International Shipping Terms Glossary

The weight of the container and/or packing materials only - excluding the weight of the goods inside the container.

A document issued by a carrier setting forth applicable rules, rates, and charges for the movement of goods. The document sets up a contract of carriage between the shipper, consignee, and carrier.

Origin charge for an original BL issued for shipment and the supplier holds the hard copy forms.

Surcharged associated with drayage over a bridge or through a highway.

A freight transportation output measure that reflects the shipment's weight and the distance the carrier hauls it; a multiplication of tons hauled and distance traveled.

The volumetric characteristic of the vessel, expressed in cubic meters, shows how much cargo can be accepted for transportation.

Determining a shipment's location during the course of a move.

A system for tracking the location of shipments on the map in real-time.

A fee paid when a terminal becomes congested.

Vessels operating without a fixed itinerary or schedule or charter contract.

The total delivery time of the container (cargo), calculated from the moment of loading onto the vessel until the moment of unloading at the port of destination.

Cost to transfer containers from 40s/HCs to 53' trailers.

A letter accompanying the supply of securities, documents or other property, usually containing a brief description of the securities, documents or property being sent and an explanation of the transaction.

A fee covers haulage from the exporter’s premises to the port/warehouse.

Moving cargo from one vessel or another vehicle to another vehicle at the same transport point.

Surcharge associated with drayage of overweight containers.

Surcharge for unloading at final destination.

Surcharge for unloading at final destination.

A shipping container whose internal dimensions measure about 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet tall.