Glossary of Shipping and Navigation Terms

AA	Always Afloat (In some ports the ship aground when approaching, or at berth.)
AAR	Abbreviation for: - Against All Risks (insurance clause). - Association of American Railroads.
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 or parts of their cargo.
Abandon vessel	To evacuate a vessel from crew and passengers following a distress
Abatement	A discount allowed for damage or overcharge in the payment of a bill.
Able Seaman (AB)	Stand watch, during which they steer the vessel, stand lookout, assist the mate on watch and make rounds of the ship to insure that all is in order. They also tie up and untie the vessel to and from the dock and maintain the equipment on deck.
Aboard	Referring to cargo being put, or laden, onto a means of conveyance.
ABS	American Bureau of Shipping: A U.S.-based private classification, or standards setting society for merchant ships and other marine systems.
Absorption	One carrier assumes the charges of another without any increase in charges 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.
Accessorial Charges	Charges that are applied to the base tariff rate or base contract rate, e.g., bunkers, container, currency, destination/delivery.
Acquiescence	When a bill of lading is accepted or signed by a shipper or shipper's agent without protest, the shipper is said to acquiesce to the terms, giving a silent form of consent.
Acquittance	A written receipt in full, in discharge from all claims.
Act of God	An unpredictable situation which is beyond the power of man. A natural event, not preventable by any human power, such as flood, storms, or lightning. Forces of nature that a carrier has no control over and therefore cannot be held responsible.
Ad Valorem	A term from Latin meaning, "according to value."
Address Commission	Percentage of commission charged by charterers
Admeasurement	The confirmed or official dimensions of a ship.
Administrative Law Judge	A representative of a government commission or agency vested with power to administer oaths, examine witnesses, take testimony, and conduct hearings of cases submitted to, or initiated by, that agency. Also called Hearing Examiner.
Admiralty (Adm.)	Refers to marine matters such as an Admiralty Court.
Adrift	Floating, not controlled, without a clearly determinable direction
Advance	To move cargo up line to a vessel leaving sooner than the one booked. (See "Roll.")
Advanced Charge	Transportation charge advanced by one carrier to another to be collected by the later carrier from the consignor or consignee.
Adventure	Shipment of goods on shipper's own account. A bill of adventure is a document signed by the master of the ship that carries goods at owner' risk.
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 often enclosed and, if desired, a copy of the bill of lading.
Advising Bank	A bank operating in the seller's country, that handles letters of credit in behalf of a foreign bank.
Affreightment, Contract of	An agreement by an ocean carrier 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 Fees	Fees charged by agents who have attended to the ship's business during her stay at the port. In most maritime countries, there are fixed scales of charges (tariffs) covering agency work. The fees, usually, vary according to the size and nature of the cargo, as well as the ship's tonnage.
Agency Tariff	A tariff published by an agent on behalf of several carriers.
Agent (Agt.)	A person authorized to transact business for and in the name of another person or company. Types of agent are: (1) brokers, (2) commission merchants, (3) resident buyers, (4) sales agents, (5) manufacturer's representatives.
Aggregate Shipment	Numerous shipments from different shippers 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 freight rate.
Agreed Weight	The weight prescribed by agreement between carrier and shipper for goods shipped in certain packages or in a certain number.
AID	Agency for International Development.
Air Waybill	The forwarding agreement or carrying agreement between shipper and air carrier and is issued only in nonnegotiable form.
All Ends	Applies to all ports, which will be visited according to the chartering agreement. See also both ends.
All In	The total price to move cargo from origin to destination, inclusive of all charges.
All Risk	A form of coverage, providing protection against all risks of physical loss or damage from any external cause
All Time Saved Both Ends	All working time saved at both ends - used in connection with dispatch. It means that dispatch will be paid for all time saved.
All Told	Some times the deadweight capacity of a vessel is expressed with the addition ''all told'', meaning that the capacity given represents the total deadweight capacity, including bunkers, water, provisions, dannage, stores, spares etc. The net (for cargo) capacity of a ship is expressed as ''cargo capacity''.
Allision	The act if striking or collision of a moving vessel against a stationary object.
Alongside	A phrase referring to the side of a ship. Goods to be delivered "alongside" are to be placed on the dock or barge within the reach of the transport ship's tackle so that they can be loaded aboard the ship.
Alternative Rates	Privilege to use the rate producing the lowest charge.
Ambient Temperature	The temperature of a surrounding body. The ambient temperature of a container is the atmospheric temperature to which it is exposed.
American Bureau of Shipping	U.S. classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance.
Amidships	Generally speaking the word amidships means in the middle portion of a vessel.
Annual survey	Survey which a ship is obliged (according to the classification society's rules) to undertake annually.
Anti-Dumping Duty	A tariff imposed to discourage sale of foreign goods, subsidized to sell at low prices detrimental to local manufacturers.
Any Quantity (A.Q.)	Usually refers to a rating that applies to an article regardless of size or quantity.
API	American Petroleum Institute.
Apparent Good Order	When freight appears to be free of damage so far as a general survey can determine.
Appraisement	Determination of the dutiable value of imported merchandise by a Customs official who follows procedures outlined in their country's tariff, such as the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930.
Appraiser's Stores	The warehouse or public stores to which samples of imported goods are taken to be inspected, analyzed, weighed, etc. by examiners or appraisers.
Arbitrary	A stated amount over a fixed rate to one point to make a rate to another point.
Arrival Notice	A notification by carrier of ship's arrival to the consignee, the "Notify Party," and - when applicable - the "Also Notify Party." These parties in interest are listed in blocks 3, 4 and 10, respectively, of the Bill of Lading.
Article of Agreement	The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Sometimes called ship's articles, shipping articles.
Assembly station	Place on deck, in mess rooms, etc., assigned to crew and passengers where they have to meet according to the muster list when the corresponding alarm is released or announcement made
Assignment	A term commonly used in connection with a bill of lading. It involves the transfer of rights, title and interest in order to assign goods by endorsing the bill of lading.
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.
At Sea	In marine insurance this phrase applies to a ship which is free from its moorings and ready to sail.
ATDNSHINC	Any time Day or Night Sundays & Holidays Included.
Athwartships	A direction across the width of a vessel.
Automatic Pilot	An instrument designed to control automatically a vessel's steering gear so that she follows a pre-determined track through the water.
Available hatch	Hatch opening which is available for loading or discharging operations.
Average	See insurance.
Avoirdupois Pound	Same as 0.4535924277 kilograms.
B/p or BOP	Balance of payments.
Backfreight	The owners of a ship are entitled to payment as freight for merchandise returned through the fault of either the consignees or the consignors. Such payment, which is over and above the normal freight, is called backfreight.
Backhaul	A deviation to move cargo on the return leg of a voyage for the purpose of minimizing ballast mileage and thereby reducing transportation costs.
Backing (of wind)	When a wind blows round anticlockwise (opposite of veering)
BAF	Abbreviation for "Bunker Adjustment Factor." Used to compensate steamship lines for fluctuating fuel costs. Sometimes called "Fuel Adjustment Factor" or FAF.
Bagged Cargo	Various kinds of commodities usually packed in sacks or in bags, such as sugar, cement, milk powder, onion, grain, flour, etc.
Bale capacity	The volume capacity of a ship, as far as "packed" (non bulk) cargoes are concerned
Ballast	Heavy substances loaded by a vessel to improve stability, trimming, sea-keeping and to increase the immersion at the propeller. Sea water ballast is commonly' loaded in most vessels in ballast tanks, positioned in compartments right at the bottom and in some cases on the sides, called wing tanks. On a tanker, ballast is seawater that is taken into the cargo tanks to submerge the vessel to a proper trim.
Ballast bonus	The compensation for the ballast trip from the port or place where the ship became open to the place of delivery. (Time charter).
Ballast Movement	A voyage or voyage leg made without any paying cargo in a vessel's tanks. To maintain proper stability, trim, or draft, sea water is usually carried during such movements.
Ballast Taank	Compartments at the bottom of a ship or on the sides which are filled with liquids for stability and to make the ship seaworthy. Any shipboard tank or compartment on a tanker normally used for carrying salt water ballast. When these compartments or tanks are not connected with the cargo system they are called segregated ballast tanks or systems.
Balloon Freight	Light, bulky articles.
Baltic Exchange	Like Lloyd's, the Baltic Exchange began its life as a coffee-house in which in the eighteenth century, shipowners and merchants might be found. The Baltic Exchange, however, specializes in the acquisition and disposal of shipping tonnage, rather than insurance.
Bank Guarantee	Guarantee issued by a bank to a carrier to be used in lieu of lost or misplaced original negotiable bill of lading.
Bare Boat Charter	A charter in which the bare ship is chartered without crew; the charterer, for a stipulated sum taking over the vessel for a stated period of time, with a minimum of restrictions; the charterer appoints the master and the crew and pays all running expenses. See Demise Charter.
Barge	Flat-bottomed boat designed to carry cargo on inland waterways, usually without engines or crew accommodations. Barges can be lashed together and either pushed or pulled by tugs, carrying cargo of 60,000 tons or more. Small barges for carrying cargo between ship and shore are known as lighters.
Barge Aboard Catamaran	A way of loading cargo into large barges and then in turn loading the barges into a ship.
Barratry	An act committed by the master or mariners of a vessel, for some unlawful or fraudulent purpose, contrary to their duty to the owners, whereby the latter sustain injury. It may include negligence, if so gross as to evidence fraud.
Barrel (BBL)	A term of measure referring to 42 gallons of liquid at 60o F.
Base Rate	A tariff term referring to ocean rate less accessorial charges, or simply the base tariff rate.
BCO	Abbreviation for "Beneficial Cargo Owner." Refers to the importer of record, who physically takes possession of cargo at destination and does not act as a third party in the movement of such goods.
Beach (to)	To run a vessel upon a beach to prevent its sinking in deep water
Beam	The width of a ship. Also called breadth.
Before breaking bulk	An expression which actually means, ''before starting discharging''
Belt Line	A switching railroad operating within a commercial area.
Beneficial Ownership	Designates the owner who receives the benefits or profits from the operation.
Beneficiary	The person in whose favor a draft is issued or a letter of credit opened. - 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	A sea room to be kept for safety around a vessel, rock, platform, etc., or the place assigned to a vessel when anchored or lying alongside a pier, etc.
Berth Cargo	When a liner cargo vessel accepts extra cargo to fill up the empty space remaining.
Berth Terms	Shipped under rate that includes cost from end of ship's tackle at load port to end of ship's tackle at discharge port.
Beyond	Used with reference to charges assessed for cargo movement past a line-haul terminating point.
Biffex	Biffex - Baltic International Freight Futures Exchange. (an exchange inaugurated in 1985 by the Baltic exchange. On this exchange there are two daily sessions for trading freight contracts, which are to be performed at some later date -up to two years- against a weighted freight index. This index, the Baltic freight index -bfi-, reflects the present market and expectations for the market's development in the future. By BIFFEX trading owners, charterers and other parties on the shipping scene, including speculators, may protect themselves against the risk of and play on the volatility of freight rates and time charter hires.
Bilateral	A contract term meaning both parties agree to provide something for the other.
Bill of Exchange	In the United States, commonly known as a "Draft." However, bill of exchange is the correct term.
Bill of Lading (B/L)	A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company. It serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage and a receipt for goods. - Amended B/L: B/L requiring updates that do not change financial status; this is slightly different from corrected B/L. - B/L Terms & Conditions: the fine print on B/L; defines what the carrier can and cannot do, including the carrier's liabilities and contractual agreements. - B/L's Status: represents whether the bill of lading has been input, rated, reconciled, printed, or released to the customer. - B/L's Type: refers to the type of B/L being issued. Some examples are: a Memo (ME), Original (OBL), Non-negotiable, Corrected (CBL) or Amended (AM) B/L. - Canceled B/L: B/L status; used to cancel a processed B/L; usually per shipper's request; different from voided B/L. - Clean B/L: A B/L which bears no superimposed clause or notation which declares a defective condition of the goods and/or the packaging. - Combined B/L: B/L that covers cargo moving over various transports. - Consolidated B/L: B/L combined or consolidated from two or more B/L's. - Corrected B/L: B/L requiring any update which results in money or other financially related changes. - Domestic B/L: Non-negotiable B/L primarily containing routing details; usually used by truckers and freight forwarders. - Duplicate B/L: Another original Bill of Lading set if first set is lost. also known as reissued B/L. - Express B/L: Non-negotiable B/L where there are no hard copies of originals printed. - Freight B/L: A contract of carriage between a shipper and forwarder (who is usually a NVOCC); a non-negotiable document. - Government B/L (GBL): A bill of lading issued by the U.S. government. - Hitchment B/L: B/L covering parts of a shipment which are loaded at more than one location. Hitchment B/L usually consists of two parts, hitchment and hitchment memo. The hitchment portion usually covers the majority of a divided shipment and carries the entire revenue. - House B/L: B/L issued by a freight forwarder or consolidator covering a single shipment containing the names, addresses and specific description of the goods shipped. - Intermodal B/L: B/L covering cargo moving via multimodal means. Also known as Combined Transport B/L, or Multimodal B/L. - Long Form B/L: B/L form with all Terms & Conditions written on it. Most B/L's are short form which incorporate the long form clauses by reference. - Memo B/L: Unfreighted B/L with no charges listed. - Military B/L: B/L issued by the U.S. military; also known as GBL, or Form DD1252. - B/L Numbers: U.S. Customs' standardized B/L numbering format to facilitate electronic communications and to make each B/L number unique. - Negotiable B/L: The B/L is a title document to the goods, issued "to the order of" a party, usually the shipper, whose endorsement is required to effect is negotiation. Thus, a shipper's order (negotiable) B/L can be bought, sold, or traded while goods are in transit and is commonly used for letter-of-credit transactions. The buyer must submit the original B/L to the carrier in order to take possession of the goods. - Non-Negotiable B/L: See Straight B/L. Sometimes means a file copy of a B/L. - "Onboard" B/L: B/L validated at the time of loading to transport. Onboard Air, Boxcar, Container, Rail, Truck and Vessel are the most common types. - Optional Discharge B/L: B/L covering cargo with more than one discharge point option possibility. - "Order" B/L: See Negotiable B/L. - Original B/L: The part of the B/L set that has value, especially when negotiable; rest of set are only informational file copies. Abbreviated as OBL. - Received for Shipment B/L: Validated at time cargo is received by ocean carrier to commence movement but before being validated as "Onboard". - Reconciled B/L: B/L set which has completed a prescribed number of edits between the shippers instructions and the actual shipment received. This produces a very accurate B/L. - Short Term B/L: Opposite of Long Form B/L, a B/L without the Terms & Conditions written on it. Also known as a Short Form B/L. The terms are incorporated by reference to the long form B/L. - Split B/L: One of two or more B/L's which have been split from a single B/L. - Stale B/L: A late B/L; in banking, a B/L which has passed the time deadline of the L/C and is void. - Straight (Consignment) B/L: Indicates the shipper will deliver the goods to the consignee. It does not convey title (non-negotiable). Most often used when the goods have been pre-paid. - "To Order" B/L: See Negotiable B/L. - Unique B/L Identifier: U.S. Customs' standardization: four-alpha code unique to each carrier placed in front of nine digit B/L number; APL's unique B/L Identifier is "APLU". Sea-land uses "SEAU". These prefixes are also used as the container identification. - Voided B/L: Related to Consolidated B/L; those B/L's absorbed in the combining process. Different from Canceled B/L.
Bill of Lading Port of Discharge	Port where cargo is discharged from means of transport.
Bill of Sale	Confirms the transfer of ownership of certain goods to another person in return for money paid or loaned.
Bill to Party	Customer designated as party paying for services.
Billed Weight	The weight shown in a waybill and freight bill, i.e, the invoiced weight.
Black Cargo	Cargo banned by general cargo workers for some reason. This ban could be because the cargo is dangerous or hazardous to health.
Black Gang	A slang expression referring to the personnel in the engine department aboard ship.
Blanket Bond	A bond covering a group of persons, articles or properties.
Blanket Rate	- A rate applicable to or from a group of points. - A special rate applicable to several different articles in a single shipment.
Blanket Waybill	A waybill covering two or more consignments of freight.
Blast	A sound signal made with the whistle of the vessel
Blind sectors	Areas which cannot be scanned by the radar of the vessel because they are shielded by parts of its superstructure, masts, etc.
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.
Blocked Trains	Railcars grouped in a train by destination so that segments (blocks) can be uncoupled and routed to different destinations as the train moves through various junctions. Eliminates the need to break up a train and sort individual railcars at each junction.
Blocking or Bracing	Wood or metal supports (Dunnage) to keep shipments in place to prevent cargo shifting.
Board	To gain access to a vessel.
Board Feet	The basic unit of measurement for lumber. One board foot is equal to a oneinch board, 12 inches wide and one foot long. Thus, a board ten feet long, 12 inches wide, and one inch thick contains ten board feet.
Boarding arrangements	All gear, such as pilot ladder, accommodation ladder, hoist, etc., necessary for a safe transfer of the pilot
Boarding speed	The speed of a vessel adjusted to that of a pilot boat at which the pilot can safely embark
Boatswain (BOSUN)	The highest unlicensed rating in the deck department who has immediate charge of all deck hands and who in turn comes under the direct orders of the master or chief mate or mate.
Bobtail	Movement of a tractor, without trailer, over the highway.
Bogie	A set of wheels built specifically as rear wheels under the container.
Boilers	Steam generating units used aboard ship to provide steam for propulsion (and) for heating and other auxiliary purposes.
Bolster	A device fitted on a chassis or railcar to hold and secure the container.
Bond Port	Port of initial Customs entry of a vessel to any country. Also known as First Port of Call.
Bonded Freight	Freight moving under a bond to U.S. Customs or to the Internal Revenue Service, and to be delivered only under stated conditions.
Bonded Warehouse	A warehouse authorized by Customs authorities for storage of goods on which payment of duties is deferred until the goods are removed.
Booking	Arrangements with a carrier for the acceptance and carriage of freight; i.e., a space reservation.
Both ends	An expression which is frequently used when negotiating the loading / discharging cost or time allowed. By the words both ends we mean the loading and discharging ports. In case that more than one loading / discharging ports are involved, we may use the expression ''all ends''
Bottom Side Rails	Structural members on the longitudinal sides of the base of the container.
Bottom-Air Delivery	A type of air circulation in a temperature control container. Air is pulled by a fan from the top of the container, passed through the evaporator coil for cooling, and then forced through the space under the load and up through the cargo. This type of airflow provides even temperatures.
Bow	The front of a vessel.
Bow thrusters	A propeller at the lower sea-covered part of the bow of the ship which turns at right angles to the fore-and-aft line and thus provides transverse thrust as a maneuvering aid.
Boxcar	A closed rail freight car.
Breadth	See Beam
Break Bulk	- The process of assimilating many small shipments into one large shipment at a central point so that economies of scale may be achieved; to commence discharge of cargo. - To unload and distribute a portion or all of the contents of a rail car, container, or trailer. - Loose cargo, such as cartons, stowed directly in the ship's hold as opposed to containerized or bulk cargo.
Break Bulk Vessels	A general, multipurpose, cargo ship that carriers cargoes of nonuniform sizes, often on pallets, resulting in labor-intensive loading and unloading; calls at various ports to pick up different kinds of cargoes.
Bridge	Used loosely to refer to the navigating section of the vessel where the wheel house and chart room are located; erected structure amidships or aft or very rarely fore over the main deck of a ship to accommodate the wheelhouse.
Bridge Point	An inland location where cargo is received by the ocean carrier and then moved to a coastal port for loading.
Bridge Port	A port where cargo is received by the ocean carrier and stuffed into containers but then moved to another coastal port to be waded on a vessel.
Briefing	A concise explanatory information to crew and passengers
Broken Stowage	- The loss of space caused by irregularity in the shape of packages. - Any void or empty space in a vessel or container not occupied by cargo.
Broker	A person who arranges for transportation of loads for a percentage of the revenue from the load.
Brokerage	Freight forwarder/broker compensation as specified by ocean tariff or contract.
Bulk	Cargo shipped in loose condition and of a homogeneous nature. Cargoes that are shipped unpackaged either dry, such as grain and ore, or liquid, such as petroleum products. Bulk service generally is not provided on a regularly scheduled basis, but rather as needed, on specialized ships, transporting a specific commodity.
Bulk Carrier	Ship specifically designed to transport vast amounts of cargoes such as sugar, grain, wine, ore, chemicals, liquefied natural gas; coal and oil. See also LNG Carrier, Tanker, OBO Ship.
Bulk-Freight Container	A container with a discharge hatch in the front wall; allows bulk commodities to be carried.
Bulkhead	A name given to any vertical partition which separates different compartments or spaces from one another.
Bull Rings	Cargo-securing devices mounted in the floor of containers; allow lashing and securing of cargo.
Bunker Charge	An extra charge sometimes added to steamship freight rates; justified by higher fuel costs. (Also known as Fuel Adjustment Factor or FAF.)
Bunkering clause	Usually, a time charter agreement will stipulate the terms under which the bunkers on board will be delivered to the use of the charterers and the terms under which the bunkers remaining on board will be redelivered to owners. Such clause is called the bunkering clause.
Bunkers	Fuel consumed by the engines of a ship; compartments or tanks in a ship for fuel storage.
Buoy	A floating object employed as an aid to mariners to mark the navigable limits of channels, their fairways, sunken dangers, isolated rocks, telegraph cables, and the like; floating devices fixed in place at sea, lake or river as reference points for navigation or for other purposes.
Buyer	The person or company that purchases a ship or a commodity.
C&F Terms of Sale, or INCOTERMS.	Obsolete, albeit heavily used, term of sale meaning "cargo and freight" whereby Seller pays for cost of goods and freight charges up to destination port. In July, 1990 the International Chamber of Commerce replaced C&F with CFR.
Cable Ship	A specially constructed ship for the laying and repairing of telegraph and telephone cables across channels, seas, lakes, and oceans.
Cabotage	Water transportation term applicable to shipments between ports of a nation; commonly refers to coast-wise or inter-coastal navigation or trade. Many nations, including the United States, have cabotage laws which require national flag vessels to provide domestic interport service.
CAF	Abbreviation for "Currency Adjustment Factor." A charge, expressed as a percentage of a base rate, that is applied to compensate ocean carriers of currency fluctuations.
Canceling date	The date by which the charterers have the exclusive right to cancel a chartering deal.
Capital Construction Fund (CCF)	A tax benefit for operators of U.S.-built, U.S.-flag ships in the U.S. foreign, Great Lakes, or noncontiguous domestic trades, by which taxes may be deferred on income deposited in a fund to be used for the replacement of vessels.
Capsizing	Turning of a vessel upside down while on water
Captain's Protest	A document prepared by the captain of a vessel on arriving at port; shows conditions encountered during voyage, generally for the purpose of relieving ship owner of any loss to cargo and shifting responsibility for reimbursement to the insurance company.
Car Pooling	Use of individual carrier/rail equipment through a central agency for the benefit of carriers and shippers.
Car Seal	Metal strip and lead fastener used for locking freight car or truck doors. Seals are numbered for record purposes.
Cardinal buoy	A seamark, i.e. a buoy, indicating the north, east, south or west from a fixed point, e.g. a wreck
Carfloat	A barge equipped with tracks on which up to about 12 railroad cars are moved in harbors or inland waterways.
Cargo	Goods, merchandise or commodities of any description, which may be carried aboard a vessel, in consideration of the freight, charged; does not include provisions and stores for use on board.
Cargo capacity	See glossary , dead-weight
Cargo Handling	The act of loading and discharging a cargo ship.
Cargo Manifest	A manifest that lists all cargo carried on a specific vessel voyage.
Cargo NOS	Cargo Not Otherwise Specified. Usually the rate entry in a tariff that can apply to commodities not covered under a specific item or subitem in the applicable tariff.
Cargo Plan	A plan giving the quantities and description of the various grades carried in the ship's cargo tanks, after the loading is completed.
Cargo Preference	Cargo reserved by a Nation's laws for transportation only on vessels registered in that Nation. Typically the cargo is moving due to a direct or indirect support or activity of the Government.
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.)
Carload Rate	A rate applicable to a carload of goods.
Carnet	A Customs document permitting the holder to temporarily carry or send merchandise into certain foreign countries (for display, demonstration or similar purposes) without paying duties or posting bonds. Any of various Customs documents required for crossing some international borders.
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA)	The act provides the ship owner's per shipping package, and it stipulates a one-year time limit for filing suit against the carrier. This act automatically applies to international ocean movements but not to domestic ocean transits unless the carrier agrees to be bound by it.
Carrier	Owners or operators of vessels providing transportation to shippers. The term is also used to refer to the vessels.
Carrier's Certificate	A certificate required by U.S. Customs to release cargo properly to the correct party.
Cartage	Usually refers to intracity hauling on drays or trucks.
Cartment	Customs form permitting inbond cargo to be moved from one location to another under Customs control, within the same Customs district. Usually in motor carrier's possession while draying cargo.
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 in advance 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.
Casualty	Case of death or serious injury to a person in an accident or shipping disaster, also said of a distressed vessel
Catamaran	A double or treble-hulled vessel constructed in wood, aluminum or reinforced glass fibre and is also composed of two or three hulls diagonally joined together by various methods. Normally no ballast is needed to counteract the center buoyancy since it enjoys good stability at sea.
CATUG	Short for Catamaran Tug. A rigid catamaran tug connected to a barge. When joined together, they form and look like a single hull of sa ship; oceangoing integrated tug-barge vessels.
Catwalk	A raised bridge running fore and aft from the midship, and also called "walkway". It affords safe passage over the pipelines and other deck obstructions.
CCC	Commodity Credit Corporation.
Cells	The construction system employed in container vessels; permits ship containers 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.
Centrocon	A charter-party approved by the chamber of shipping of the united kingdom. In use for shipments of grain, usually from river plate to all parts of the world.
Certificate	- A document certifying that merchandise (such as of Inspection perishable goods) was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment. - The document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard certifying an American flag vessel's compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Certificate of inspection	A document often required with shipments of perishable or other goods. The certificate notes the good condition of the merchandise immediately prior to shipment.
Certificate of Origin	A certified document showing the origin of goods; used in international commerce.
Certificate of Registry	A document specifying the nation registry of the vessel.
Chandler	A person who deals in the selling of provisions, dried stores, etc.
Charter Party	A written contract between the owner of a vessel and the person desiring to employ the vessel (charterer); sets forth the terms of the arrangement such as duration of agreement, freight rate and ports involved in the trip.
Charter Rates	The tariff applied for chartering tonnage in a particular trade.
Charterer	The person to whom is given the use of the whole of the carrying capacity of a ship for the transportation of cargo or passengers to a stated port for a specified time.
Charterers' broker	The broker who is direct with the charterers
Chassis	A frame with wheels and container locking devices in order to secure the container for movement.
Chief Engineer	Head of engineer department. Keeps records of all engine parts and repairs. Generally tends to the functioning of all mechanical equipment on ship. Calculates fuel and water consumption and requirements. Coordinates operations with shoreside port engineer.
Chief Mate	The officer in the deck department next in rank to the master; second in command of a ship. He is next to the master, most especially in the navigation and as far as the deck department is concerned. The chief mate assumes the position of the Master in his absence.
Chief Steward	Orders food. Prepares menus. Assists chief cook in food preparation.
Chock	A piece of wood or other material placed at the side of cargo to prevent rolling or moving sideways.
CIF&C	Price includes commission as well as CIF.
CIF&E	Abbreviation for "Cost, Insurance, Freight And Exchange."
CIFCI	Abbreviation for "Cost, Insurance, Freight, Collection And Interest."
CIFI&E	Cost, Insurance, Freight, Interest and Exchange.
CKD	Abbreviation for "Completely Knocked Down." Parts and subassemblies being transported to an assembly plant.
CL	Abbreviation for "Carload" and "Containerload".
Claim	A demand made upon a transportation line for payment on account of a loss sustained through its alleged negligence.
Classification	A publication, such as Uniform Freight Classification (railroad) or the National Motor Freight Classification (motor carrier), that assigns ratings to various articles and provides bill of lading descriptions and rules.
Classification Rating	The designation provided in a classification by which a class rate is determined.
Classification Society	Organizations which set design / construction / safety, standards laid down in rules. The ship owner is not compelled to classify his ship in such a society, however he usually does so for insurance and trading purposes. They publish a register of ships (usually greater than a 100 grt) , hence the name Lloyds register. They also provide advice to shipowners / builders carry out research and development into design and analysis of structures, leading to their improvement. The rules are extensive and include scantlings, materials, equipment, machinery, piping etc. Lately they are also involved in ISM / ISO certification. Classification societies require the maintenance of standards and are involved in annual surveys, periodic, special surveys etc., Of the classed vessels.
Classification Yard	A railro ad yard with many tracks used for assembling freight trains.
Clayton Act	An anti-trust act of the U.S. Congress making price discrimination unlawful.
Clean Bill of Lading	A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an indication that the goods were received in "apparent good order and condition," without damage or other irregularities. If no notation or exception is made, the B/L is assumed to be "cleaned."
Clean on board	Meaning that the goods have been shipped on board clean (in apparently good condition).
Clean Ship	Refers to tankers which have their cargo tanks free of traces of dark persistent oils which remain after carrying crudes and heavy fuel oils.
Cleaning in Transit	The stopping of articles, such as peanuts, etc., for cleaning at a point between the point of origin and destination.
Clearance	The size beyond which cars or loads cannot use Limits bridges, tunnels, etc.
Cleat	A strip of wood or metal used to afford additional strength, to prevent warping, or to hold in place.
Clip-On	Refrigeration equipment attachable to an insulated container that does not have its own refrigeration unit.
Close coupled towing	A method of towing vessels through polar ice by means of icebreaking tugs with a special stern notch suited to receive and hold the bow of the vessel to be towed
Coastwise	Water transportation along the coast.
COD	Abbreviation for: - Collect (cash) on Delivery. - Carried on Docket (pricing) .
Code of Liner Conduct (UNCTAD)	A convention drafted under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development which provides that all shipping traffic between two foreign countries is to be regulated as far as the quantities of shipments are concerned on the following percentages -- 40% for owners of the country of origin, 40% for owners of country of destination, and 20% for owners of the country which is neither the origin nor the destination.
COFC	Abbreviation for the Railway Service "Container On Flat Car."
Collect freight	The freight is payable at destination provided the vessel delivers the goods as specified.
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 the merchandise.
Collier	Vessel used for transporting coal.
Collision Avoidance System	Electronic system commonly used to prevent collisions in inland navigable waterways.
COLREG	Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
COMBI	Combination passenger/cargo vessel; a vessel specifically designed to carry both containers and conventional cargoes.
Combination Export Mgr.	A firm that acts as an export sales agent for more than one noncompeting manufacturer.
Combination Rate	A rate made up of two or more factors, separately published.
Commercial Invoice	Represents a complete record of the transaction between exporter and importer with regard to the goods sold. Also reports the content of the shipment and serves as the basis for all other documents about the shipment.
Commodity	Article shipped. For dangerous and hazardous cargo, the correct commodity identification is critical.
Commodity Rate	A rate published to apply to a specific article or articles.
Common Carrier	A transportation company which provides service to the general public at published rates.
Common Carrier	Holds himself out for hire to the general public. Must post rates and cannot discriminate against customers whose cargo he is equipped to carry.
Common Law	Law that derives its force and authority from precedent, custom and usage rather than from statutes, particularly with reference to the laws of England and the United States.
Compass	Instrument containing a magnetic needle which points to the north and which is used on board the ships to sow the 'magnetic' north. Instrument for drawing circles. Also used to count the distance on a chart.
Compatibility (of goods)	states whether different goods can be stowed together in one hold
Complement	The number of officers and crew employed upon a vessel for its safe navigation and operation.
Concealed Damage	Damage that is not evident from viewing the unopened package.
Conference	An association of ship owners operating in the same trade route who operate under collective conditions and agree on tariff rates.
Conference	An affiliation of shipowners operating over the same route(s) who agree to charge uniform rates and other terms of carriage. A conference is "closed" if one can enter only by the consent of existing members of the conference. It is "open" if anyone can enter by meeting certain technical and financial standards. Conference members are common carriers.
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 specified in the letter of credit.
Connecting Carrier	A carrier which has a direct physical connection with, or forms a link between two or more carriers.
Consignee	A person or company to whom commodities are shipped.
Consignee Mark	A symbol placed on packages for identification purposes; generally a triangle,square, circle, etc. with letters and/or numbers and port of discharge.
Consignment	(1) A stock of merchandise advanced to a dealer and located at his place of business, but with title remaining in the source of supply. (2) A shipment of goods to a consignee.
Consignment	Merchandise shipped to a foreign agent or customer when an actual purchase has not been made, but under an agreement obliging the consignee to pay the consignor for the goods when sold.
Consignor	The person named in the bill of lading as the one from whom the goods have been received for shipment.
Consolidation	Cargo containing shipments of two or more shippers or suppliers. Containerload shipments may be consolidated for one or more consignees.
Consolidator	A person or firm performing a consolidation service for others. The consolidator takes advantage of lower full carload (FCL) rates, and savings are passed on to shippers.
Construction Differential Subsidy	A program whereby the U.S. government attempted to offset the higher shipbuilding cost in the U.S. by paying up to 50% of the difference between cost of U.S. and non-U.S. construction. The difference went to the U.S. shipyard. It is unfunded since 1982.
Construction Differential Subsidy (CDS)	A direct subsidy paid to U.S. shipyards building U.S.-flag ships to offset high construction costs in American shipyards. An amount of subsidy (up to 50 percent) is determined by estimates of construction cost differentials between U.S. and foreign yards.
Consul	A government official residing in a foreign country who represents the interests of her or his country and its nationals.
Consular Declaration	A formal statement describing goods to be shipped; filed with and approved by the consul of the country of destination prior to shipment.
Consular Invoice	A document, certified by a consular official, is required by some countries to describe a shipment. Used by Customs of the foreign country, to verify the value, quantity and nature of the cargo.
Consular Visa	An official signature or seal affixed to certain documents by the consul of the country of destination.
Consumption Entry (CE)	The process of declaring the importation of foreign-made goods for use in the United States.
Consumption Entry (CE)	The process of declaring the importation of foreign-made goods into the United States for use in the United States.
Container	A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car or stacked in a container depot. Containers may be ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid or equipped with interior devices. A container may be 20 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, 48 feet or 53 feet in length, 8'0" or 8'6" in width, and 8'6" or 9'6" in height.
Container Booking	Arrangements with a steamship line to transport containerized cargo.
Container Freight Station	See CFS.
Container Freight Station (CFS)	A shipping dock where cargo is loaded ("stuffed") into or unloaded ("stripped") from containers. Generally, this involves less than containerload shipments, although small shipments destined to same consignee are often consolidated. Container reloading from/to rail or motor carrier equipment is a typical activity.
Container Load	A load sufficient in size to fill a container either by cubic measurement or by weight.
Container Manifest	Document showing contents and loading sequence of a container.
Container Pool	An agreement between parties that allows the efficient use and supply of containers. A common supply of containers available to the shipper as required.
Container Ship	A ship constructed in such a way that she can easily stack containers near and on top of each other as well as on deck. A vessel designed to carry standard intermodal containers enabling efficient loading, unloading, and transport to and from the vessel. Oceangoing merchant ship designed to transport a unit load of standard-sized containers 8 feet square and 20 or 40 feet long. The hull is divided into cells that are easily accessible through large hatches, and more containers can be loaded on deck atop the closed hatches. Loading and unloading can proceed simultaneously using giant traveling cranes at special berths. This ship type is the result of American design innovation. Specialized types of container ships are the LASH and SeaBee which carry floating containers (or "lighters,") and RoRo ships, which may carry containers on truck trailers.
Container Terminal	An area designated for the stowage of cargoes in container; usually accessible by truck, railroad and marine transportation. Here containers are picked up, dropped off, maintained and housed.
Container Yard (CY)	A materials-handling/storage facility used for completely unitized loads in containers and/or empty containers. Commonly referred to as CY.
Containerizable Cargo	Cargo that will fit into a container and result in an economical shipment.
Containerization	Stowage of general or special cargoes in a container for transport in the various modes.
Contraband	During the time of war, materials carried aboard a vessel that could aid a belligerent in the process of the war, such as arms, weapons or munitions.
Contract	A legally binding agreement between two or more persons/organizations to carry out reciprocal obligations or value.
Contract Carrier	Any person not a common carrier who, under special and individual contracts or agreements, transports passengers or property for compensation.
Contract of Affreightment (COA)	A service contract under which a ship owner agrees to transport a specified quantity of fuel products or specialty products, at a specified rate per ton, between designated loading and discharge ports. This type contract differs from a spot or consecutive voyage charter in that no particular vessel is. specified.
Controlled Atmosphere	Sophisticated, computer-controlled systems that manage the mixtures of gases within a container throughout an intermodal journey reducing decay.
Convoy	A group of vessels which sail together, e.g. through a canal or ice
Corner Posts	Vertical frame components fitted at the corners of the container, integral to the corner fittings and connecting the roof and floor structures. Containers are lifted and secured in a stack using the castings at the ends.
Correspondent Bank	A bank that, in its own country, handles the business of a foreign bank.
Cost and Insurance (C&I)	A price that includes the cost of the goods, the marine insurance and all transportation charges except the ocean freight to the named point of destination.
Cost, Insurance and Freight (C.I.F.)	: Export term in which the price quoted by the exporter includes the costs of ocean transportation to the port of destination and insurance coverage.
Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF)	Cost of goods, marine insurance and all transportation (freight) charges are paid to the foreign point of delivery by the seller.
Cost, Insurance, Freight (CIF)	Same as C&F or CFR except seller also provides insurance to named destination.
Counter offer	The expected reply to a firm offer or a preceding counter offer.
Countervailing Duty	An additional duty imposed to offset export grants, bounties or subsidies paid to foreign suppliers in certain countries by the government of that country for the purpose of promoting export.
COW	Crude oil washing: A system of cleaning the tanks by washing them with the cargo of crude oil while it is being discharged
CPA	Closest point of approach
CPI	Consumer Price Index.
Crew	The personnel engaged on board ship, excluding the master and officers and the passengers on passenger ships.
Crew List	List prepared by the master of a ship showing the full names, nationality, passport or discharge book number, rank and age of every officer and crew member engaged on board that ship. This serves as one of the essential ship's documents which is always requested to be presented and handed over to the customs and immigration authorities when they board the vessel on arrival.
Cross Member	Transverse members fitted to the bottom side rails of a container, which support the floor.
Cross-Trade	Foreign-to-foreign trade carried by ships from a nation other than the two trading nations.
Crude Oil Washing	A technique of cleaning tanks in oil tankers.
CSS	Coordinator surface search: A vessel, other than a rescue unit, designated to coordinate surface search and rescue operation within a specified area
Cube Out	When a container or vessel has reached its volumetric capacity before its permitted weight limit.
Cubic Foot	1,728 cubic inches. A volume contained in a space measuring one foot high, one foot wide and one foot long.
Customhouse	A government office where duties are paid, import documents filed, etc., on foreign shipments.
Customhouse Broker	A person or firm, licensed by the treasury department of their country when required, engaged in entering and clearing goods through Customs for a client (importer).
Customs	Government agency charged with enforcing the rules passed to protect the country's import and export revenues.
Customs Bonded Warehouse	A warehouse authorized by Customs to receive duty-free merchandise.
Customs broker	Licensed by Customs to clear shipments for clients.
Customs Entry	All countries require that the importer make a declaration on incoming foreign goods. The importer then normally pays a duty on the imported merchandise. The importer's statement is compared against the carrier's vessel manifest to ensure that all foreign goods are properly declared.
Customs Invoice	A form requiring all data in a commercial invoice along with a certificate of value and/or a certificate of origin. Required in a few countries (usually former British territories) and usually serves as a seller's commercial invoice.
Customs of the Port	A phrase often included in charter parties and freight contracts referring to local rules and practices which may impact upon the costs borne by the various parties.
Cut-Off Time	The latest time cargo may be delivered to a terminal for loading to a scheduled train or ship.
Cwt.	Hundred weight (United States, 100 pounds: U.K.,112)
CY	- Abbreviation for Container Yard. - The designation for full container receipt/delivery.
D&H	Abbreviation for "Dangerous and Hazardous" cargo.
D.B.A.	Abbreviation for "Doing Business As." A legal term for conducting business under a registered name.
Damage control team	A group of crew members trained for fighting flooding in the vessel
Damages for detention	Damages for breach of contract. The loss attributable to such breach must be proven to the satisfaction of the court.
Dangerous Cargo	All substances of an inflammable nature which are liable to spontaneous combustion either in themselves or when stowed adjacent to other substances and, when mixed with air, are liable to generate explosive gases or produce suffocation or poisoning or tainting of foodstuffs.
Dangerous Liquids	Liquids giving off inflammable vapors.
Datum	The most probable position of a search target at a given time
Davits	Two radial cranes on a ship which hold the lifeboats. They are constructed in such a way as to lower and lift the lifeboats the easiest way possible and are also unobstructed in case of an emergency.
Dead-freight	Freight payable for any amount of cargo, which was not loaded due to charterers or shippers fault.
Deadfreight Factor	Percentage of a ship's carrying capacity that is not utilized.
Deadhead	One leg of a move without a paying cargo load. Usually refers to repositioning an empty piece of equipment.
Deadweight	A common measure of ship carrying capacity. The number of tons (2240 lbs.) of cargo, stores and bunkers that a vessel can transport. It is the difference between the number of tons of water a vessel displaces "light" and the number of tons it displaces "when submerged to the 'deep load line'." A vessel's cargo capacity is less than its total deadweight tonnage. The difference in weight between a vessel when it is fully loaded and when it is empty (in general transportation terms, the net) measured by the water it displaces. This is the most common, and useful, measurement for shipping as it measures cargo capacity.
Deadweight Cargo	A long ton of cargo that can be stowed in less than 40 cubic feet.
Deck Gang	The officers and seamen comprising the deck department aboard ship. Also called deck crew, deck department, or just deck.
Deck House	Small superstructure on the top deck of a vessel which contains the helm and other navigational instruments.
Deck Log	Also called Captain's Log. A full nautical record of a ship's voyage, written up at the end of each watch by the deck officer on watch. The principal entries are: courses steered; distance run; compass variations, sea and weather conditions; ship's position, principal headlands passed; names of lookouts, and any unusual position, principal headlands passed; names of lookouts, and any unusual happenings such as fire, collision, and the like.
Deck Officer	As distinguished from engineer officer, refers to all officers who assist the master in navigating the vessel when at sea, and supervise the handling of cargo when in port.
Deckhand	Seaman who works on the deck of a ship and remains in the wheelhouse attending to the orders of the duty officers during navigation and manoeuvering. He also comes under the direct orders of the bosun.
Deconsolidation Point	Place where loose or other non-containerized cargo is ungrouped for delivery.
Deep Sea Trades	The traffic routes of both cargo and passenger vessels which are regularly engaged on the high seas or on long voyages.
Deep Stowage	Any bulk, bagged or other type of cargo stowed in single hold ships.
Deficit Weight	The weight by which a shipment is less than the minimum weight.
Delivery certificate	Whenever a ship is delivered on time charter, a certificate of deliver is drawn up and signed by the master and the owners' and charterers' representatives. The same procedure is followed during redelivery of the ship.
Delivery Instructions	Order to pick up goods at a named place and deliver them to a pier. Usually issued by exporter to trucker but may apply to a railroad, which completes delivery by land. Use is limited to a few major U.S. ports. Also known as shipping delivery order.
Demdes	Demurrage/Despatch money. (Under vessel chartering terms, the amount to be paid if the ship is loading/discharging slower/faster than foreseen.)
Demise Charter	See Bareboat Charter.
Demurrage	Compensation payable by the shipper or receiver or charterers to the carrier due to the excess time taken for loading or unloading a vessel. Demurrage refers only to situations in which the charterer or shipper or receiver (not the vessel's operator) is at fault.
Density	The weight of cargo per cubic foot or other unit.
Depot, Container	Container freight station or a designated area where empty containers can be picked up or dropped off.
Derelict	Goods or any other commodity, specifically a vessel abandoned at sea
Despatch	An incentive payment paid to a carrier to loading and unloading the cargo faster than agreed. Usually negotiated only in charter parties.
Destination	- The place to which a shipment is consigned. - The place where carrier actually turns over cargo to consignee or his agent.
Destination	Port which a vessel is bound for
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 ocean freight. This charge covers crane lifts off the vessel, drayage of the container within the terminal and gate fees at the terminal operation.
Detention	A penalty charge against shippers or consignees for delaying carrier's equipment beyond allowed time. Demurrage applies to cargo; detention applies to equipment. See Per Diem.
Devanning	The unloading of a container or cargo van.
DF Car	Damage-Free Car. Boxcars equipped with special bracing material.
Differential	An amount added or deducted from base rate to make a rate to or from some other point or via another route.
Disabled	A vessel damaged or impaired in such a manner as to be incapable of proceeding its voyage
Disabled Ship	When a ship is unable to sail efficiently or in a seaworthy state as a result of engine trouble, lack of officers or crew, damage to the hull or ship's gear.
Discharges	An essential document for officers and seamen as it serves an official certificate confirming sea experience in the employment for which he was engaged.
Discrepancy Letter of Credit	When documents presented do not conform to the requirements of the letter of credit (L/C), it is referred to as a "discrepancy." Banks will not process L/C's which have discrepancies. They will refer the situation back to the buyer and/or seller and await further instructions.
Disembark (to)	To go from board a vessel
Displacement	The weight, in tons of 2,240 pounds, of the vessel and its contents. Calculated by dividing the volume of water displaced in cubic feet by 35, the average density of sea water.
Distance freight	In case that the cargo is discharged in a port other than the original port of destination, a so called 'distance freight' can be claimed.
Distress alert (GMDSS)	A radio signal from a distressed vessel automatically directed to a RCC giving position, identification, course and speed of the vessel as well as the nature of distress
Diversion	A change made either in the route of a shipment in transit (see Reconsignment) or of the entire ship.
Division	Carriers' practice of dividing revenue received from through rates where joint hauls are involved. This is usually according to agreed formulae.
Dock	- For ships, a cargo handling area parallel to the shoreline where a vessel normally ties up. - For land transportation, a loading or unloading platform at an industrial location or carrier terminal.
Dock Receipt	A form used to acknowledge receipt of cargo and often serves as basis for preparation of the ocean bill of lading.
Docket	Present a rate proposal to a conference meeting for adoption as a conference group rate.
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 Against Payment (D/P)	An indication on a draft that the documents attached are to be released to the drawee only on payment.
Dolly	A set of wheels that support the front of a container; used when the automotive unit is disconnected.
Domestic Offshore Trades	Domestic shipping routes serving Alaska and non-continental U.S. States and territories.
Door-to-Door	Through transportation of a container and its contents from consignor to consignee. Also known as House to House. Not necessarily a through rate.
Double Buttom	General term for all watertight spaces contained between the outside bottom plating, the tank top and the margin plate. The double bottoms are sub-divided into a number of separate tanks which may contain boiler feed water, drinking water, fuel oil, ballast, etc.
Draft	- The number of feet that the hull of a ship is beneath the surface of the water. - An unconditional order in writing, addressed by one party (drawer) to another party (drawee), requiring the drawee to pay at a fixed or determinable future date a specified sum in lawful currency to the order of a specified person.
Draft, Bank	An order issued by a seller against a purchaser; directs payment, usually through an intermediary bank. Typical bank drafts are negotiable instruments and are similar in many ways to checks on checking accounts in a bank.
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 or acceptance.
Dragging (of anchor)	Moving of an anchor over the sea bottom involuntarily because it is no longer preventing the movement of the vessel
Drawback	A partial refund of an import fee. Refund usually results because goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.
Drawee	The individual or firm that issues a draft and thus stands to receive payment.
Drayage	Charge made for local hauling by dray or truck. Same as Cartage.
Dredging (of anchor)	Moving of an anchor over the sea bottom to control the movement of the vessel
DRFS	Abbreviation for "Destination Rail Freight Station." Same as CFS at destination, except a DRFS is operated by the rail carrier participating in the shipment.
Drifting	Floating, caused by winds and current with a determinable direction
Drop back (to)	To increase the distance to the vessel ahead by reducing one´s own speed
Dry Cargo	Cargo that is not liquid and normally does not require temperature control.
Dry Cargo Ship	Vessel which carriers all merchandise, excluding liquid in bulk.
Dry Dock	An enclosed basin into which a ship is taken for underwater cleaning and repairing. It is fitted with water tight entrance gates which when closed permit the dock to be pumped dry.
Dry-Bulk Container	A container constructed to carry grain, powder and other free-flowing solids in bulk. Used in conjunction with a tilt chassis or platform.
DSU	Delay in Startup Insurance is a policy to protect the seller of a construction project from penalties if the project is not completed on time. See "Liquidated Damages."
Dual Purpose Ship	Specially constructed ship able to carry different types of cargoes such as ore and/or oil.
Dues taxes	Expenses related to loading or discharging ports. Under voyage charter is up to the agreement to define "who" is responsible for such expenses, under time charter it is the charterers who pay same.
Dumping	Attempting to import merchandise into a country at a price less than the fair market value, usually through subsidy by exporting country.
Dunnage	A term applied to loose wood or other material used in a ship's hold for the protection of cargo.
DWT	Deadweight tons.
E.C.M.C.A.	Eastern Central Motor Carriers Association.
E.W.I.B.	Eastern Weighing and Inspection Bureau.
Edge Protector	An angle piece fitted over the edge of boxes, crates, bundles and other packages to prevent the pressure from metal bands or other types from cutting into the package.
EEC	European Economic Community.
Electronic Data Interface (EDI)	Generic term for transmission of transactional data between computer systems. EDI is typically via a batched transmission, usually conforming to consistent standards.
Elevating	- A charge for services performed in connection with floating elevators. - Charges assessed for the handling of grain through grain elevators.
Elkins Act	An act of Congress (1903) prohibiting rebates, concession, misbilling, etc. and providing specific penalties for such violations.
Embargo	Order to restrict the hauling of freight.
Embark (to)	To go aboard a vessel
Eminent Domain	The sovereign power to take property for a necessary public use, with reasonable compensation.
Empty Repo	Contraction for Empty Repositioning. The movement of empty containers.
Endorsement	A legal signature usually placed on the reverse of a draft; signifies transfer of rights from the holder to another party.
Entry	Customs documents required to clear an import shipment for entry into the general commerce of a country.
Equalization	A monetary allowance to the customer for picking up or delivering at a point other than the destination shown on the bill of lading. This provision is covered by tariff publication.
Equipment (Liners)	Maintains and repairs cargo handling equipment and also cargo with special handling characteristics.
Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR)	A document transferring a container from one carrier to another, or to/from a terminal.
Escape route	A clearly marked way in the vessel which has to be followed in case of an emergency
Escort	Attending a vessel, to be available in case of need, e.g ice-breaker, tug, etc.
Estimated time of arrival	Estimated time of arrival (eta) is the time when the vessel is expected to arrive at the port of loading or discharging. It is usually followed by the expression 'weather permitting' (wp)
ETA	- Estimated Time of Availability. That time when a tractor/partner carrier is available for dispatch. - Estimated time of arrival.
ETA	Estimated time of arrival
ETD	Estimated time of departure
Ethylene	A gas produced by many fruits and vegetables that accelerates the ripening and aging processes.
Even Keel	When the draft of a ship fore and aft are the same.
Ex - "From"	When used in pricing terms such as "Ex Factory" or "Ex Dock," it signifies that the price quoted applies only at the point of origin indicated.
Ex Dec	Contraction for "Shipper's Export Declaration."
Exception	Notations made when the cargo is received at the carrier's terminal or loaded aboard a vessel. They show any irregularities in packaging or actual or suspected damage to the cargo. Exceptions are then noted on the bill of lading.
EXIM Bank	Abbreviation for Export-Import Bank of the United States. An independent U.S. Government Agency which facilitates exports of U.S. goods by providing loan guarantees and insurance for repayment of bank-provided export credit.
Expiry Date	Issued in connection with documents such as letters of credit, tariffs etc. to advise that stated provisions will expire at a certain time.
Export	Shipment of goods to a foreign country.
Export Declaration	A government document declaring designated goods to be shipped out of the country. To be completed by the exporter and filed with the U.S. Government.
Export License	A government document which permits the "Licensee" to engage in the export of designated goods to certain destinations.
Export license	Government document permitting the licensee to participate in the export of designated goods to certain destinations.
Export Rate	A rate published on traffic moving from an interior point to a port for transshipment to a foreign country.
F.D.A.	Food and Drug Administration.
F.O.B.	Free on Board: Export term in which the price quoted by the exporter does not include the costs of ocean transportation, but does include loading on board the vessel.
F.P.A.	See "Free of Particular Average."
Factor	A factor is an agent who will, at a discount (usually five to 8% of the gross), buy receivables.
Fairway	Navigable part of a waterway
Fairway speed	Mandatory speed in a fairway
FAK	Abbreviation for "Freight All Kinds." Usually refers to full container loads of mixed shipments.
False Billing	Misrepresenting freight or weight on shipping documents.
FAS	Abbreviation for "Free Alongside Ship."
FAS	Free Along Side (of ship).
FCL	Abbreviation for "Full Container Load."
FD	Abbreviation for "Free Discharge."
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)	Authorized tariffs and rate-making procedures on conferences operating in the United States.
Feeder	A grain container or reservoir constructed around the hatchway between two decks of a ship which when filled with grain automatically feeds or fills in the vacant areas in the lower holds.
Feeder Service	Cargo to/from regional ports are transferred to/from a central hub port for a long-haul ocean voyage.
Feeder Vessel	A short-sea vessel which transfers cargo between a central "hub" port and smaller "spoke" ports.
FEU	Abbreviation for "Forty-Foot Equivalent Units." Refers to container size standard of forty feet. Two twenty-foot containers or TEU's equal one FEU.
Fifth Wheel	The semi-circular steel coupling device mounted on a tractor which engages and locks with a chassis semi-trailer.
FIO	Free in and out.
Fire party	A group of crew members trained for fire fighting on board
Fire patrol	A round through the vessel carried out by a crew member of the watch at certain intervals so that an outbreak of fire may be promptly detected; mandatory in vessels carrying more than 36 passengers
FIREMAN	an unlicensed member of the engine, room staff whose duties consist in standing watch in the boiler room and insuring the oil burning equipment is working properly.
Firkin	A capacity measurement equal to one-fourth of a barrel.
First Assistant Engineer	In charge of four to eight watch. Usually works from eight to four handling engine maintenance. Assigns duties to unlicensed personnel and monitors and records overtime. Consults with Chief regarding work priorities.
First Mate (Chief Mate)	In charge of four to eight watch. Directly responsible for all deck operations (cargo storage and handling, deck maintenance deck supplies). Assigns and checks deck department overtime. Ship's medical officer.
First refusal	It is sometimes agreed that either the owners or the charterers will have the so-called 'first refusal' over an agreement. First refusal actually means that a deal will be initially discussed with the party having the 'first refusal' right and unless this party turns it down, the offering party will not have the right to offer such deal to a third party. Such an advantage is usually given to a 'good' client who offered good services in the past.
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 are fixed costs.
Fixture	The act of concluding a chartering deal
Flags of Convenience	The registration of ships in a country whose tax on the profits of trading ships is low or whose requirements concerning manning or maintenance are not stringent. Sometimes referred to as flags of necessity; denotes registration of vessels in foreign nations that offer favorable tax structures and regulations; also the flag representing the nation under whose jurisdiction a ship is registered. Ships are always registered under the laws of one nation but are not always required to establish their home location in that country.
Flat Car	A rail car without a roof and walls.
Flat Rack/Flat Bed Container	A container with no sides and frame members at the front and rear. Container can be loaded from the sides and top.
Floating Oil Storage	Oil stored on floating vessels. It has been the practice for oil to be stored in large laid-up oil tankers in order to offset the loss involved while the tankers are inactive.
Flooding	Major flow of seawater into the vessel
FMC (F.M.C.)	Federal Maritime Commission. The U.S. Governmental regulatory body responsible for administering maritime affairs including the tariff system, Freight Forwarder Licensing, enforcing the conditions of the Shipping Act and approving conference or other carrier agreements.
Foam monitor	A powerful foam fire extinguisher standing by aboard tankers loading or discharging oil
FOB (FREE ON BOARD)	Cost of a product before transportation costs are figured in.
FOR	Abbreviation for "Free on Rail."
Force Majeure	The title of a common clause in contracts, exempting the parties for non-fulfillment of their obligations as a result of conditions beyond their control, such as earthquakes, floods or war.
Fore and Aft	The direction on a vessel parallel to the center line.
Forecastle	The raised part of the forward end of a ship's hull. The inside space may be used for crew accommodation or quarters, though on new ships this space is being used for the storage of paints, tackle, deck and engine stores, tarpaulins, etc.
Foreign Sales Corporation	Under U.S. tax law, a corporation created to obtain tax exemption on part of the earnings of U.S. products in foreign markets. Must be set-up as a foreign corporation with an office outside the USA.
Foreign Trade Zone	A free port in a country divorced from Customs authority but under government control. Merchandise, except that which is prohibited, may be stored 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.
Forward	At or in the direction of the bow. Also the fore part of the ship.
Forwarder Compensation	See Brokerage.
Foul (of anchor)	Anchor has its own cable twisted around it or has fouled an obstruction
Foul Bill of Lading	A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an indication that the goods were damaged when received. Compare Clean Bill of Lading.
Four-Way Pallet	A pallet designed so that the forks of a fork lift truck can be inserted from all four sides. See Fork lift.
Free Alongside (FAS)	The seller must deliver the goods to a pier and place them within reach of the ship's loading equipment. See Terms of Sale.
Free Astray	An astray shipment (a lost shipment that is found) sent to its proper destination without additional charge.
Free despatch	The owners do not have to pay despatch money in case that vessel completes loading or discharging operations before laytime is expired.
Free In and Out (FIO)	Cost of loading and unloading a vessel is borne by the charterer/shipper.
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 Board (FOB - U.S. Domestic Use)	Shipped under a rate that includes costs of delivery to and the loading onto a carrier at a specified point. - FOB Freight Allowed: The same as FOB named inland carrier, except the buyer pays the transportation charge and the seller reduces the invoice by a like amount. - FOB Freight Prepaid: The same as FOB named inland carrier, except the seller pays the freight charges of the inland carrier. - FOB Named Point of Exportation: Seller is responsible for the cost of placing the goods at a named point of exportation. Some European buyers use this form when they actually mean FOB vessel. - FOB Vessel: Seller is responsible for goods and preparation of export documentation until actually placed aboard the vessel.
Free Out (FO)	Cost of unloading a vessel is borne by the charterer.
Free Port	A restricted area at a seaport for the handling of duty-exempted import goods. Also called a Foreign Trade Zone.
Free pratique	Formalities which take place on vessel's arrival in a port. Actually the medical acceptance of a ship by the port authorities.
Free Sale Certificate	The U.S. government does not issue certificates of free sale. However, the Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, will issue, upon request, a letter of comment to the U.S. manufacturers whose products are subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act or other acts administered by the agency. The letter can take the place of the certificate.
Free Time	That amount of time that a carrier's equipment may be used without incurring additional charges. (See Storage, Demurrage or Per Diem.)
Free Trade Zone	A port designated by the government of a country for duty-free entry of any non-prohibited goods. Merchandise may be stored, displayed, used for manufacturing, etc., within the zone and re-exported without duties.
Freight	Money charged by the carrier for transporting goods. The reward payable to the carrier for the carriage and arrival of the goods in a merchantable condition, ready to be delivered to the merchant.
Freight Bill	A document issued by the carrier based on the bill of lading and other information; used to account for a shipment operationally, statistically, and financially. An Invoice.
Freight Forwarders	Freight forwarder is licensed to perform various services for the movement of cargo. He should have the expertise, technology and worldwide resources to create cost effective transportation strategies.
Freight Rate	The charge made for the transportation of freight.
Freighters	See Ships.
Frustration	Circumstances beyond control of parties involved in a chartering agreement, which forced such agreement to be frustrated.
Fuel oil	Type of fuel consumed by auxiliary engines or by smaller ships' (coasters) main engine.
Full and complete cargo	It is sometimes agreed that a vessel will load a 'full and complete cargo'', that is the exact quantity to be loaded is not known, however the parties agree that the ship will load up to her permissible draft or cargo capacity according to the prevailing circumstances of the port and the ship herself.
Full speed	Highest possible speed of a vessel
Gangway	A narrow portable platform used as a passage, by persons entering or leaving a vessel moored alongside a pier or quay.
Gateway	Industry-related: A point at which freight moving from one territory to another is interchanged between transportation lines.
GATF	General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade
GATT	Abbreviation for "General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade." 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.
GBL	Abbreviation for "Government Bill of Lading."
GDP	Gross Domestic Product: The total value of goods and services produced by a nation over a given period, usually 1 year.