Are you new to the shipping and freight industry? Not sure about the terminology that you hear from those in the sector? We can help.
We have gathered the most popular abbreviations and terms used in freight and logistics all over the world. On this page, each term has been given an explanation so you will be speaking the industry language in no time.
3rd Party Logistics (3PL)
3PL service is where a business outsources the management of it's transportation and logistics, but still has eyes over its whole supply chain. As part of 3PL, extra services are included where necessary, such as warehousing, terminal operations and customs brokerage.
4th Party Logistics (4PL)
4PL is one step up from 3PL. It includes everything involved in 3PL, but in this example the business is outsourcing the organisation, planning and management of the entire supply chain.
Actual Time of Arrival (ATA)
This is the confirmed arrival date at the destination shipping point. It's essential to be aware this usually is referring to the Port of Discharge rather than the final delivery point.
Actual Time of Departure (ATD)
The confirmed departure date from the original shipping point. This information becomes available once receiving the Bill of Lading from the carrier.
AEO Accreditation
Organisations accredited by the Authorised Economic Operator scheme have demonstrated that their role in the international supply chain is highly compliant with regulation and secure.
All Risks Insurance
All Risks insurance is the most comprehensive form of insurance for the transportation of goods. While it does not cover every type of risk, it does apply to damage or loss of goods caused by accident.
ATA Carnet
The ATA Carnet is a document used for the duty and tax-free import of goods that stems from the International Convention. It acts as a passport for your goods, which is valid in countries that have signed the agreement (87 in total, including the US, UK, China and all EU countries).
Bill of Lading (B/L or BOL)
The Bill of Lading is the official shipping document containing details about the shipment. This document shows ownership of the goods. It’s ‘release’ to the recipient of the products. It can be held until final payment for the goods has been made. Without an original paper B/L or an electronic release, the goods cannot be delivered.
Bonded Goods (B/G)
Bonded goods are dutiable landed imports stored under the supervision of customs authorities in bonded warehouses. Bonded goods are usually released for re-export or to the importer upon assessment and payment of elements such as import duties, taxes, and other charges.
Bonded Warehouses
A bonded warehouse is a secure location, usually a building, where goods with duty to be paid may be stored before that payment has been made.
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
The shipping company calculates this factor, also known as the bunker surcharge, based on fluctuating oil prices so that the possible financial losses in fuel costs can be offset.
Buyers Consolidation (BCN)
Buyers Consolidation is when several suppliers loads are being consolidated for a single customer. This is usually done to fill a container when a single supplier doesn't have sufficient stock.
Carrier
A company which transports goods across sea, air or land.
Carrier Owned Container (COC)
This is a term used when a carrier owns their own shipping container compared with a Shipper Owned Container (SOC).
Certificate of Origin
The Certificate of Origin certifies the country where the goods originated. It’s usually issued by the relevant Government Department, Chamber of Commerce or Embassy of the exporting country. These are not always needed but can be used to lower import duties from certain countries.
CFS Charge
CFS Charge is usually incurred at the delivery or receiving point of the ship's cargo at the destination port. The size of the fee is dependant on the size of the container.
Commercial Invoice
The Commercial Invoice contains the buyer and seller’s details in addition to the type of goods, quantity, price of each product and terms of sale. The commercial invoice is used to declare the goods to customs, therefore, dictating the number of duties and taxes to be paid.
Consignee
The person or company who is receiving the shipment. To whom it is consigned. If you’re importing goods, it’s you or your company. The shipper sends the goods to the consignee.
Consolidator
In logistics, a consolidator is a company which focuses on combining shipping loads which aren't big enough to fill a single container. This means that the shippers get reduced costs because they aren't having to pay for an entire container by themselves.
Container
A standardised metal box usually 20ft or 40ft in length that can be relatively easily interchanged between trucks, ships and trains. Containers are the most common way your goods will be shipped.
Container Freight Station (CFS)
A Container Freight Station is a place for packing and unpacking Less than Container Load (LCL) consignments (normally at or by a port).
Container Yard (CY)
A Container Yard is a collection and distribution point for Full Container Load (FCL) consignments.
Cost & Freight (C&F or CFR) and Cost, Insurance Freight (CIF)
Cost and freight or cost, insurance and freight. This is a term of trading where the buyer of the goods pays an amount that covers the cost of the goods plus the cost of transporting the goods to the port of discharge. CIF also includes marine insurance.
Cubic Metre - CBM (M3)
Volume is usually calculated in cubic metres (although cubic feet is sometimes used). 100cm x 100cm x 100cm equals one cubic metre.
Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)
The Currency Adjustment Factor is a percentage surcharge for liner shipping. This surcharge is designed to offset possible financial losses for the carrier due to the fluctuating exchange rate between currencies.
Customs Clearance
Customs Clearance refers to the process of clearing shipments by the customs authorities. It is usually a service that the freight forwarder or customs agent carries out.
Delivered At Place (DAP)
Delivered Duty Unpaid means the seller is responsible for ensuring the goods arrive at the destination, but the responsibility of paying import duties is with the consignee.
Deferment
Deferment is when a bank account is held with customs to pay duty and VAT. If you don’t have your own Deferment account (often the case), then you can use your import agent/customs broker’s account although they often charge for this.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
Delivered Duty Paid is an agreement which means the seller is not only responsible for getting the goods to the agreed delivery point, but also paying all costs, such as duties and taxes.
Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)
Delivered Duty Unpaid is the old acronym for Delivered At Place (DAP) and is no longer widely used.
Delivery Authorisation Document (DAD)
The Delivery Authorization Document authorises the delivery of goods to be picked up by designated parties. You must present this document before collection.
Delivery Order (D/O)
A delivery order is a document from a consignee or an owner of a freight carrier that orders the release of cargo transportation to another party.
Demurrage
Charges raised by the carrier for detaining a freight vehicle or container beyond the stipulated time. This arises when shipping full containers and they are held too long at the port or at the delivery point when longer than the 3 hours allotted time is taken to unload the container.
Drop Shipping
Drop shipping is a retail fulfilment method that allows the online seller/retailer to sell products without ever producing or storing them in a warehouse. The drop shipper takes the order, pays the manufacturer, and then provides them with shipping information. Finally, the manufacturer ships the item directly to the customer. Thus, the drop shipper is the middle man or the salesperson. This has become a ubiquitous method of online retail over the past several years.
For example, Amazon is still somewhat of a drop shipper in that they don't produce most of the products they sell. Although profit margins are lower, it is still an attractive and popular business model because retailers don't have to worry about storing any inventory, allowing the business to focus on gaining new customers.
Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI)
An EORI number lets customs keep a record of what’s being imported and exported. This is required in order to import goods into the UK. Once you have an EORI number, you can use it on your future imports too.
Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)
An Entry Summary Declaration is provided by the shipper or the importer and is used for electronically submitting information related to the cargo before arrival to the entry customs office, such as statement goods and transport vehicle.
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
Generally used for the date that the ship or plane is due to arrive at its destination port.
Estimated Time of Departure (ETD)
Generally used for the date that the ship or plane is due to leave its port of origin and begin its journey.
Ex Works (EXW)
A term of sale where the buyer is responsible for collecting the goods at the premises of the seller and accepts all costs and liabilities from that point onwards.
Freight All Kinds (FAK)
Freight All Kinds typically refers to a full container loaded with mixed cargo.
Forwarder's Cargo Receipt (FCR)
An FRC is a document issued by the freight forwarder or their agent to the shipper of the cargo. This document is issued when the shipment has been handed over to the freight forwarder.
It serves exclusively as confirmation that the cargo has been received and the consignee now takes full responsibility for the shipment.
Free on Board (FOB)
Free on Board is a term of sale where the seller is responsible for all charges and liabilities of transporting the goods all the way up to their arrival onboard the ship. It includes all charges at the port of loading.
Freight Forwarders
Freight Forwarders are companies that take care of the shipping. An important note is that in England, a distinction is made between freight forwarders (carriers), carriers and shippers (transport companies). Shippers include goods; carriers include transport. Freight forwarders conclude contracts with the shippers and ensure that the goods are moved from one place to another – from the first step to the last.
Full Container Load (FCL)
If you have enough goods to fill either a 20ft, 40ft or 40ftHC container, then your goods would be shipped as a Full Container Load.
Garment on Hanger (GOH)
Garment on Hanger is carried on standard or dry containers on hangers. The container is converted to safely and conveniently carry GOHs.
GOH is most commonly done with strings or bars, depending on the type of garment or material.
Gross Weight
Gross Weight is the weight of the delivery, including packaging.
High Cube (HC or HQ)
Any container which exceeds 8ft 6in (102 inches) in height. Usually, these containers are 9ft 6in.
House Airway Bill (HAWB)
The House Airway Bill is similar to a Bill of Lading; however, it does not confer title in goods. This means a HAWB does not have the same legal standing as a Bill of Lading.
A freight forwarder or consolidator issues the bill.
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
A freight forwarder or consolidator issues a House Bill of Lading (HBL). A HBL covers a single shipment containing the names, addresses and specific descriptions of the goods shipped.
Import Entry Acceptance Advice (E2 Form)
Import Entry Acceptance Advice form shows when an import entry has been successfully committed. The E2 form includes critical information such as:
· Customs entry number
· Clearance date and time
· Consignee
· Summary of freight
· Insurance and VAT charges
· Breakdown of each item
· Customs value
· Item price
Incoterms
Incoterms are a standardised set of rules that define the rights and liabilities of both buyer and seller in an international transaction. Incoterms are prepared by the International Chamber of Commerce and include FOB, EXW, CIF, DDU etc.
International Operating Procedure (IOP)
The International Operating Procedure is a set of step by step instructions adopted by an organisation to assist workers when conducting complex routine operations.
International Standard Organisations (ISO)
The ISO is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organisations.
Kerbside Delivery
Standard delivery for shipments is kerbside unless otherwise requested. In this case, the driver will park the truck outside your premises; then it is your responsibility to unload your goods. If you don’t have a forklift and delivery is kerbside, you may need a few extra hands to help you out.
Letter of Credit (L/C)
A letter of credit is a contract in which the terms of documentary credit transactions are established.
Letter of Indemnity (LOI)
A letter of indemnity, or LOI, is a contractual document between two parties. This contract guarantees specific provisions will be met depending on the contract.
Lift On/Lift Off (LO/LO)
Lift On/Lift Off refers to a charge for lifting a container on and off a train or other vessel.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Less than Container Load. If you don’t have enough goods to fill a 20ft container, then your goods would be shipped as a part load or LCL. In this instance, your goods will be loaded into a shared container with goods from other companies.
Marine Insurance
Marine Insurance covers for loss or damage of goods whilst they are being transported by carriers by sea or land.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Minimum order quantity is the smallest amount of a product that the company will supply. If a buyer cannot meet the MOQ Requirement, their supplier won’t enter production. This is quite commonly used on Alibaba.
Notice of Arrival (NOA)
The carrier or agent sends a notice of arrival to inform the consignee of the following:
· Arrival of a shipment
· Number of packages
· Description of goods
· Shipment weight
· Collection charges
A notice of arrival is also sometimes known as an arrival notice.
Notify Party
The person or company that needs to be notified about the progress of the shipment. This is stipulated on the Bill of Lading.
Origin Terminal Handling (OTHC)
Origin Terminal Handling are charges made by the terminal operator regarding container movements, for example:
· Before departure
· From the seller's vehicle to the stack
· Departing conveyance
· At the destination
· From the arriving conveyance to the stack
· To the buyer's vehicle
Overweight Surcharge (OWS)
An Overweight Surcharge is a fee charged by shipping lines when a given container exceeds the designated acceptable weight range for its size.
Packing List
A list provided by the shipper detailing what goods are within the shipment and information on how they are packed. Number of items, weight and dimensions of the shipment are included.
Pallet Exchange
When a truck driver picks up a delivery of goods, they will often have to bring pallets to exchange the goods so that the pallets can be strapped to the carrier pallet. If no pallets are brought, there is usually a fee for the pallet exchange.
Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)
Peak Season Surcharge is an additional temporary fee required during a high season. This is due to how space on the ship can become scarce during these times. The shipping high season is usually the period between August and October.
Port of Discharge (POD)
The port at which the goods are unloaded from the vessel.
Port of Loading (POL)
The port where the goods are loaded onto the vessel.
Purchase Order (PO)
A purchase order is a commercial document and the first official offer issued to a seller. The PO indicates everything, such as types, quantities and agreed prices or services. It is also often used to control the purchasing of products and services from external suppliers.
Sea Waybill (SWB)
A Sea Waybill is a transport contract in the same as a Bill of Landing. However, a Sea Waybill is not needed for cargo delivery and is only issued as a cargo receipt. It can be provided in hard copy format or digital format.
Shipper
The shipper is the sender of the goods. If you are importing goods from an overseas supplier, then your supplier is the shipper. The shipper sends the goods to the consignee.
Shipper Owned Container (SOC)
This is a term used when a shipper owns their own shipping container compared with a Carrier Owned Container (COC).
Shipping Instructions (SI)
Shipping Instructions confirm that space has been allocated on a vessel for a shipment.
Shipping Line
A shipping line is a company that directly or indirectly transports cargo via ocean freight.
Shipping Marks and Numbers
Shipping marks are placed on packages for identification purposes. They can be the size and weight of the carton, the recipient, the number of the carton (e.g. 1 of 6 etc.) and sometimes shape. These marks are essential to differentiate the boxes belonging to each set of goods within a shared container.
Stock Keeping Unit (SKU)
A stock-keeping unit, or SKU, is a common form of inventory management. An SKU is a distinct type of item for sale, such as a product or service. Also, it includes all attributes associated with the item type that distinguish it from other item types.
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Supply Chain Management, involves managing the flows of goods, data, and finances related to a product or service. The SCM usually occurs from procuring raw materials to delivering the product to its final destination.
Tail-lift
If your goods are heavy and you don’t have a forklift, then a tail lift might be needed.
Tariff Code
Every product has a corresponding code that’s used when goods are cleared through UK customs. This code shows the percentage of duty that’s paid on that product and can be found at www.gov.uk/trade-tariff.
Telex Release
Telex release and Express release are terms that refer to the electronic handover of the Bill of Lading. Traditionally the original B/L is posted by the shipper to the consignee, and in turn, it must be forwarded on before the goods can be released. Telex release is instant, so it has become the favoured option.
Terminal Handling Charge (THC)
Terminal Handling Charge is the cost for the handling of the goods/container at a port. The THC for FCL shipments is for moving the container itself and for LCL it’s for the packing or unpacking of the goods so is billed in w/m.
Transit Time
Transit time is the amount of time that either the ship or plane is travelling for between the Port of Loading and the Port of Discharge. Not to be misconstrued as the total amount of time it takes to move the goods from door to door.
Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU)
Twenty-Foot (20′) Equivalent Unit is commonly used when talking about FCL rate increases or representing the number of containers in a particular situation. A 20ft container is one TEU, and a 40ft container is two TEUs (the equivalent size of 2 x 20ft containers).
Weight Per Measure (W/M)
Weight per measure means that the cost will depend on whether the volume or the weight of the shipment is greater when calculating which will be the deciding factor 1.0cbm = 1000kg.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
Verified Gross Mass, this is required by shippers to confirm the weight of containers before they are loaded. This was started by SOLAS to avoid damages to vessels and health concerns to ship crew.
