of credit.

Consignee Consignee means any person, organization or Government which is entitled

to take delivery of a consignment.

Consignment Any package or packages presented by a consignor for transport.

Consignor Consignor means any person, organization or Government which prepares a

consignment for transport.

Consolidation The combination of many small shipments into one container.

Consolidator A person or firm performing a consolidation service for others. The

consolidator takes advantage of lower full carload (FCL) rates, and savingsare passed on to shippers.

Container Weatherproof box designed for the shipment of freight, generally used foroverseas shipments. The container is separable from the chassis when

loaded onto vessels or rail cars.

Container Depot Location, other than a container yard, maintained by or on behalf of an

ocean carrier at which shippers or consignees may pick up or drop offempty equipment. No loaded containers may be received at CDs and suchlocations may not be owned or controlled by a shipper or his agent.

The CD is a facility at which FCL traffic and empty containers are received

from or delivered to the Merchant by or on behalf of the Carrier.

Container Freight

Certificate

Certificate of proper stuffing of a container and observance of certain

regulations of the IMDG code. The certificate is issued by the partyresponsible for stuffing the container (for dangerous goods).

Container Lease The contract by which the owner of containers (lessor) gives the use ofcontainers to a lessee for a specified period of time and for fixed payments.

Container Load A load sufficient in size to fill a container either by cubic measurement or by

weight.

Container Load Plan Load plan for containers. It is prepared for each container either by theforwarder if he himself loads the container or by the tally clerk in the

harbor. It shows the location of each consignment in the container.

Container Manifest Document showing contents and loading sequence of a container.



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Container Moves The number of actions performed by one container crane during a certain

period.

Container number The unique identification of a container.

Container Packing List

(CPL)

A list that contains all consignments packed into the container. In case of

LCL cargo the list is prepared by the freight station for the agent and forthe discharger in the port of discharge.

Container Pool An agreement between transportation companies that allows for the mostefficient use and supply of containers.

Container Prefix A four letter code that forms the first part of a container identification

number indicating the owner of a container.Synonym: Owner's Container Code.

Container Safety

Convention (CSC)

International convention for safe containers.

Container SecurityInitiative (CSI)

A program intended to help increase security for containerized cargoshipped to the United States.

Container status The status of a container in term of location, custody and cargo status forcargo tracking use.

Container Terminal An area designated for the stowage of cargoes in container; usually

accessible by truck, railroad and marine transportation. Containers are pickup, dropped-off, maintained and housed there.

Container type The purpose of a container of which the code is to be adhered to ISOstandard.

Container Yard (CY) A materials-handling/storage facility used for completely unitized loads in

containers and/or empty containers.

Containerization Stowage of general or special cargoes in a container for transport in the

various modes.

Containership An ocean vessel specifically designed to carry ocean cargo containers. It is

fitted with vertical cells for maximum capacity.

Controlled Atmosphere Sophisticated, computer-controlled systems that manage the mixtures ofgases within a container throughout an intermodal journey reducing decay.

Copy B/L Duplicate of original bill of lading and is non-negotiable.

Corner castings/ cornerfittings

Fittings on top and bottom of container corner posts; designed for handlingand securing a container.

Corner posts Vertical frame components fitted at the corners of the container, integral tothe corner fittings and connecting the roof and floor structures.



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Credit agreement Agreement between carrier and shipper for release of cargo with promise to

pay ocean freight within specific time.

Cross Member Transverse members fitted to the bottom side rails of a container, which

support the floor.

Cubic Meter (CBM) A metric unit of volume.

Currency Adjustment

Factor (CAF)

Freight adjustment factor to reflect currency exchange fluctuations.

Custom house A government office where duties are paid, import documents filed, etc., on

foreign shipments.

Customhouse broker Also known as Custom Broker. A person or firm, licensed to engage inentering and clearing goods through customs and/or the government office

(Custom house) where duties and/or tolls are placed on imports or exports.

The duties of a broker include preparing the entry blank and filing it;advising the importer on duties to be paid; advancing duties and other

costs; and, arranging for delivery to his client, his trucking firm, or othercarrier.

Customs Clearance All activities of a customs office required according to the applicablecustoms regulations of a country which render it possible to use imported

and/or exported goods according to their intended purpose.

Customs Declaration Tax declaration in the sense of the Fiscal Code which the person liable for

payment of customs duty must file in duplicate with the customs officewhen importing the goods. The customs declaration serves as a basis for

calculating the customs charges and is standardized within the EC.

Customs Invoice A form requiring all data in a commercial invoice along with a certificate of

value and/or a certificate or origin. Required in some countries (usuallyformer British territories) and serves as a seller's commercial invoice.

Customs-Trade

Partnership AgainstTerrorism (C-TPAT)

A joint government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships

that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.

Cut-Off Time Last possible time when containers/cargoes may be delivered to a ship ordesignated point.

CY/CY Cargo loaded by shipper in a full container at origin and delivered to

carrier's terminal at destination for pick up intact by consignee.

D

Dangerous Goods The term used by I.M.C.O. for hazardous materials which are capable of

posing a significant risk to health, safety or property while being

transported.

Dangerous GoodsDeclaration

Manufacturer's binding declaration on the respective dangerous goods. Thedetails to be given on dangerous goods are prescribed by law.



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Dangerous Goods

Packing Certificate

A document as part of the dangerous goods declaration in which the

responsible party declares that the cargo has been stowed in accordance

with the rules in a clean container in compliance with the IMDG regulationsand properly secured.

Data Logger Electronic temperature recording device for refrigerated containers.

Data Plate A metal identification plate affixed to a container which displays among

others the gross and tare weights and external dimensions.

Deadload The difference between the actual and calculated ship's draft.

Deadweight (DW, D/W) A common measure of ship carrying capacity. The number of tons of cargo,

stores and bunkers that a vessel can transport. This is the most common,and useful, measurement for shipping as it measures cargo capacity.

Delivery Order A document authorizing delivery to a nominated party of goods in the care

of a third party. Can be issued by a Carrier on surrender of a Bill of lading

and then used by merchant to transfer title by endorsement.

Delivery Reliability The proportion of total delivery occasions in which the time, place, qualityand quantity of products delivered accords with the order.

Delivery Schedule The required and/or agreed time of delivery of goods or services, purchased

for a future period.

Demise Charter A contract whereby the ship-owner leases his vessel to the charterer for a

period of time during which the whole use and management of the vessel

passes to the charterer, which involves that the charterer is to pay allexpenses for the operation and maintenance of the vessel. Officers and

crew will become servants of the charterer. / A demise charter whereby the

charterer has the right to place his own master and crew on board of thevessel is also called 'bareboat charter'.

Demurrage The charge related to the use of equipment only, the consignees pay for

carriers equipments kept beyond the free-time allowed by the carrier fortaking delivery of goods in the port/terminal. (ESL is applying merged

demurrage and detention.)

Deployment Disposing vessels to maximize customer satisfaction, utilization, efficiencyand revenue-generating potential.

Destination Delivery

Charge (DDC)

A charge based on container size that is applied in many tariffs to cargo.

This charge is considered accessorial and is added to the base oceanfreight. It covers crane lifts off the vessel, drayage of the container within

the terminal and gate fees at the terminal operation.

Destuffing Emptying or Unpacking/unwrapping a container.

Detention The charge the merchant pays for detaining carriers equipment outside theport / terminal beyond the free-time. (ESL is applying merged demurrage

and detention.)



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Disbursement Sums paid out by a ship's agent at a port and recovered from the carrier.

Discharging Tally Sheets Lists prepared by tally clerks in the port of discharge in which the individual

freight units discharged from the hatch are registered one by one. These

lists can be used as proof in actions commenced for the loss of goods.

Discrepancy Letter ofCredit When documents presented do not conform to the requirements of theletter of credit (L/C), it is referred to as a "discrepancy." Banks will notprocess L/C's which have discrepancies. They will refer the situation back to

the buyer and/or seller and await further instructions.

Dock 1. The water alongside a pier or wharf.

2. Loading or unloading platform at an industrial location or carrierterminal.

Document of Title Formal commercial document or shipping document that confers and/or

proves ownership. A document of title enables its holder (possessor) toreceive, retain, sell, or otherwise dispose of the document and the goods or

property listed therein.

Documentary Credit The basis of international trade by means of which payment is madeagainst surrender of specified documents.

Documents Against

Acceptance (D/A)

Instructions given by a shipper to a bank indicating that documents

transferring title to goods should be delivered to the buyer only upon the

buyer's acceptance of the attached draft.

Documents AgainstPayment (D/P)

An indication on a draft that the documents attached are to be released tothe drawee only on payment.

Door-to-Door Through transportation of a container and its contents or cargo from

consignor to consignee. Also known as House to House. Not necessarily athrough rate.

Double-Deck Load A second tier of cargo placed on top of the first tier.

Draft The depth of a ship in the water. The vertical distance between the

waterline and the keel.Synonym: Draught

Draft, Clean A draft to which no documents are attached.

Draft, Date A draft that matures on a fixed date, regardless of the time of acceptance.

Draft, Discounted A time draft under a letter of credit that has been accepted and purchased

by a bank at a discount.

Draft, Sight A draft payable on demand upon presentation.

Draft, Time A draft that matures at a fixed or determinable time after presentation oracceptance.



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Drawback Government scheme that pays back (in part or in full) excise duties, import

duties, and/or other taxes on exported or re-exported goods. Its objective

is to improve the competitiveness of the local manufacturers and traders,and is normally not given on damaged or spoiled goods.

Drawee The individual or firm that issues a draft and thus stands to receive

payment.

Drayage Inland transportation from vendors to the port of shipment, and from

discharge port to the point of stripping the ocean container. Drayage ishence undertaken for CY and CFS cargo.

Synonym: Connecting Road Haulage.

Drop off Charge Charge made by container owner and/or terminal operators for delivery of a

leased, or pool container into depot stock. The drop-off charge may be acombination of actual handling and storage charges with surcharges.

Drop-Off-Charge Fee for redelivery of a container to a depot which is e.g. charged if a

customer redelivers a container to a depot other than that stipulated by theship-owner.

Dry Cargo Cargo that does not require temperature control.

Dry Dock Used to lay up vessels for repair.

Dry-Bulk Container A container constructed to carry grain, powder and other free flowing solidsin bulk.

Dwell Time It is expressed in term of no. of day that a container changed from onestatus to another e.g. from under inbound load (UIL) to empty available

(MTA) to under outbound load (UOL). The shortest the dwell time, the more

efficient of the container utilization will be.

E

Economic Speed That speed of a means of transport which produces the best possible

financial result for the owner. Such speed should not be in excess of the

maximum or minimum output allowed for the engine(s).

Empty slot An available loading position on a stack car created when a container is not

loaded to an available position. Also known as a vacant slot.

EmS The EmS Guide: Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying

Dangerous Goods.

En route Along the route of movement.

Endorsement The transfer of the right to obtain delivery of the goods of the carrier by

means of the consignee's signature on the reverse side of a bill of lading. Ifthe name of the new consignee (transferee) is not stated, the endorsement

is an open one which means that every holder of the document is entitledto obtain delivery of the goods.



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Equipment Damage

Report (EDR)

Written statement concerning damage to equipment, based on a physical

inspection.

Equipment InterchangeReceipt (EIR)

A document used to receive or deliver a full or empty container/chassis atany terminal or inland container pool/depot.

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival.ETD Estimated Time of Departure.

Even Keel Said of a vessel which is balanced in such a way that the draft forward and

aft is the same as the draft in the midship of the vessel on both sides.

Exception Notations made when the cargo is received at the carrier's terminal orloaded aboard a vessel. They show any irregularities in packaging or actual

or suspected damage to the cargo. Exceptions are then noted on the bill oflading.

Express B/L A special facility granted by carrier under guarantees from

shipper/consignee to release cargo to named consignee without presentingoriginal B/L. Also called "Sea Waybill".

Extra Loader Additional vessel brought into schedule to cope with exceptionally strong

market conditions.

F

FAC Forwarding agency commission.

Fairway A navigable channel for vessels, often the regular or prescribed track a

vessel will follow in order to avoid dangerous circumstances.

FAK Rate Freight All Kinds rate.

FCN Freight Corrector Notice, this is a procedure whereby changes to the BL are

made. For any amendments a FCN needs to be created by the agency andapproved by the Trade Dept.

Federal Maritime

Commission (FMC)

An independent federal agency, based in Washington D.C., responsible for

the regulation of oceanborne transportation in the foreign commerce of the

U.S.

Feeder Vessel A Short-sea vessel used to fetch and carry goods and containers to and

from deep sea vessels.

Fixed Costs Costs that do not vary with the level of activity. Some fixed costs continue

even if no cargo is carried. Terminal leases, rent and property taxes arefixed costs.

Flash Point The temperature reaching which for certain inflammable cargo will trigger

spontaneous ignition. It is an IMCO standard information requirement for

dangerous goods.



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Flat Rack A container consisting of a base and two ends but no sides or roof.

Container can be loaded from the sides and top.

Fleet Any group of means of transport acting together or under one control.

Flexitank Polythene bag to allow bulk liquids and powders to be carried in dry van

containers.

Force Majeure Circumstances beyond the control of either party to a contract.

Fore and Aft The direction on a vessel parallel to the center line.

Forecastle Forward part of a vessel where stores, ropes and anchor chains are located.

Foreign Trade Zone A free port in a country divorced from Customs authority but under

government control. Merchandise, except that which is prohibited, may bestored in the zone without being subject to import duty regulations.

Fork Lift A machine used to pick up and move goods loaded on pallets or skids.

Forty-Foot Equivalent

Units (FEU)

Refers to a container size standard of forty feet. Two twenty-foot containers

or TEUs equal one FEU.

Free In Liner Out (FILO) Freight includes cost of discharge but not loading.

Free of Particular

Average (FPA)

A marine insurance term meaning that the assurer will not allow payment

for partial loss or damage to cargo shipments except in certain

circumstances, such as stranding, sinking, collision or fire.

Free On Truck (FOT) Includes all loading, discharging and seafreight costs. Also includes costs of

placing goods onto trucks at the quay.

Free Out (FO) Cost of unloading a vessel is borne by the charterer.

Free Port An international port or an area within an international port at which, crew,

passengers, baggage, cargo, mail and stores may be disembarked or

unloaded, may remain and may be transshipped, without being subjectedto any customs charges or duties. (Examination is possible for instance to

meet security or narcotics control requirements.)

Free Time The period of time allowed to the shipper or consignee free of charge forusing the carriers equipment at or outside the port and terminal.



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Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Sometimes called "customs free zones" or "duty free zones". It is a generic

term referring to special commercial and industrial areas. At which by

special customs procedures it allows the importation of non-prohibitedforeign goods (including raw materials, components, and finished goods)

without the requirement that duties be paid immediately. If the

merchandise is later exported, duty free treatment is given to re-exports. /

The zones are usually located in or near ports of entry. Merchandisebrought into these zones may be stored, assembled, processed or used inmanufacture prior to re-export or entry into the national customs territory.

/ When manufacturing activity occurs in free trade zones, it usually involves

a combination of foreign and domestic merchandise, and usually requiresspecial governmental authority.

Freeboard of a Vessel Vertical distance from the main deck to the surface of the water measuredat the middle of the vessel's length.

Freight Refers to either the cargo carried or the charges assessed for carriage ofthe cargo.

Freight Charge The charge assessed for transporting freight.

Freight Forwarder An organization that represents shippers by arranging transport and

completing documentation required for international shipping. Freightforwarders also act as cargo consolidators.

Freighters Break-bulk vessels both refrigerated and un-refrigerated, containerships,partial containerships, roll-on/roll-off vessels, and barge carriers.

Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) The fresh air exchange system on a reefer removes harmful gases from

reefers carrying sensitive perishable commodities. The fresh air vent islocated on the reefer machinery end of the container. The fresh air vent is

adjustable to accommodate a variety of cargo and chilled load operatingconditions. The fresh air vent should be tightly closed when carrying frozencargo.

Fully Cellular

Containership (FCC)

A vessel specially designed to carry containers, with cell-guides under deck

and necessary fittings and equipment on deck.

G

Gangway Bridge laid from an opening in the railing or side of a vessel to the shore orto a platform with the purpose of giving access to and from the vessel.

Gantry Crane Port crane used to load and discharge containers from vessels, can bepositioned by moving along rail tracks.

Garment-on-Hanger

(GOH)

Method of storing apparel in containers for garments that should not be

folded.

General Agreement on

Tariffs and Trade (GATT)

A multilateral treaty to help reduce trade barriers between the signatory

countries and to promote trade through tariff concessions. The World Trade

Organization (WTO) superseded GATT in 1994.



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General Average Act

(York-Antwerp Rules)

There is a general average act when, and only when any extraordinary

sacrifice or expenditure is intentionally and reasonably made or incurred for

the common safety for the purpose of preserving from peril the propertyinvolved in a common maritime adventure.

General Average

Statement

This shows in detail all general average costs and expenses and the

contribution of each interest in the general average in proportion to itsvalue.

General Cargo Cargo, consisting of goods, unpacked or packed, for example in cartons,

crates, bags or bales, often palletized. General cargo can be shipped eitherin break-bulk or containerized.

General Order Issued by U.S. Customs as notice of intention to seize cargo.

General Purpose

Container

A container used for the carriage of general cargo without any special

requirements for the transport and or the conditioning of the goods.

General Rate Increase(GRI)

An across-the-board tariff rate increase implemented by conferencemembers and applied to base rates.

Generator Sets (Genset) Gensets are important tools used to power the reefer containers, thereby

maintaining the set temperature during rail, road or barge transportation .Most of the gensets are on clip-on type, meaning that the gensets are

clipped on to the upper front of the reefer containers. the gensets provided

are subjected to additional charges.

Germanischer Lloyd German classification society.

GP General Purpose container.

Grid Number An indication of the position of a container in a bay plan by means of acombination of page number, column and line. The page number often

represents the bay number.

Gross Weight Entire weight of goods, packaging and container, ready for shipment.

H

H/C High Cube.

Hague Rules 1924 International Convention on Carriage of Goods by Sea.

Hagues-Visby Rules 1968 Revision of Hague Rules.

Hamburg Rules 1978 UNCITRAL alternative to the Hague Rules.

Harmless Chemicals A cargo description, which is a contradiction of terms. A chemical is a

substance and whether it is harmless or not, depends on the context in

which the substance appears or is used.



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Harmonized Commodity

Description and Coding

System

Six-digit coding for identification and classification of imported and exported

goods, for the purpose of compiling trade statistics and determining

customs tariff. Called harmonized system (HS) for short, it divides goodsinto about 5,000 groups and sub-groups and is in use in most countries

since January 1, 1989.

Hatch The opening in the deck of a vessel; gives access to the cargo hold.

Hatch Cover Watertight means of closing the hatchway of a vessel.

Hatch Way Opening in the deck of a vessel through which cargo is loaded into, ordischarged from the hold and which is closed by means of a hatch cover.

Heavy Haulage Transport of heavy weight.

Heavy Lift Articles too heavy to be lifted by a ship's tackle.

Heavy-Lift Charge A charge made for lifting articles that are too heavy for a ships tackle.

Hinterland The inland area served by a certain port.

Holds Section of vessel in which containers are stored.

Home Port The port of registration of a vessel.

House B/L Issued by a freight forwarder or consolidation covering a single shipment,

containing the names, addresses and specific description of the goodsshipped.

Hub & Spoke The way of describing modern containerized operations whereby large

containerships call at a restricted number of major (hub) ports to or from

whence containers are carried to/from minor ports by feeder services(spokes).

Hull The body of a vessel exclusive of masts, yards, sails, rigging, machinery

and equipment.

I

ICD Inland Clearance Depot, A CFS with Customs Clearance Facilities.

Idle Time The amount of ineffective time whereby the available resources are not

used e.g. a container in a yard.

Ignition Setting on fire or catching fire.

IMDG Code International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, The regulations publishedby the IMO for transporting hazardous materials internationally.

Import To receive goods from a foreign country.



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Import license A document issued by a carrier required and issued by some national

governments authorizing the importation of goods into their individual

countries.

Inbound Import Shipment.

INCOTERMS The recognized abbreviation for the International Chamber of CommerceTerms of Sale.

Indemnification Compensation for a loss and/or the expenses incurred.

Indemnity Bond An agreement to hold a carrier harmless with regard to a liability.

Independent Carrier Carrier that is not a member of a shipping conference.

Inducement Placing a port on a vessel's itinerary because the volume of cargo offeredat that port justifies the cost of routing the vessel.

Inherent Vice An insurance term referring to any defect or other characteristic of aproduct that could result in damage to the product without external cause

(for example, instability in a chemical that could cause it to explodespontaneously). Insurance policies may exclude inherent vice losses.

Inland Carrier A transportation line that hauls export or import traffic between ports andinland points.

Inspection body Inspection body means an independent inspection and testing body

approved by the competent authority.

Inspection Certificate A certificate issued by an independent agent or firm attesting to the quality

and/or quantity of the merchandise being shipped. Such a certificate isusually required in a letter of credit for commodity shipments.

Insulated Container A container insulated on the walls, roof, floor and doors, to reduce the

effect of external temperatures on the cargo.

Insulated Tank The frame of a container constructed to hold one or more thermally

insulated tanks for liquids.

Insurance Certificate Document which assures the consignee that insurance is provided to coverloss or damage to the cargo while in transit. / A certificate issued by an

insurer to a shipper (or other party) as evidence that a shipment ofmerchandise is covered under a marine policy.

Insurance With Average-

Clause

This type of clause covers merchandise if the damage amounts to 3 percent

or more of the insured value of the package or cargo. If the vessel burns,

sinks, collides, or gets sunk, all losses are fully covered. In marineinsurance the word average describes partial damage or partial loss.

Insurance, All-Risk This type of insurance offers the shipper the broadest coverage available,

covering against all losses that may occur in transit.



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Insurance, Particular-

Average

A Marine insurance term to refer to partial loss on an individual shipment

from one of the perils insured against, regardless of the balance of the

cargo (in this way it differs from general-average insurance). Particular-average insurance can usually be obtained, but the loss must be in excess

of a certain percentage of the insured value of the shipment, usually 3 to 5

percent, before a claim will be allowed by the company.

Interchange Transfer of a container from one party to another.

Intermodal Term used to denote movements of cargo and containers interchangeablybetween transport modes motor, water and air carriers where the

equipment is compatible within the multiple systems.

International Chamber ofCommerce (ICC)

Paris-based trade association of the world's chambers of commerce.Established in 1919, it promotes "an open international trade and

investment system and the market economy", publishes INCOTERMS, andprovides arbitration services through its International Court or Arbitration

(world's leading arbitral institution). Individual firms, however, may not joinICC directly but access its services through their local chamber of

commerce.

International Federation

of Freight ForwardersAssociations (FIATA)

The world's largest non-governmental organization which represents,

promotes and protects the interest of the forwarding industry. Members arecoming from 150 countries all over the world. It was founded in 1926.

International Labour

Organization (ILO)

A United Nations agency, dealing with employment rights and working

conditions, covering work at sea and in ports. Its headquarters are inGeneva, Switzerland. The organization received the Nobel Peace Prize in

1969.

International MaritimeOrganization (IMO)

UN agency which promotes safety at sea through safety codes, rules ontonnage measurements, control of pollution and requirements relating to

dangerous goods, through the International Maritime Dangerous Goods(IMDG) Code in compliance with international legal requirements.

International Ship & PortFacility Security Code

(ISPS)

A set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities,developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities.

Irrevocable Letter ofCredit

Letter of credit in which the specified payment is guaranteed by the bank ifall terms and conditions are met by the drawee and which cannot be

revoked without joint agreement of both the buyer and the seller.

ISM International Safety Management.

Issuing Bank The bank that has issued or opened a letter of credit. Also known asOpening Bank.

Itinerary The route of a means of transport, indicated by the names of the ports ofcall or other locations, often including estimated arrival and departure

dates.



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J

Just-In-Time This is a method of inventory control, warehousing is minimal or non-

existent. The container is the movable warehouse and must arrive just-in-

time not too early, not too late.

K

Knot A unit of speed. The term "knot" means velocity in nautical miles per hour

whether of a vessel or current. One nautical mile is roughly equivalent to1.15 statute miles or 1.85 kilometers.

KPI Key Performance Indicators.

L

Label Cargo Cargo, including all commodities, requiring a label according to theprovisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.

Laden Loaded aboard a vessel.

Landed Cost The total cost of a good to a buyer, including the cost of transportation.

Latent Defect A defect not obvious from cursory inspection.

Lay Days The number of days allowed in a charter party for the loading and

discharging of cargo. / Lay days may be indicated in different ways e.g.

consecutive days, working days, weather working days.

Lay Up a Vessel Temporary cessation of trading of a vessel by the ship-owner.

Less than Container Load

(LCL) (not used by ESL)

The quantity of freight which is less than required for the application of a

container load rate.

Letter of Credit A document, issued by a bank per instructions by a buyer of goods,

authorizing the seller to draw a specified sum of money under specifiedterms, usually the receipt by the bank of certain documents within a given

time. Secondary party accepts responsibility and meets the demands statedin the letter of credit.

Lien A right to retain goods and document against payment of charges due but

unpaid.

Lightening A vessel discharges part of its cargo at anchor into a lighter to reduce the

vessel's draft so it can then get alongside a pier.

Lighter An open or covered barge towed by a tugboat and used mainly in harbors

and inland waterways.

Lighter Aboard Ship

(Lash)

The lighter aboard ship (LASH) system refers to the practice of loading

barges (lighters) aboard a larger vessel for transport.



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Lighterage Refers to carriage of goods by lighter and the charge assessed therefrom.

(refer to LASH)

Line In Free Out (LIFO) Freight includes the cost of loading but not discharging.

Liner Vessel plying a regular trade defined route against a published sailing

schedule.

Liner Terms Fright includes the cost of loading onto and discharging from the vessel.

Load Factor Percent of loaded containers against total capacity of vessel or allocation.

Load Factor Management The process of maximizing the utilization of the (slot) capacity of vessels

and or other means of transport.

Load line The line on a vessel indicating the maximum depth to which that vessel cansink when loaded with cargo. Also known as marks.

Load Ratio The ratio of loaded miles to empty miles.

Locking Bar Device that secures container doors at top and bottom.

LOF '95 Lloyds Open Form 1995, A standard form of salvage agreement.

Log Book The daily report of all events and other relevant particulars of a vessel and

attested by the proper authorities as a true record.

Lump-sum Charter A voyage charter whereby the ship-owner agrees to place the whole or a

part of the vessel's capacity at the charterer's disposal for which a lump-sum freight is being paid.

M

Maiden Trip First voyage of a vessel after delivery from new-building to her owner(s).

Manifest Document that lists in detail all the bills of lading issued by a vessel or itsagent or master, for example, a detailed summary of the total cargo of a

vessel. Used principally for customs purposes.

Manufacturers Plate A plate indicating the name and address of the container manufacturer andparticulars of the container.

Marking Letters, numbers and other symbols placed on cargo packages to facilitateidentification.

Master's Protest A document prepared by the Master of a vessel on arriving at port. It showsconditions encountered during voyage, generally for the purpose of

relieving ship owner of any loss to cargo and shifting responsibility for thereimbursement to the insurance company.



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Mate's Receipt and

Drayage Receipt

A receipt signed by a mate of the vessel or terminal, acknowledging receipt

of cargo by the vessel or delivery to terminal. The individual in possession

of the mate's receipt or drayage receipt is entitled to the bill of lading,which in due course is issued in exchange for that receipt.

Maximum Payload Maximum cargo that can be loaded into a container either by weight or

volume.

Medical First Aid Guide

(MFAG)

For Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods.

Memo B/L (Memorandum

B/L)

An internal B/L created for certain purposes, e.g. memo B/L created to

replace original B/L used in case of splitting B/L at request of consignee.

Merchant For cargo carried under the terms and conditions of the Carrier's Bill ofLading and of a tariff, it means any trader or persons (e.g. Shipper,

Consignee) and including anyone acting on their behalf, owning or entitled

to possession of the goods.

Merchant Haulage Inland transportation performed by an inland carrier contracted by and forthe account of the shipper or consignee.

Metric Ton (MT) 2,204.6 pounds or 1,000 kilograms.

Minimum Quantity

Commitment (MQC)

Volume of cargo that a customer commits to ship over the duration of their

contract (in TEU).

Mother Vessel Main ocean vessel in a liner service designated to move containers from set

origin points to set destination ports/points on a regular basis.

Multimodal Various modes of transportation.

Multiple-element gascontainers (MEGCs)

Multimodal assemblies of cylinders, tubes and bundles of cylinders whichare interconnected by a manifold and which are assembled within aframework. The MEGC includes service equipment and structural equipment

necessary for the transport of gases.

MultiTank Container A container frame fitted to accommodate two or more separate tanks forliquids.

N

Negotiable B/L The shipper can transfer the title of the goods to the bank representing thebuyer or directly to the buyer of the goods.

Negotiable Instruments A document of title (such as a draft, promissory note, check, or bill of

lading) transferable from one person to another in good faith for a

consideration. Non-negotiable bills of lading are known as "straightconsignment." Negotiable bills are known as "order b/l's."

Negotiating Bank Bank where a shipper negotiates documents or where documents are first

presented, usually at country of origin. / Also, often referred to as the

advising bank.



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Net Tare Weight The weight of an empty cargo-carrying piece of equipment plus any fixtures

permanently attached.

Net Weight Weight of the goods alone without any immediate wrappings, e.g., theweight of the contents of a tin can without the weight of the can. Also called

actual net Weight.

Non-Negotiable/StraightB/L

Used when goods are consigned directly to a named consignee and notnegotiable.

Non-Vessel Operating

Common Carrier (NVOCC)

A cargo consolidator in ocean trades who will buy space from a carrier and

sub-sell it to smaller shippers. The NVOCC issues bills of lading, publishes

tariffs and otherwise conducts itself as an ocean common carrier, exceptthat it will not provide the actual ocean or intermodal service.

NOS 1. Not Otherwise Stated

2. Not otherwise specified

No-show(Not used by ESL) Cargo which has been booked but does not arrive in time to be loadedbefore the vessel sails.

O

Ocean Bill of Lading(Ocean B/L) and

Combined B/L

A contract for transportation between a shipper and a carrier. It alsoevidences receipt of the cargo by the carrier. A bill of lading shows

ownership of the cargo and, if made negotiable, can be bought, sold ortraded while the goods are in-transit.

Ocean Route The all water transportation portion of a route.

OFR Ocean Freight.

Oil tanker A ship designed for the carriage of oil in bulk, her cargo space consisting ofseveral or many tanks. Tankers load their cargo by gravity from the shore

or by shore pumps and discharge using their own pumps.

On Board Means that cargo has been loaded on board a combined transport mode ofconveyance. Used to satisfy the requirements of a letter of credit, in the

absence of an express requirement to the contrary.

On Board B/L A B/L in which a carrier acknowledges that goods have been placed onboard a certain vessel.

On Deck Stowage Cargo stowed on the deck of the vessel.

On-Carriage The carriage of goods (containers) by any mode of transport to the place of

delivery after discharge from the ocean vessel (main means of transport) atthe port (place) of discharge.

One-Way lease Lease that covers the outbound voyage only, after which the container isreturned to the lessor at or near destination.



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On-Time Performance The proportion of time that a transit system adheres to its published

schedule times within stated tolerances.

Open Account A trade arrangement in which goods are shipped to a foreign buyer without

guarantee of payment.

Open-Top Container(O/T)

A container fitted with a solid removable roof or with a tarpaulin roof thatcan be loaded or unloaded from the top.

Optional Port A port of which it is not known whether or not it will be called by a vessel

during a voyage.

Original Bill of Lading

(OBL)

A document which requires proper signatures for consummating carriage of

contract. Must be marked as "original" by the issuing carrier.

Out Gate Transaction or interchange that occurs at the time a container leaves a railor water terminal.

Out of Gauge (OOG) Goods whose dimensions exceed those of the container/flat rack in whichthey are packed.

Outbound Export shipments.

Overcarrier A carrier within a consortium who carries cargo beyond the allotmentdistributed to him.

Overheight (O/H) A container/flat rack with goods protruding above the top of the corner

posts.

Overwidth (O/W) A container with goods protruding beyond the sides of the container/flat

rack onto which they are packed.

Owner Code (SCAC) Standard Carrier Abbreviation Code identifying an individual common

carrier. A three letter carrier code followed by a suffix identifies the carrier's

equipment. A suffix of "U" is a container and "C" is a chassis.

P

P.& I. Protection and Indemnity, an insurance term.

Pallet A platform (usually two-deck), with or without sides, on which a number ofpackages or pieces may be loaded to facilitate handling by a lift truck.

Panamax A vessel designed to be just small enough to transit the Panama Canal.

Paper Rate A published rate that is never assessed because no freight moves under it.

Payable Elsewhere Special service to shipper or consignee to receive freight and charges atlocation and from designated party as specified by shipper or consignee i.e.

freight and charges are not received at loading end (for Prepaid shipment)and discharging end (for Collect shipment).



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Payee A party named in an instrument as the beneficiary of the funds. Under

letters of credit, the payee is either the drawer of the draft or a bank.

Payer A party responsible for the payment as evidenced by the given instrument.

Under letters of credit, the payer is the party on whom the draft is drawn,usually the drawee bank.

Payload The revenue-producing part of the cargo.

Payment Against

Documents

Instructions given by a seller to a bank to the effect that the buyer may

collect the documents necessary to obtain delivery of the goods only upon

actual payment of the invoice.

PCS Port Congestion Charge.

Per diem A charge made by one transportation line against another for the use of itsequipment. The charge is based on a fixed rate per day.

Perils of the Sea Those causes of loss for which the carrier is not legally liable. The elementa

risks of ocean transport.

Perishable Cargo Cargo subject to decay or deterioration.

Piggyback The transportation of highway trailers or demountable trailer bodies on

specially equipped rail flat cars.

Pilferage Cargo stolen from the container, warehouse or terminal.

Pilot A person whose office or occupation is to steer ships, particularly along acoast or into and out of a harbor.

Place of Delivery The place where the goods are delivered into the Consignee's custody andwhere the Line's responsibility for the combined transport ends.

Place of Receipt The place where the goods are delivered into the Line's custody and wherethe Line's responsibility for the combined transport begins. (also called

place of origin or point of origin)

Please Authorize DeliveryAgainst Guarantee

(PADAG)

A request from the consignee to the shipper to allow the carrier or agent torelease cargo against a guarantee, either bank or personal. Made when the

consignee is unable to produce original bills of lading.

Plimsoll Mark Depth to which a vessel may safely load. Identified by a circle on the

vessel's side with a vertical line through and a number of small horizontallines showing the max depth for summer and winter.

Poop Aft part of a vessel where the steering engine is located.

Port A harbor with piers or docks.

Port of Discharge (POD) The last seaport where the Line's responsibility for the sea transport ends.



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Port of Loading (POL) The first seaport where the Line's responsibility for the sea transport

begins.

Portlog A statement concerning a vessel containing the actual arrival and departure

time used tugs, draft, deadweight, quantity of discharged and loadedgoods/containers and any other important particulars.

Precarriage The carriage of goods (containers) by any mode of transport from the placeof receipt to the port (place) of loading into the ocean vessel (main means

of transport).

Precarrier The carrier by which the goods are moved prior to the main transport.

Pre-cooling of Cargo The shipped products are stored in a cool room thus to ensure prior loadinginto the container, the products are already pre-cooled to the required

carriage temperature.

Prepaid Freight Freight paid by the shipper to the carrier when merchandise is tendered for

shipment. Not refundable if the merchandise does not arrive at the intendeddestination.

Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) Typically the shipping line's inspection of reefer containers prior to release

to the shipper for stuffing/loading.

Pro Forma A Latin term meaning "For the sake of form."

Pro Forma Invoice Draft invoice sent to an importer by the exporter prior to order confirmationand shipment to assist in matters relating to obtaining import licenses or

foreign exchange allocations, or simply to advise the value of aconsignment so that letters of credit can be opened.

Pro Rata In proportion.

Project Cargo Quantity of goods connected to the same project and often carried ondifferent moments and from various places.

Q

Quay The bank of a harbour reinforced by steel sheet pilings and concrete slabsto which ships can berth.

Quay Receipt Part of the shipping note which the forwarder receives from the quay

administration after delivery of the goods to the quay. It serves as a

warehouse receipt; after loading the B/L is handed over upon presentationof the receipt.

Quay rent Cost levied by a terminal for laden container storage. Can either be billed to

the carrier as its customer or direct to the shipper.

Quota The quantity of goods that may be imported without restriction or additionaduties or taxes.



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Quotation Amount stated as the price according to tariff for certain services to be

provided or issued to a customer with specification on conditions for

carriage.

R

Ramp Rail terminal where containers are either loaded or discharged from a train(A rail Ramp is a CY).

Ramp-to-Door A movement where the load initiates at an origin rail ramp and terminatesat a consignee's door.

Ramp-to-Ramp A movement of equipment from an origin rail ramp to a destination railramp only.

Rate Basis A formula of the specific factors or elements that control the making of a

rate. A rate can be based on any number of factors (i.e., weight, measure,

equipment type, package, box, etc.).

Received for Shipment

B/L (RFS)

Validated at the time cargo is received by ocean carrier to commence

movement but before cargo loading on to vessel i.e. not a shipped on boardBL.

Red Label A label required on shipments of flammable articles.

Reefer Refrigerated container.

Release note Receipt signed by customer acknowledging delivery of goods.

Remittance Funds sent by one person to another as payment.

Return air temperature Air returned from the container.

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

Ro/Ro A shortening of the term, "Roll On/Roll Off." A method of ocean cargo

service using a vessel with ramps which allows wheeled vehicles to beloaded and discharged without cranes.

RO/RO ship Freight ship or ferry with facilities for vehicles to drive on and off (roll-on

roll-off); a system of loading and discharging a ship whereby the cargo is

driven on and off on ramps. Equipped with large openings at bow and sternand sometimes also in the side, the ship permits rapid loading and

discharge with hydraulically operated ramps providing easy access. Fullyloaded trucks or trailers carrying containers are accommodated on the

deck.

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

Route (Rte.) The manner in which a shipment moves, i.e., the carriers handling it andthe points via which they handle it.



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Routing 1. The determination of the most efficient route(s) that people, goods,

materials and or means of transport have to follow. /

2. The process of determining how a shipment will be moved betweenconsignor and consignee or between place of acceptance by the carrier and

place of delivery to the consignee.

3. The process of aiding a vessel's navigation by supplying long range

weather forecasts and indicating the most economic and save sailing route.

Row A vertical division of a vessel from starboard to portside, used as a part of

the indication of a stowage place for containers. The numbers run from

midships to both sides.

S

S/P Stowage Plan.

SADT Self-accelerating decomposition temperature.

Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS) An IMO convention governing the safe operation of vessels.

Salvage loss A loss which it is presumed would, but for certain services rendered, havebecome a total loss. The charges incurred are "salvage charges". The

property salved is the "salvage". When referring to goods a salvage loss isone resulting from shipwreck or from a situation where, by the peril of the

sea, the vessel is prevented from proceeding on her voyage and the cargo,or the part that is saved is obliged to be sold at a place short of the port of

destination. The term is used in marine insurance when at a point short of

destination, it can be shown that it would cost more to forward damagedgoods to their destination than the goods would realized on the spot. The

underwriters usually pay the difference between the total insured value andthe net proceeds of the goods, such a settlement being known as a

"salvage loss".

SCS Security surcharge added to the ocean freight.

Seal (Container) Metal strip and lead fastener used for locking freight car or truck doors.Seals are numbered for record purposes.

Seal Log A document used to record seal numbers.

Seal record A record of the number, condition and marks of identification on seals madeat various times and places, referring to the movement of the container

between origin and destination.

Seaworthiness Fitness of a vessel to travel in open sea mostly related to a particularvoyage with a particular cargo.

Segregation Distance required by the rules of IMDG or BC codes between the variouscommodities of dangerous and or bulk cargoes.

Service A string of vessels which make a particular voyage and serves a particular

market.



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Service contract As provided in the Shipping Act of 1984, a contract between a shipper (or a

shippers' association) and an ocean common carrier (or conference) in

which the shipper makes a commitment to provide a certain minimumquantity of cargo or freight revenue over a fixed time period, and the ocean

common carrier or conference commits to a certain rate or rate schedule as

well as a defined service level (such as assured space, transit time, port

rotation or similar service features). The contract may also specifyprovisions in the event of non-performance on the part of either party.

Set Point Specific temperature that a refrigerated container has been set to keep.Ideally, the set point and the actual temperature should be identical

throughout the voyage.

Setting temperature /airExchange (Ventilation)

An indication in the documents (B/L) stating the required carriagetemperature. Plus air exchange (ventilation) as required in accordance to

the specification of the commodity.

SHEX Sundays and Holidays Excluded.

SHINC Sundays and Holidays Included.

Ship Broker Acts as intermediary between ship-owners or carriers by sea on the one

hand and cargo interests on the other. The functions are to act as

forwarding agent or custom broker, fixing of charters, and acting aschartering agent.

Ship owner One of the persons in who is vested the title of property of a ship or ships.

Shipment Shipment means the specific movement of a consignment from origin to

destination.

Shipped Bill of Lading A bill of lading issued only after the goods have actually been shipped onboard the vessel, as distinguished from the received for shipment bill of

lading. Also see on board bill of lading.

Shipped on board Endorsement on a bill of lading confirming loading of goods on vessel.

Shipper The party that enters into a contract with the carrier (line) for the carriage

of goods.

Shipper's Instructions Shipper's communication(s) to its agent and/or directly to the internationalwater-carrier. Instructions may be varied, e.g., specific details/clauses to

be printed on the B/L, directions for cargo pickup and delivery.

Shipper's Load & Count(SL&C)

Shipments loaded and sealed by shippers and not checked or verified bythe carriers.

Shipping Documents Documents required for the carriage of goods. / Synonym: Transport

Documents.

Shipping Instruction (SI) Document advising details of cargo and exporter's requirements of its

physical movement.



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Shipping Order Shipper's instructions to carrier for forwarding goods; usually the triplicate

copy of the bill of lading.

Shipside Delivery A special cargo handling instruction for cargo to be delivered right away atshipside after discharge.

Short Landed Cargo volume count (at delivery destination) less than originally shipped.

Short Shipped Cargo missing a vessel that it was originally intended for.

Shut-out Goods not carried on intended vessel.

Side-Door Container A container fitted with a rear door and a minimum of one side door.

Sight Draft A draft payable upon presentation to the drawee.

Slot Space on board a vessel occupied by a container.

Slot Charter A carrier's chartering of slots/spaces on other carrier's vessels.

Slothire A standard BIMCO slot charter for containerships.

SMS Safety Management

System

Safe vessel operating procedure required by ISM Code.

SOP Standard Operating Procedures.

Special Rate Request

(SRR)

Details of shipment entered by our agency staff for the Trade dept to

consider.

Stability The force that holds a vessel upright or returns it to upright if keeled over.

Weights on the lower hold increase stability. A vessel is stiff if it has highstability, tender if it has low stability.

Stack An identifiable amount of containers stowed in an orderly way in one

specified place on an (ocean) terminal, container freight station, containeryard or depot (see container stack).

Stacking To pile boxes, bags, containers etc. on top of each other.

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

Standard International

Trade Classification(SITC)

A standard numerical code used by the United Nations to classify

commodities used in international trade.

Standard Rate

(Not used by ESL)

A rate established via direct routes from one point to another in relation

which the rates via other routes between the same points are made.

Starboard Right side of a vessel when facing towards the front or forward end.

STC Said to Contain.

Stem The foremost part of a vessel.



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Stern The aftermost part of a vessel.

Stevedore Terminal operator who is designated to facilitate the operation of loadingand discharging vessels and various terminal activities.

Also known as longshoreman.

Storage Charge Charge for goods held in storage facilities (warehouses) under a fixedagreement for periods of time, and which is not included in other

arrangement.

Stowage A marine term referring to loading freight into ships' holds.

Stowage Factor Ratio of a cargo's cubic measurement to its weight, expressed in cubic feet

to the ton or cubic meters to the tone, used in order to determine the totalquantity of cargo which can be loaded in a certain space.

Stripping Physical removal of goods from the (carrier's) container(s).

Also known as un-stuffing.

Stuffing The loading of a container.

STW Said to weigh.

Supercargo Experienced officer assigned by the charterer of a vessel to advise themanagement of the vessel and protect the interests of the charterer.

supply air temperature Air blown into the container.

Supply Chain A logistical management system which integrates the sequence of activities

from delivery of raw materials to the manufacturer through to delivery ofthe finished product to the customer into measurable components. "Just in

Time" is a typical value-added example of supply chain management.

Surcharge An extra or additional charge.

Surtax An additional extra tax.

T

Tally Sheet Part of the shipping note which serves as a working paper for the tally clerk

/ sea cargo inspector when checking outward cargo.

Tankers Ships fitted with tanks to carry liquid cargo such as: crude petroleum and

petroleum products; chemicals, Liquefied gasses (LNG and LPG), wine,molasses, and similar product tankers.

Tanktainer Container for bulk liquids.

Tare Weight The weight of packing material, or in railcar or container shipments, the

weight of the empty railcar or empty container.



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Tariff Carrier setting forth applicable rules, rates, and charges for the movement

of goods. It sets up a contract of carriage between the shipper, consignee,

and carrier. In international trade applications, the term also refers to a taxon imports.

Tariff Terms Conditions and scale of charges.

TBN To Be Nominated. (When the name of a ship is still unknown.)

TDR Terminal departure report.

Temperature data Log An electronic tool of temperature management. It is a microprocessor that

monitors the temperature throughout voyage. The microprocessor can

continue to record the temperature even when the container is unpluggedduring port operation. This temperature record includes set point

temperature, supply/return air temperature and relative humidity.

Temperature Recorder A device to record temperature in a container while cargo is en route.

Tender A request for quotation offered by a company to transportation serviceproviders in the market in a general manner to cater for the transportation

service of goods. The quotation is usually required to be valid for a longer

period of time, for example, a year.

Tenor Time and date for payment of a draft.

Terminal An assigned area in which containers are prepared for loading into a vessel,train, truck and are stacked immediately after discharge from a vessel,

train, truck.

Terminal Handling

Charge (THC)

A charge for handling container at the terminal.

Terminal HandlingDischarge (THD)

The charge for the discharge operation.

Terminal Handling Load(THL)

The charge for the loading operation.

Terminal ReceivingCharge (TRC)

Charge assessed by the terminal for cargo being delivered for export.

Terms of Delivery All the conditions agreed upon between trading partners regarding thedelivery of goods and the related services. / Note: Under normal

circumstances the INCO terms are used to prevent any misunderstandings.

Terms of Freight All the conditions agreed upon between a carrier and a merchant about thetype of freight and charges due to the carrier and whether these are

prepaid or are to be collected.

Terms of Sale (TOS) Commonly used as an abbreviation for INCOTERMS.

T-floor Interior floor in a reefer, so named because of the longitudinal T-shaped

rails which support the cargo and form a plenum for air flow beneath thecargo.



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Through B/L Blanket documentation when multiple carriers of various transport modes

are involved.

Through Rate The total rate from the port of origin to final destination.

Tier A horizontal division of a vessel from bottom to top. The numbers run from

bottom to deck and from deck upwards and are used as a part of theindication of a stowage place for containers.

Time Charter A charter party hiring a vessel for a specified period of time or a particularvoyage, in which the ship-owner provides the vessel and crew while the

charterer supplies the cargo. Also known as non-demise charter.

Time Draft A draft that matures either a certain number of days after acceptance or acertain number of days after the date of the draft.

Time Sheet Statement, drawn-up by the ship's agent at the loading and discharging

ports, which details the time worked in loading and discharging the cargo

together with the amount of laytime used.

Time Volume Rate (TVR) Kind of freight contract where the shipper commits to ship a specifiedvolume of TEU over a specific period of time.

To order of Shipper The shipper, by way of endorsement and passing of the document, allows a

transfer of the rights to take delivery of the goods in the document e.g. a

bill of lading.

Towage The charge made for towing a vessel.

TPND Theft, Pilferage, Non-Delivery.

Tracing The action of retrieving information concerning the whereabouts of cargo,cargo items, consignments or equipment.

Tracking The function of maintaining status information, including current location, ocargo, cargo items, consignments or containers either full or empty.

Trade Acceptance A time or a date draft that has been accepted by the buyer (the drawee) for

payment at maturity.

Tramp A freighter vessel that does not run in any regular line but takes cargowherever the shippers desire (primarily carrying bulk cargo - e.g. coal,

timber, grain, sugar, etc).

Transit Cargo Goods onboard which upon their arrival at a certain port are not to bedischarged at that port.

Transship To transfer goods from one transportation line to another, or from one ship

to another.



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Transshipment Port

(T/S)

A port where goods received are merely en route and from which they have

to be transferred and dispatched to their ultimate destination by coasters,

barge and so on.

Truck Class of automotive vehicles of various sizes and designs for transportinggoods.

Trunk The stretch between two hubs mutually.

Trunking Movement of containers between terminal and carrier's inland facilities.

Trust Receipt Release of merchandise by a bank to a buyer while the bank retains title tothe merchandise. The goods are usually obtained for manufacturing or sales

purposes. The buyer is obligated to maintain the goods (or the proceedsfrom their sales) di