Shipping & Logistics Glossary

A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods being shipped. It serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title.

Cargo that is not containerized and must be loaded individually onto a vessel. Includes items like machinery, vehicles, steel, and other goods too large or heavy for standard containers.

A mandatory, vessel-specific document approved by the flag state that specifies how cargo must be stowed and secured aboard that ship, in line with IMO requirements.

A unit of volume measurement used in shipping. Calculated by multiplying length × width × height in meters. Used to determine freight costs for volumetric cargo.

A measurement unit for RoRo vessel capacity. One CEU equals the space occupied by a standard automobile (approximately 3.5m × 1.5m floor space).

A facility where cargo is consolidated (stuffed) into containers or deconsolidated (stripped) from containers. Used for LCL shipments.

The weight used to calculate freight charges - either actual gross weight or dimensional (volumetric) weight, whichever is greater.

An Incoterm where the seller pays for carriage and insurance to the destination port. Risk transfers to buyer when goods are on board at origin.

The party named in the bill of lading to whom the cargo is to be delivered. Usually the buyer or their agent at destination.

The process of combining multiple smaller shipments from different shippers into one container (LCL) or one shipment for more economical transport.

A facility where empty containers are stored, maintained, and repaired. Shippers pick up empties and return them after cargo delivery.

A licensed professional who handles customs clearance on behalf of importers and exporters, ensuring compliance with regulations and proper duty payment.

Charges for keeping a container at a port or terminal beyond the allowed free time. Applies to both import and export containers.

Charges for keeping a container outside the port/terminal (at shipper's facility) beyond the allowed free time.

A pricing technique that considers the package dimensions in addition to actual weight. Calculated as L×W×H divided by a dimensional factor.

Short-distance trucking, typically the transport of containers or cargo between a port/rail terminal and a nearby warehouse or facility.

Inexpensive or waste material (wood, blocks, mats) used to protect, brace, and support cargo during transport, distributing weight and preventing shifting or damage.

The maximum weight a vessel can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, crew, provisions, and ballast water. A measure of vessel capacity.

The expected date and time when a vessel or cargo is scheduled to arrive at the destination port.

The expected date and time when a vessel is scheduled to depart from the origin port.

A shipment that occupies an entire container, booked and paid for by a single shipper. The shipper is responsible for loading and the consignee for unloading.

A container with no side walls and collapsible or fixed end walls, designed for oversized cargo that cannot fit in standard containers.

An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods on board the vessel at the origin port. Risk and cost transfer to the buyer once goods are on board.

A company that arranges the shipment of goods on behalf of shippers, coordinating carriers, documentation, customs, and logistics services.

A designated area within a country where goods can be imported, stored, and processed without immediate payment of customs duties.

The total weight of cargo including packaging, pallets, and the container or transport unit itself.

Cargo that poses a risk to health, safety, or property during transport. Subject to special handling, packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements.

Cargo exceeding the lifting capacity of standard port equipment, typically over 50-100 tons. Requires specialized vessels and handling equipment.

Specialized over-the-road transport of oversized or overweight loads using multi-axle trailers, requiring state permits, route planning, and sometimes escort or pilot vehicles.

A bill of lading issued by a freight forwarder or NVOCC to their customer. Operates under a master B/L issued by the ocean carrier.

An internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products. Used for customs, tariff rates, and trade statistics.

Cargo that fits within the standard internal dimensions and door opening of a shipping container, allowing conventional containerized shipping without specialized equipment.

International Commercial Terms published by ICC that define responsibilities between buyer and seller for delivery, risk, and costs in international trade.

Transport using multiple modes (ship, rail, truck) with cargo remaining in the same container throughout the journey.

Also known as "10+2", a US CBP requirement for importers to file cargo information 24 hours before vessel departure to the US.

Shipping equipment partially or completely disassembled (Completely or Semi Knocked Down) to reduce dimensions and shipping cost, then reassembled at destination. Common for machinery and vehicles.

The process of fastening cargo to a vessel, flat rack, or trailer using chains, straps, wires, and turnbuckles to prevent movement during transit, per the vessel’s Cargo Securing Manual.

A shipment that does not fill an entire container and is consolidated with other cargo. Freight charges based on volume (CBM) or weight.

A bank guarantee of payment to the seller upon presentation of specified documents proving shipment. Common in international trade.

A method of loading/discharging cargo using cranes, as opposed to roll-on/roll-off (RoRo). Used for containers and breakbulk cargo.

A heavy-duty roll trailer used to move static cargo onto RoRo vessels. Named after the German manufacturer.

A document listing all cargo carried on a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle. Required by customs authorities before arrival.

The bill of lading issued by the ocean carrier (shipping line) directly. Covers the entire ocean voyage.

A versatile cargo ship designed to carry containers, breakbulk, and project cargo, often equipped with its own heavy-lift cranes and tween decks for flexible loading.

The weight of cargo alone, excluding packaging, pallets, and container. Used for customs valuation and duty calculation.

A freight forwarder that acts as a carrier, issuing their own bills of lading but not operating vessels. Consolidates cargo and books space with ocean carriers.

Cargo that exceeds the standard container dimensions and requires flat racks, open tops, or special stowage. Subject to OOG surcharges.

A container with a removable tarpaulin roof instead of a solid top, allowing top-loading of oversized cargo using cranes.

Cargo that exceeds the internal dimensions of a standard shipping container in width, height, or length, requiring specialized equipment such as flat racks, open tops, or breakbulk handling.

A document detailing the contents of a shipment including item descriptions, quantities, weights, and packaging. Required for customs clearance.

The port where cargo is unloaded from the vessel. Also refers to "Proof of Delivery" - documentation confirming receipt of goods.

The port where cargo is loaded onto a vessel for ocean transport.

Large, heavy, or complex cargo requiring specialized handling, typically for industrial projects. Includes power plants, refineries, and infrastructure equipment.

A refrigerated container with built-in temperature control for transporting perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

A heavy-duty platform trailer (also called a MAFI or cassette) used to roll cargo on and off RoRo vessels. Cargo is secured to the trailer and moved by terminal tractors.

Vessels designed for wheeled cargo that can be driven on and off via ramps. Used for vehicles, machinery, and cargo on trailers.

A pre-shipment assessment of the inland transport route for oversized or heavy cargo, checking bridges, road widths, overhead clearances, turns, and weight limits to confirm feasibility and permits.

The party who sends the cargo, typically the seller or exporter. Named on the bill of lading as the originator of the shipment.

Multi-axle hydraulic platform vehicles used to move extremely heavy loads. Can be combined for virtually unlimited capacity.

A diagram showing the planned placement of all cargo aboard a vessel, used to balance the ship, optimize space, sequence loading/discharge, and ensure heavy or hazardous items are positioned safely.

Loading cargo into (stuffing) or unloading cargo from (stripping) a container. Also called "vanning" and "devanning".

The weight of an empty container or transport unit, excluding cargo. Marked on containers for calculating gross weight.

A standard unit for measuring container capacity. One 20ft container = 1 TEU. A 40ft container = 2 TEU.

Charges for handling containers at the port terminal, including loading/unloading from vessels and moving within the terminal.

The time required for cargo to travel from origin to destination, including ocean voyage and any transshipment.

The transfer of cargo from one vessel to another at an intermediate port during the journey from origin to destination.

An intermediate, sometimes movable deck between a vessel’s main deck and the bottom of the hold, used on multipurpose and breakbulk ships to separate and protect cargo of varying sizes.

Cleaning required by the US Department of Agriculture for used equipment imports to remove soil and plant material that could carry pests.

SOLAS requirement for shippers to verify and declare the gross weight of packed containers before vessel loading. Two methods: weighing or calculation.

Charges for using wharf facilities for loading, unloading, or storage of cargo. Part of port charges.