DECEMBER 7, 2020 | IMPORT BASICS, EXPORT BASICS
Shipping products seems simple, right? You simply package the product and send it to your customer. But did you know there are different types of shipment?
Depending on the size of your shipment, it may be considered parcel, less-than-load (LTL) or a full truckload (FTL) shipment. Your shipment may be too small for certain carriers, or conversely, if you have a large shipment, you may have to rely on a carrier certified to ship large containers. There are also unique considerations depending on the mode of transport—whether you’re shipping via air, sea, road or rail.
The wide variety of terms that relate to the process of moving goods through a supply chain may seem overwhelming. Understanding the different types of shipment and related terms is crucial to ensure your goods get shipped on time, within compliance and in good shape.
That's why we've provided this glossary of international shipping terms:
ACE
The Automated Commercial Environment is the online web portal used to report data to the Automated Export System (AES) for exports leaving the United States, and also for customs filing for imports entering the United States.
AES
The Automated Export System is used by the U.S. government to collect data on exports. This data is called Electronic Export Information (EEI), and in many cases, exporters are legally required to file the EEI through AES for each shipment. The U.S. Census Bureau uses this data to calculate trade statistics such as gross domestic product (GDP), while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses it to make sure exporters are following U.S. export regulations.
See also: AES Filing Software by Shipping Solutions Plus 20 Key Terms
Aggregate shipment
Multiple shipments—from different sellers to a single consignee—that are consolidated by the carrier into a single shipment.
Air waybill (AWB)
The AWB is a document that controls the routing of an exporter’s cargo while it is in the hands of the air carrier or a consolidator. It is a contract for carriage; however, it cannot be negotiated.
ALADI
The Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) is an international association of Latin American countries. Its function in Latin America is comparable to the function of the former European Economic Community—which has now become embedded in the framework of the European Union—in Europe. The goal of ALADI is to harmonize trade across the member states. There are currently 13 member countries representing a population of more than 500 million people. ALADI has its own commodity classification system similar to the global Harmonized System (HS).
Alongside
Refers to the side of a ship. Goods delivered alongside are placed on the dock or barge within reach of the ship’s rigging so it can be easily loaded onto the ship. For example, it’s used in the Incoterms 2010 trade term Free Alongside Ship.
Apparent good order
When freight appears to be free of damage after being assessed it is said to be in apparent good order.
Arrival notice
Notification provided by the carrier when a shipment has arrived to the consignee or notify party.
Astern
Means either "behind a ship" or "to move a ship in reverse direction."
ATDNSHINC
Stands for Any Time, Day or Night, Sundays and Holidays Included, referring to when a vessel will operate.
Athwartships
A direction across the width of a ship.
Audit
A thorough examination of a business’s processes to determine if the business is compliant with a particular set of standards. A government agency may audit a company’s processes or records as part of an investigation related to a potential compliance violation. In some industries, companies must pass periodic government audits to maintain their authorizations. Companies may also conduct internal audits (self-audit), or hire a third party to audit their processes. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the export control arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce, recommends that U.S. exporters periodically self-audit to ensure compliance procedures are working properly and are up-to-date with regulation changes. Auditability refers to the capacity of an auditor to audit an auditee. Sloppy record-keeping lowers auditability. An audit trail is a system (physical or electronic) that keeps track of business processes.
See also: 4 Reasons to Audit Your Company’s Export Procedures
Audit trail
A system that stores and maintains records of business processes. With regards to exporting, companies are strongly encouraged to maintain an audit trail documenting their compliance screenings in order to demonstrate due diligence in case of an audit. Having an audit trail may protect your company from fines or penalties in the case of an export compliance violation.
Automatic identification system (AIS)
A satellite system used by ships and vessel tracking service (VTS) to identify and locate ships.
Backhaul
Cargo carried on a return journey.
Balloon freight
Freight that is low weight but high volume (light but bulky).
Bank Draft
A financial instrument provided by a bank and drawn on another bank.
See also: Understanding Bank Drafts: Sight Draft versus Time Draft
Beam
The width of a ship.
Beneficiary
The party that receives payment.
Bilateral
A bilateral agreement is one in which both parties agree to provide something for the other.
Bill of lading
A document issued by a carrier or their agent acknowledging receipt of cargo for shipment. Often abbreviated as BOL, BoL, B/L or BL. If there were no issues with the cargo stated on the BOL, it is said to be a clean bill of lading.
See also: 3 Things You Need to Know about the Bill of Lading Form
Bill of sale
A document that confirms transfer of goods in exchange for money.
Bill-to party
The party paying for goods or services in a transaction.
BIS
The Bureau of Industry and Security, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce tasked with enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Blocking or bracing
Wood or metal supports used to secure cargo while in transit. Also called dunnage.
Block stowage
Loading cargo close together to minimize movement of goods while in transit.
Bolster
A piece of equipment attached to a chassis or railcar to secure the container.
Bond port
The initial port of entry where a vessel transporting goods first arrives at a country.
Booking
Arrangements made with a carrier for the movement of cargo; space reservation.
Bow
The front of a vessel.
Broken stowage
Empty space in a container not occupied by cargo.
Bulk cargo
Cargo that is shipped loose as opposed to being shipped in packages or containers. Grain and coal are examples of goods usually shipped as bulk cargo.
Bull ring
A device attached to the floor of a container which is used to secure cargo.
Cabotage
Transport of goods between two places in the same country by a transporter from another country.
Cargo
Any goods being transported, regardless of the mode of transport.
Cargo declaration
Information submitted prior to, upon arrival or upon departure of an international shipment required by a country’s customs authority.
Cargo manifest
A document detailing the cargo carried on a ship, often provided to a customs authority.
Carnet
A document permitting the holder to temporarily send goods to certain foreign countries for display or demonstration purposes without having to pay duties.
See also: What is an ATA Carnet?
Cash on delivery (COD)
The sale of goods in which payment is made upon delivery rather than in advance.
Carrier
A carrier is a party that transports goods for another person or company and is responsible for any possible loss of or damage to the goods during transport. A common carrier provides transportation services to the public in return for compensation. A contract carrier provides this service under special contracts, often for government clients.
CBP
Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is the agency within the U.S. government tasked with controlling the flow of people and goods into and out of the country, and with enforcing import and export regulations.
CCC Mark
A label indicating cargo conforms to standards established by the Chinese government.
CCL
The Commerce Control List is a list of dual-use items (items that have both a commercial application as well as a potential military application) published as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Each item on the CCL is identified with an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). Knowing the right ECCN for your product plays a role in determining if you need an export license.
CE Mark
A label indicating cargo conforms to standards established by the European Union.
This document indicates a particular product is marketed in the United States or is eligible for export, and that the particular manufacturer has no unresolved enforcement actions pending before or taken by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is often used when exporting to countries whose regulatory agencies are not as well-developed as the United States’ FDA.
Certificate of inspection
A document certifying that merchandise is in good condition immediately prior to being shipped.
A document certifying where goods were originally made. A COO specific to a particular free trade agreement may be used to claim preferential duty treatment. A generic certificate of origin may be requested by the customs authority of the country of import, in which case the COO must be stamped by a chamber of commerce.
CFR
The Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of rules and regulations published in the U.S. Federal Register.
Chamber of commerce
An association of businesses that may serve several functions, including advocating or lobbying for their member companies, organizing business-related programming and events in their communities, and, perhaps most relevant for exporters, providing document certification services.
Chassis
The base frame of a wheeled vehicle, used to secure a container prior to movement.
Chock
Material (often wood) placed next to cargo to prevent excessive movement of the cargo during transit in order to avoid damage.
CL
Abbreviation for carload or containerload.
Claim
In the context of logistics, a claim is a demand made by a customer to a transportation company for payment in order to compensate for loss or damage of goods.
CM and cm
CM (uppercase) stands for “cubic meters,” while cm (lowercase) stands for “centimeters.”
Commerce Country Chart
Part of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which helps exporters determine if they need to apply for an export license in order to ship a particular product to a particular country.
Commercial invoice
A fundamental document for an international transaction with details including what goods are being shipped, who is the shipper and who is the ultimate consignee. Serves as the basis for all other documents related to the shipment.
Commodity
Any commercial good that is shipped.
Common law
Law that derives authority from precedent, custom and usage rather than from statutes, particularly regarding the laws of the United States, the United Kingdom and countries formerly part of the British Empire.
Compliance
In the context of international shipping, being compliant or maintaining compliance means that the company in question is following all applicable laws and rules which govern their shipments. In this context, the more specific terms regulatory compliance or trade compliance may be used to differentiate from other uses of the term, as the word compliance has other meanings in other contexts such as in the fields of medicine and psychology. A business practice that goes against specific laws is termed a compliance violation.
Concealed loss/concealed damage
Shortage of or damage to goods shipped that is not immediately evident upon delivery.
Connecting carrier
A carrier which acts as an intermediary between two or more other carriers.
Consignee
The person or place to whom a shipment will be transferred. The ultimate consignee is the final recipient of the goods, while an intermediate consignee takes possession of the goods for a portion of the time that they are in transit.
Consignment
A shipment of goods to a consignee.
Consignor
Refers to the exporter or shipper from which the goods originate.
Consolidation
When cargo from multiple shippers is combined in a single container.
Consul
A government official residing in a foreign country who represents the interests of their home country.
Consumption entry
When goods are imported into the United States without any time or use restrictions. The official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website states that about 95% of all imports fall into this category.
Container
A truck trailer loaded with cargo that can be detached for loading onto a vessel or railcar. Different types of containers exist for different shipping needs. For example, a container may be ventilated, refrigerated, insulated, dehumidified or equipped with special devices used to secure certain types of cargo. A container shipment is a large shipment, typically over 20,000 pounds.
Container load
A load large enough in volume or weight to fill a container.
Container manifest
A document stating the contents of a container, its point of origin and point of destination. Vessels may be required by law to produce a manifest for every container being transported.
Contraband
Prohibited cargo such as illegal drugs or unauthorized weapons.
Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
C-TPAT
U.S. Customs and Border Protection established Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism in November 2001 as a voluntary partnership to help ensure supply chain security. Meeting C-TPAT standards enables faster processing through customs inspections and formalities.
Cu.
Abbreviation for “cubic” used when describing measurements of volume.
Cube out
Refers to when a container or vessel has reached its volumetric capacity before reaching its weight capacity.
Customhouse
A government office where duties are paid and import and export paperwork are filed.
Customs
A customs authority, or customs for short, refers to the agency within a government that is responsible for collecting duties and enforcing import and export regulations.
Customs bonded warehouse
A warehouse authorized by customs to receive duty-free goods.
Customs broker
An individual or organization who helps a shipper navigate customs requirements.
Customs clearance
The process in which a customs authority assesses a shipment being imported in their country in order to ensure compliance with their country’s import regulations. A shipment that has been approved by the customs authority and allowed to enter the commerce of their country is said to have cleared customs.
Customs entry
Also called Entry Summary or Form 7501, is a document that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with details about a shipment being imported into the United States, such as value, classification and origin. CBP uses the form to calculate duties owed.
Customs invoice
A document required by a country’s customs authority, which serves the same purpose as a standard commercial invoice but also contains additional information such as a certificate of origin.
Customs of the port (COP)
A phrase referring to local rules and practices which may impact a shipment.
Customs value only
Some shipments involve no actual monetary transaction between the exporter and the ultimate consignee, such as shipments for repair under warranty, or shipments of items used for display at trade shows. These shipments are still subject to duties and taxes, and exporters must list the monetary value of the items in the shipment on the customs invoice to enable the customs authority in the country of import to assess how much duty the importer must pay. In these cases, the exporter should include a customs value only statement on the invoice.
Cut-off time
The latest time cargo may be delivered to a terminal for loading.
Dangerous goods
A product may be considered a dangerous good if it is corrosive, flammable, poisonous, toxic, explosive, etc. Shipping dangerous goods may require special documentation or packaging to ensure safety.
See also: Hazardous Materials or Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods declaration
A dangerous goods declaration form is a document produced by an exporter providing details on the dangerous goods in their shipment. When shipping dangerous goods via air, a Dangerous Goods IATA Declaration form is required, and when shipping dangerous goods via sea, a Dangerous Goods IMO Declaration form is required.
Destination control statement
A legal statement put on an export invoice that specifies that the goods are to be transferred to the ultimate consignee and no other party. Diversion to other countries or parties without prior authorization is a violation of U.S. law. Also called an anti-diversion clause.
DDTC
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is the government agency within the U.S. Department of State tasked with enforcing the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which regulate the export of space- and defense-related products.
D&H
Abbreviation for “dangerous and hazardous” cargo.
DBA
Stands for “doing business as,” used to specify that a company is doing business under a certain registered name.
Deconsolidation point
Location where cargo is separated in preparation for delivery.
Deemed export
Transmission of controlled technology, source code or information to a foreign national at home or abroad. Export regulations apply to deemed exports as well.
Delivery receipt
A document signed and dated by a consignee or their authorized agent confirming receipt of goods and stating the condition of the goods upon delivery.
Demurrage/detention
Demurrage is a charge to be paid by a shipper or consignee to the carrier as penalty for delaying the carrier’s cargo beyond the allowed free time. Detention is the same as demurrage except that instead of applying to delays in cargo, detention applies to delays in equipment.
Denied party screening
Also called restricted party screening or trade party screening, denied party screening is the process of screening potential customers, partners or vendors against denied party lists. These are lists of individuals or organizations that a government has identified as parties that one can’t do business with and that one may be penalized for doing business with.
Destination control statement
A legal statement put on a shipping document that specifies that the goods are to be transferred to the ultimate consignee and no other party. Diversion to other countries or parties without prior authorization is a violation of U.S. law.
Discrepancy
When documents presented do not conform to the requirements of the letter of credit. Banks will not accept letters of credit that have discrepancies.
Diversion
Diversion refers either to 1) a change made to the route of a shipment or to the route of the entire vessel or 2) the transfer of goods from the intended end-user to some other party.
Dock
For road transportation, a platform from which trucks are loaded and unloaded. For sea transportation, a cargo handling area adjacent to the shoreline where a ship ties up.
Dock receipt
A document used to acknowledge receipt of cargo. Provides the framework for the preparation of an ocean bill of lading.
DOT
U.S. Department of Transportation, a U.S. agency within the executive branch that oversees transportation in the U.S.
Drawback
A partial refund of an import fee, usually given if goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.
Drayage
Transport of goods over a short distance. Some definitions specify that drayage is the transport of goods in which both the trip origin and destination are within the same urban area. Also called cartage.
Dumping
Importing goods into a country at a price less than the fair market value.
Dutiable value
The amount on which a customs duty is calculated.
Duties
Taxes collected on importing and exporting goods. Also called tariffs.
EAR
The Export Administration Regulations are published by the U.S. Department of Commerce and regulate exports of dual-use items, meaning items that have both a commercial use as well as a potential military application.
ECCN
Export Control Classification Numbers are alphanumeric codes used to identify dual-use items, meaning items that have both a commercial use as well as a potential military application. Knowing the right ECCN for your product plays a role in determining if you need an export license.
eCO
An electronic Certificate of Origin is a digital document issued by a registered chamber of commerce to an exporter. Certificates of origin are a common customs document required by many countries and as part of various free trade agreements. An eCO is certified by a chamber of commerce electronically, which enables the certification process to occur more efficiently and at lower cost. Shipping Solutions has partnered with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce (AWTCC) to provide the Shipping Solutions eCO Portal.
EEI
Electronic export information is the data that exporters must report to the Automated Export System (AES) via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) online web portal.
Electronic data interchange (EDI)
The electronic transmission of business documents such as invoices, purchase orders and bills of lading.
Embargoes
Sanctions are prohibitions designed to protect economic or national security and may include trade barriers, tariffs and restrictions on financial transactions. Embargoes are similar but usually refer to more severe restrictions such as travel bans or blockades.
Eminent domain
The power of a sovereign government to take property for a necessary public use.
Empty repo
Stands for empty repositioning; refers to the movement of empty containers.
End-user
The ultimate recipient of a shipment. Generally synonymous with ultimate consignee. This may be different from the party being billed for the shipment.
Endorsement
A legal signature that signals transfer of rights from one party to another.
Equipment interchange receipt (EIR)
A document used when transferring a container from one carrier to another, or from one terminal to another.
ERP
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software helps companies with order-processing and accounting. Some ERP systems include international shipping or trade compliance modules, but these are often limited in their functionality.
ETA, ETC, ETD, ETR, ETS
Estimated time of arrival, completion, departure, readiness or sailing.
Exception
A delivery in which the driver or recipient notes a problem on the delivery receipt before signing is referred to as an exception. An exception is usually related to shortage or damage of goods.
Exclusive use
A shipper may pay a premium rate to obtain exclusive use of a trailer. This means the container will only be filled with the shipper’s goods and not those of any other party, even if there is additional space on the trailer.
Export
Shipment of goods out of a country. Opposite of import.
Export compliance program (ECP)
A company's written set of procedures for ensuring compliance when exporting.
Export controls/import controls
Refers to licenses, permits and other authorizations which may be required from a government to legally export or import something.
Export documentation software
A software tool used by a company to ensure consistency, efficiency and auditability in their export documentation and compliance process, such as Shipping Solutions.
Export license
A government-issued permit that authorizes a shipper to export a certain good or to export to a certain country or party.
Download the free white paper: How to Determine if You Need an Export License
Export management company
Exporting companies without their own export department sometimes outsource their export operations to an export management company (EMC).
FAK
Abbreviation for “freight all kinds.” Typically refers to a full container loaded with mixed cargo.
False billing
Misrepresenting freight information on shipping documents.
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
The agency within the U.S. federal government tasked with enforcing laws related to transport of goods by sea.
Federal Register
The Federal Register, sometimes abbreviated as Fed. Reg., FedReg, or FR, is the official journal of the U.S. government where new rules and regulations are published.
Force majeure
A common clause included in contracts that exempts parties for not fulfilling their obligations due to events beyond their control, such as natural disasters or war.
Fore and aft
The direction on a ship parallel to the center line.
Foreign trade zone
Areas where commodities can be manufactured, modified or stored under specific customs regulations and generally not subject to customs duties. May be abbreviated FTZ and sometimes called a free trade zone or free port.
FPPI
Foreign principal party of interest is the party to whom final delivery of the goods will be made, typically the foreign buyer.
Free time
The amount of time that a carrier’s equipment may be used without incurring additional charges.
Freight
Any product(s) being transported.
Freight broker
A person who arranges transportation on behalf of a shipper. Typically a freight broker will connect small shippers to carriers who can move their goods.
Freight forwarder
A company that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of a shipper. A freight forwarder may have its own in-house carriers or may contract with external carriers. Freight forwarders often specialize in consolidating LTL freight from multiple shippers.
FTA
Free trade agreements are made between countries in an effort to reduce barriers to trade between the participating countries.
FTR
The Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) are a set of regulations placed on international trade in the U.S. They are established and updated by the U.S. Census Bureau. It is in the FTR that the requirement to file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) can be found.
Full truckload (FTL)
A full truckload carrier is a carrier that contracts the entirety of a truck’s carrying capacity to a single customer. Often referred to as a truckload carrier.
General order
When U.S. Customs orders shipments without entries to be kept in their custody.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The total weight of a vehicle including the weight of the vehicle itself and any attached containers.
Harbour
A place where ships stop to resupply and load or unload cargo.
Harbour master
An official responsible for overseeing harbour operations.
Hatch
The opening on the deck of a ship that gives access to the cargo hold.
Hazardous materials (HazMat)
May be used interchangeably with the term “dangerous goods,” hazardous materials are goods that may pose a threat to safety because they are poisonous, toxic, corrosive, explosive, flammable, etc. More precisely, hazardous materials are defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation in accordance with the Federal Hazardous Material Law. It is more common to see the term “hazardous materials” used when shipping domestically within the U.S., whereas the term “dangerous goods” is used more often when shipping internationally. Shipping hazardous materials may require special documentation or packaging to ensure safety.
HMF
Harbor maintenance fee.
See also: A Case of HaruMpF and MumPF
HS
The Harmonized System is an internationally accepted system used to classify products. The first six digits of an HS code are universal across all countries, but each country will add additional digits to further specify products. HS codes play a role in determining import and export controls as well as duty rates. The code for a particular product is often called its tariff classification, as is the process for finding the right code.
IMDG
International Maritime Dangerous Goods code; the regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the international transport of dangerous goods.
Import
Shipment of goods into a country. Opposite of export.
Import declaration
Information submitted by an importer or their agent to their country’s customs authority before or upon importation of goods, such as the contact details of the importer, how the goods are being transported and the tariff classifications and values of the items on the shipment.
Import license
A government-issued permit authorizing a party to import a good into the country.
In bond
An import or export shipment that has not yet cleared customs is referred to as in bond.
Incoterms
Incoterms are universal trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC.) They consist of three-letter codes that are intended to clearly communicate the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods in an international transaction. They describe how responsibility is allocated between the seller and the buyer for different parts of the transaction.
Download the free Incoterms 2020 Chart of Responsibilities and Transfer of Risk
Interchange point
A location where freight is transferred from one carrier to another.
Intermodal
Intermodal transportation is the movement of goods via more than one type of transportation (e.g. air, rail, sea, truck, etc.). An intermodal container is one that can be used in different modes of transport without having to unload the goods and reload them at each point at which the mode of transport changes. In the context of international trade, intermodal container is usually synonymous with container.
Inward foreign manifest (IFM)
A document listing all cargo entering a country. Required by all world ports and is the primary source from which import duties are assigned.
ITAR
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations regulate the export of space- or defense-related products and are enforced by the U.S. Department of State.
JIT
Abbreviation for "just in time." A method of inventory control which minimizes warehousing and in which the container itself acts as a movable warehouse and arriving on schedule is crucial.
Laden
Loaded aboard a vessel.
Landed cost
The total cost of goods for a buyer including transportation costs and import duties.
Less-than-truckload, less-than-load (LTL)
A medium shipment, typically between 150 pounds and 20,000 pounds. An LTL carrier mixes freight from several customers in a single truckload. May also be called less-than-container (LCL).
Letter of credit
Also called a documentary collection and often abbreviated as LC or L/C, a letter of credit is a written commitment by a bank issued after a request by an importer that payment will be made to an exporter provided that the terms of the letter of credit have been met as evidenced by the presentation of certain documents.
See also: What's a Letter of Credit? (Infographic).
License exception
Certain criteria may be met that allow an exporter to export a product without an export license in cases where an export license would normally be required. These criteria are called license exceptions.
Liquidated damages
The penalty a seller must pay the buyer if a project does not meet the standards or deadline outlined in the sales contract.
List
The amount that a vessel tilts from the vertical, measured in degrees.
Logistics
The management of the flow of products as they are transported from the point of origin to their final destination. A logistics company is a general term for a company that provides logistics services, which may include freight forwarding, customs brokerage and/or consulting services.
Longshoreman
A port employee tasked with loading and unloading ships.
Malpractice
In the context of shipping, malpractice refers to situations in which a carrier illegally gives preference to a customer in order to attract their business.
Maritime
Relating to transport by sea.
Marking
Letters, numbers or other symbols placed on packaging used for identification purposes.
Master bill of lading
A bill of lading issued by a carrier to a freight forwarder acknowledging receipt of container for shipment. This is different from a house bill of lading which is issued by a freight forwarder to a shipper, acknowledging receipt of their items for shipment.
MPF
Merchandise processing fee.
See also: A Case of HaruMpF and MumPF
Multimodal
See intermodal.
NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement was established in 1994 to harmonize trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Companies located in these countries may be eligible for reduced duty rates when importing if their goods qualify under the terms of NAFTA. NAFTA was replaced on July 1, 2020, by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
NCBFAA
The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America is an organization representing the interests of customs brokers and freight forwarders in the U.S. They publish guidelines on best practices, including specific guidelines on how to create a shipper’s letter of instruction (SLI) when authorizing freight forwarders to file through the Automated Export System (AES) on behalf of the exporter.
NEC, NES
Not elsewhere classified, not elsewhere specified.
Negotiable/non-negotiable
A negotiable instrument is a document that can be transferred from its original holder to a third party. A non-negotiable document cannot be transferred to another party. An inland or ocean bill of lading may be either negotiable or non-negotiable; a bill of lading consigned “to order” or “to order of shipper” is negotiable once it is endorsed on the back by the shipper or their representative. Airwaybills are always non-negotiable.
Net weight
The weight of goods not including the weight of their packaging.
Non-dumping certificate
Required by some countries to ensure protection against dumping of certain products.
NVOCC
A non-vessel operating common carrier behaves like a carrier except it doesn’t provide the actual transportation service itself. Instead, a NVOCC buys space from carriers and sells this space to shippers.
On board
A notation on a bill of lading indicating that cargo has been loaded on a ship.
On deck
A notation on a bill of lading indicating that cargo has been stowed on the open deck of a ship.
Open account
A transaction in which goods are shipped to a foreign buyer without guarantee of payment.
Operating ratio
A measure of operating efficiency based on a comparison between a carrier’s operating expenses and its net sales.
Origin
Can mean 1) Location where a shipment starts its journey or 2) Country where goods were originally manufactured.
Overage
When the number of units received is greater than the quantity stated on the export documents. Opposite of shortage.
Packing list
A standard document that accompanies a shipment. Also called a packing slip, this document lists the products on a shipment along with packaging information but does not include prices.
Pallet
A platform on which packages may be loaded. Facilitates easier handling by a lift truck.
Parcel/package/small parcel/small package
A small shipment, typically less than 150 pounds.
Payee
The party paid in a transaction; the seller.
Payer
The party paying money in a transaction; the buyer.
Payment terms
Terms that describe how money will be paid in a transaction. Typically, the shipper is responsible for payment for prepaid shipments, while the consignee is responsible for payment for collect shipments, unless a third party is indicated as the payor on the shipping documents.
Phytosanitary inspection certificate
A document issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture certifying that a shipment has been inspected and is free from harmful pests and plant diseases. Used to meet import requirements of other countries.
Pier
A structure perpendicular to the shoreline to which a ship is secured in order to load or unload cargo.
Place of delivery
Location where cargo leaves the custody of a carrier.
Place of receipt
Location where cargo enters the custody of a carrier.
POD
Abbreviation for 1) port of discharge 2) port of destination or 3) proof of delivery, a document provided by the carrier required to receive payment.
Point of origin
The location where a shipment is transferred from a shipper to a carrier.
POL
Abbreviation for 1) port of loading or 2) petroleum, oil and lubricants.
Port
May refer to 1) A harbour with piers or docks 2) The left side of a ship (when facing forward, opposite of starboard) or 3) An opening in the side of a ship used for handling freight.
Port of call
Port where a ship discharges or receives traffic.
Port of entry
Port where cargo is unloaded and enters a country.
Port of exit
Port where cargo is loaded and leaves a country.
PPI
Principal party of interest. See FPPI and USPPI.
Prepaid
Freight charges paid by a shipper prior to release of bills of lading by the carrier.
Proforma invoice
A document that acts as a formal quote, produced by the seller and given to the potential buyer before a transaction is finalized.
Quarantine
A restriction placed on an operation in order to protect public health and safety.
Quota
The quantity of goods that may be imported without restrictions over a set period of time.
Quotation
Usually called a quote, an offer to sell goods at a stated price under stated conditions.
Rate basis
RFP, RFQ
Request for proposal, request for quotation.
Reasonableness
Under ICC and common law, the requirement that a freight rate not be higher than what is necessary to reimburse the carrier and allow a fair profit.
Relay
The transfer of containers from one ship to another when both ships are controlled by the same carrier.
Remittance
Funds sent by one person to another as payment.
Revenue
Payment received by a carrier for transporting goods.
Roll-on/roll-off
Also called RORO or ro-ro for short, these are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as vehicles and trailers. This is in contrast to lift-on/lift off (LoLo) vessels which use a crane to load and unload cargo.
Sanction
An embargo enforced by a government against another country.
SBA
The Small Business Administration is an executive agency of the U.S. government that exists to encourage and facilitate the growth and development of small businesses and entrepreneurs in America.
SBDC
America’s Small Business Development Centers are a network of hundreds of offices across the U.S. that provide support services to local small businesses. SBDC’s are administered by the SBA.
SCAC
Standard Carrier Alpha Codes are developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association and used to identify inland carriers in the U.S.
Schedule B
Schedule B codes are used specifically for exporting out of the U.S. They are based on HS codes and used by the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate trade statistics and by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure that exporters are following U.S. export regulations.
Ship’s tackle
Equipment such as rigging or cranes used on a ship for loading or unloading cargo.
Shipper
In the context of international trade, shipper is used to identify the company selling the goods to a foreign market. The shipper may also be called the exporter or consignor in this case.
Shipper’s letter of instruction (SLI)
A document provided by an exporting company to their freight forwarder outlining instructions for the freight forwarder. If the freight forwarder is filing through the Automated Export System (AES) on behalf of the exporter, the SLI includes the information they need to complete the filing.
Shipping documents
Paperwork that accompanies a shipment as it makes its way to the final destination, such as packing lists or bills of lading.
Shipping Solutions
An export documentation and compliance software program that makes creating accurate export documents fast and easy.
See also: Shipping Solutions Features
Shortage
When the number of units received is less than the quantity stated on the shipping documents. Opposite of overage.
Skids
Devices placed beneath boxes or packages in order to raise them off the floor to permit access by a forklift.
SNAP-R
Simplified Network Application Process—Redesign (SNAP-R) is a system maintained by the U.S. Commerce Department which enables U.S. companies to submit export license applications, commodity classification requests, reexport license applications and license exception AGR notifications via the Internet.
SOLAS
Safety of Life at Sea Convention is enforced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Under SOLAS, exporters are required to provide a verified weight of the goods before they are loaded onto a ship for transport.
Spotting
Placing a container in a position from which it can be loaded or unloaded.
Starboard
The right side of a ship (when facing forward). Opposite of port.
Stern
The backside of a ship. Opposite of bow.
STC
Said to contain.
Stevedore
Individual or company that employs longshoremen and contracts for the loading and unloading of ships.
Stripping
Removing cargo from a container.
Stuffing
Putting cargo into a container.
STW
Said to weigh.
Supply chain
A system of interconnected organizations and activities involved in the movement of goods from a supplier to a customer.
Surcharge
An extra or additional charge.
Surtax
An extra or additional tax.
Tail
Backside of a container or trailer. Opposite of front or nose.
Tare weight
The weight of a container while empty.
Terminal
Also called a container terminal, a location where containers are picked up, dropped off, maintained and kept.
Terminal charge
A charge for a service carried out in a carrier’s terminal area.
Third party logistics (3PL)
A company that provides logistics services to other companies, such as warehousing and transportation.
TL
Trailer load.
Trailer
A container attached to the back end of a truck.
Transshipment
The transfer of cargo from one carrier to another or from one vehicle to another at an intermediate point during the goods’ journey to the final destination.
Truck tonnage
The weight (in tons) of a shipment transported by truck.
Turnaround
A term used in marine transportation referring to the time it takes between arrival of a ship and its departure.
Ullage
The space not filled with liquid in a drum or tank.
Unclaimed freight
Freight that has not been called for or picked up by the owner or ultimate consignee.
Unit load
Packages loaded onto a pallet, in a crate or in some other way that allows for the goods to be handled as a single unit. This process is called unitization.
UN number
An internationally recognized four-digit code used to identify dangerous goods.
See also: Creating the ITA Dangerous Goods Form
USMCA
On July 1, 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replaced NAFTA as the free trade agreement between the three countries. In Canada, it is officially known as the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). In Mexico, it is called the Tratado entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá (T-MEC). Under USMCA, qualifying products are exempt from tariffs and quotas when traded between those three countries. To claim this preferential duty rate, you must determine if your goods qualify under the USMCA Rules of Origin.
USML
The United States Munitions List is a list of space- and defense-related products that are controlled by the U.S. Department of State under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
USPPI
The United States principal party of interest is the party that receives the primary benefit from an export transaction, monetary or otherwise. Usually the seller of the goods.
See also: How to Determine the USPPI
Vessel
A seafaring vehicle; a boat or ship.
Vessel manifest
A document listing details regarding the crew and cargo onboard a vessel.
Vessel traffic service (VTS)
A traffic monitoring system used by harbour or port authorities used to monitor ships, similar to air traffic control used to monitor aircraft.
War risk
Insurance coverage for losses resulting from an act of war.
Warehouse
A place for the storage, consolidation and distribution of cargo. Warehousing is the storage of cargo.
Wharf
A structure built on the shore of a harbour which facilitates the docking of ships.