Shipping Terms Glossary

AAPA (American Association of Port Authorities)

AAPA is a trade association that represents deep draft public port authorities throughout the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Accessorial Charges

Fees that the transportation carriers charge in addition to regular transit charges. These are for additional services provided, such as delivering to a residence, using a liftgate, doing an inside delivery, going up multiple flights of stairs, etc.

Add Ons

An ocean related charge above ocean freight (e.g. Bunker Adjustment Factor-BAF; Currency Adjustment Factor-CAF; Terminal Handling Charge-THC).

AES Transaction Number

An Automated Export System (AES) Transaction Number uniquely identifies an export shipment. Generated by AES Direct, this number combines the Exporter Identification Number (EIN) and the Export Reference Number (ERN).

AESDirect (Automated Export System)

A free online system provided by the U.S. Census Bureau for filing Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) information and ocean manifest information to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Export System (AES). As an alternative to filing a paper SED, AESDirect can be used by U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPIs), forwarders, or anyone responsible for export reporting.

Aggregated Shipments

Aggregated shipments consist of multiple shipments that are shipped as a single consignment, often as a container load.

AI

All in or All Inclusive.

Air Freight

Transporting goods or products via airplane. Also known as air cargo.

Air Waybill

A shipping document that is a non-negotiable Bill of Lading. This serves as 1) receipt of goods by an airline (carrier) and 2) as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier. It includes (a) conditions of carriage that define (among other terms and conditions) the carrier’s limits of liability and claims procedures, (b) a Definition of the goods, and (c) applicable charges. The airline industry has adopted a standard format for AWB which is used throughout the world for both domestic and international traffic. Unlike a bill of lading, an AWB is a non-negotiable instrument, does not specify on which flight the shipment will be sent, or when it will reach its destination

Airport Code

A three letter code assigned to each airport location worldwide.

All Cargo Aircraft

An aircraft that is used for the sole purpose of transporting cargo or mail.

Art Crate

Specialized crate built by Navis for protection of fine artwork including oil paintings, canvas paintings and acrylics that are framed or unframed. May also be used for glass, lithographs, metal and stone.

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Compliance) Crates

Crates compliant with the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Compliance, which is the world’s largest source of standards (arrived at by voluntary consensus) for materials, goods, services and systems. ASTM specifies guidelines for crates that are wood, open and covered and includes safety regulations. ASTM also publishes information on (1) sampling and testing methods for health, safety and performance aspects of materials, (2) effects of physical and biological agents and chemicals and, (3) safety guidelines.

Backhaul

The process of a transportation vehicle (typically a truck) returning from the original destination to its point of origin with a non-paying load (called backload) and/or paying load (called payload). A backhaul can be with a full or partially loaded trailer.

Belly Cargo

Air freight carried in the belly of a cargo aircraft.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

The Bill of Lading is a document issued by a carrier, or its agent, to the shipper as a contract of carriage of goods. It is also a receipt for cargo accepted for transportation, and must be presented for taking delivery at the destination. Among other items of information, a B/L contains (1) consignor’s and consignee’s name, (2) names of the ports of departure and destination, (3) name of the vessel, (4) dates of departure and arrival, (5) itemized list of goods being transported with number of packages and kind of packaging, (6) marks and numbers on the packages, (7) weight and/or volume of the cargo, (8) freight rate and amount. It serves as a proof of ownership (title) of the cargo, and may be issued either in a negotiable or non-negotiable form. In negotiable form, it is commonly used in letter of credit transactions, and may be bought, sold, or traded; or used as security for borrowing money. A B/L is required in all claims for compensation for any damage, delay, or loss; and for the resolution of disputes regarding ownership of the cargo.

Billed Weight (or Chargeable Weight)

The actual or designated weight of a shipment as shown on a waybill and/or (freight) bill of lading.

Block & Brace

Blocks are pieces of lumber used to help set items and keep them positioned within a container. The product is “blocked” in place to prevent shifting from side to side or front to back during transportation.
Braces are also used to secure a product within the container. Typical blocking and bracing materials include PE foam, bubble packaging and paper pads. Navis uses blocking and bracing materials to ensure safe arrival of shipments.

Box Weight

A lump sum charged to move cargo in various size containers from origin to destination.

Boxcar

A railroad freight car, enclosed from all sides that is typically 40 or more feet long.

Breakbulk Cargo

Cargo that is packaged but not containerized and is transported on pallets, sacks, drums, or bags. These cargoes require labor-intensive loading and unloading processes. Examples of breakbulk cargo include coffee beans, logs, or pulp.

Bulk Cargo

Loose, unpackaged cargo that is non-containerized. Examples of bulk cargo include coal, grain, and petroleum products.

C & F (or CNF, CNR)

Cost and freight.

CAF

Currency Adjustment Factor, typically based on a percentage of the freight cost.

Canada Customs Invoice

A Canada Customs Invoice is a type of document, required by Canadian Customs officials to validate the value, quantity, and nature of the shipment, describing the shipment of goods and showing information such as the consignor, consignee, and value of the shipment.
The Canada Customs Invoice is required on all export shipments passing through customs on its way to Canada. Commercial shipments to Canada, which are valued at more than $1,600 (Canadian funds), may be subject to duties and sales taxes and must be accompanied by a Canada Customs Invoice. The invoice can be prepared either by the exporter/importer or their agents.

Cargo

All articles, goods, materials, merchandise, or wares carried onboard an aircraft, ship, train, or truck, and for which an air waybill, or bill of lading, or other receipt is issued by the carrier.

Cargo Bay

A dock with doors in a warehouse where vehicles back up to load/unload cargo.

Cargo Insurance

Insurance against lost and loss by damage to or destruction of cargo covering risks to goods and means of transportation involved in the transporting of goods overland or by inland waterways. Insurance on land only shipments by truck or train to or from places in the US is usually considered to be inland marine insurance.

Cargo Manifest

An invoice of all cargo loaded on board a vessel. Listing of all cargo on board a vessel is required by the relevant local authorities.

Cargo Ton

Ocean freight is billed either in weight tons or volume (measurement) tons, depending on the density of the material or the manner in which it is shipped (containerized, break bulk, bulk). Weight ton equals (1) 2,000 pounds (short ton), (2) 2,240 pounds (long ton), or (3) 1,000 Kilo or 2,204.68 pounds (metric ton). Measurement ton equals (1) 40 cubic feet (1.12 cubic meters), or (2) 1 cubic meter (35.3 cubic feet).

Carload

Quantity of freight (in tons) required to fill a railcar; amount normally required to qualify for a carload rate.

Carnet

An international customs document for temporary duty free import of certain goods (usually 12 months), that permits the holder to carry or send merchandise temporarily into foreign countries (for display, demonstration, or similar purpose) without paying duty or posting bond. Examples are ATA (Admission Temporaire) and TIR (Transport International Routier). Violation of any of the privileges of CARNET will result in assessment of duty and charges for damage.

Carrier

A company that transports goods and/or people by land, sea or air.

Carrier Certificate and Release Order

A document used to advise Customs of the shipment’s details. The carrier certifies that the firm or individual named in the certificate is the owner or consignee of the cargo.

CBM

Cubic Meter (35.314 cubic Feet = 1 CBM). 1 cubic metre = 35.314 cubic feet.

Certificate of Insurance

A document issued by the insurance company certifying an insurance policy has been purchased.

Certificate of Origin

A document used to assure the buying country precisely which country produced the goods being shipped. A Certificate of Origin is commonly issued by a trade promotion office, or a chamber of commerce in the exporting country. A Certificate of Origin may be required by a foreign government for control purposes or by the foreign importer to ensure that he receives U.S. goods. Specific C/Os are required for duty reductions with Canada (U.S./Canada Free Trade Agreement) and Israel (U.S./Israel Free trade Area).

CFS/CFS

Container Freight Station to Container Freight Station. A type of steamship line service in which cargo is transported between container freight stations, where containers may be stuffed, stripped, or consolidated. Usually used for less-than-container load shipments.

CFT (or CBF)

Cubic Feet.

Chargeable Weight

The gross weight of a shipment on which freight charges are computed.

CIF

Cost, Insurance and Freight. Cost, Insurance and Freight. An INCOTerm used for clarifying what portion of the shipping is split between the buyer and seller.

Commercial Invoice

A document required by customs that provides information about the shipment, including a complete Definition of the goods, an identification of the buyer and seller, the date and terms of sale, quantity, weight and volume of the shipment, type of packaging, the value of the goods, and shipper information. A commercial invoice is a part of export and import documentation and may be used by customs authorities to assess applicable taxes and duties.

Commodity

Any article or goods of commerce.

Commodity Control List

A list of commodities which are subject to U.S. Department of Commerce export controls.

Consignee

The person or company to whom goods are shipped. The receiver of a shipment or the company or place where the goods are delivered.

Consignor

The person or company shipping the goods. The company or place from where the goods are shipped.

Consolidation

Combining several smaller shipments into a full container load to obtain a better per-unit cost for shipping. Also called groupage.

Consular Invoice

An invoice covering a shipment of goods, usually required to be certified by the counsel/consulate of the country for which the merchandise is destined. It may be required to be on a special form and be subject to the payment of special fees.

Consularization

A document certified by the Consular of some foreign countries verifying the value, quantity and nature of a shipment.

Container

A standard sized box, primarily designed for the shipment of freight, for products shipped by vessel, air, truck or rail. International shipping containers are generally 20 or 40 feet long: (1) Twenty-footer (typical capacity 33.2 cubic meter or 1172 cubic feet, maximum payload 28180 kilogram or 62130 pounds) and (2) Forty-footer (typical capacity 67.7 cubic meter or 2392 cubic feet, maximum payload 28750 kilogram or 63380 pounds). The typical dimensions of a 20-foot container are: internal length 5.90 meter (19 feet 4 inches), internal width 2.35 meter (7 feet 9 inches), internal height 2.40 meter (7 feet 10 inches). Of a 40-foot container they are: internal length 12.03 meter (39 feet 6 inches), internal width 2.35 meter (7 feet 9 inches), internal height 2.4 meter (7 feet 10 inches).They conform to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards and are designed to fit in ships’ holds. Containers are transported on public roads atop a container chassis towed by a tractor. Domestic containers, up to 53 feet long and of lighter construction, are designed for rail and highway use only.

Containerized Cargo

Cargo that is transported in standardized containers for efficient shipping and handling.

Corrugated Box

A corrugated box is made by gluing one or more sheets of paperboard to one or more sheets of linerboard. It comes in four common types: 1) Single faced corrugated involves gluing the unlined corrugated paperboard to a flat liner; 2) Single wall or double faced corrugated involves gluing flat liners to each side of the corrugated media; 3) Double wall corrugated consist of three flat liners and two corrugated media to offer greater strength and cushioning; and 4) Triple wall corrugated is made from four flat liners and three corrugated media (total seven sheets).

Country of Transshipment

The country through which a shipment must pass and be re-sorted to reach its ultimate destination.

Country of Ultimate Destination

The final country, as known by an exporter, where goods are scheduled to arrive.

Cradle

U shaped in design, a cradle is used to support cylindrical objects. Two or more cradles are mounted to a skid, pallet or load base. The base may or may not be covered with a sheathed enclosure.

Crate Wooden

A container, such as a slatted wooden case, used for storage or shipping.

Cross Docking

When merchandise is moved directly from the receiving dock to the shipping dock, eliminating the need to place the merchandise in storage.

Curbside + Liftgate

A type of delivery service where the driver transports the items to the curb and uses a liftgate to remove the items from the truck to the curb. A liftgate should be used 1) if any single item in the shipment weighs more than 70 pounds; 2) if any single item is particularly awkward or bulky; and 3) the customer lacks the manpower to lift the item from the truck.

Curbside Delivery

A type of delivery service where the driver transports the items to the curb. The customer is responsible for unloading the item from the back of the truck and carrying it into their home or office. When any single piece in a shipment weighs over 70 pounds, a lift-gate is required.

Cushioning Systems

The quantity and density of cushioning materials such as polyethylene or polyurethane foams are determined based on the item characteristics as applied to density, shock value, drop, vibration, and recovery. Inadequate or improper use of cushioning products can damage or destroy the product during normal transportation conditions.

Custom Crates

Navis builds custom crates for items that are fragile, large, awkward or valuable. Our crates are made with ½ inch plywood with 1 X 4 inch furring strips, or ¾ inch plywood bases for heavier items. Crate clips and skid mates are added to meet international wood packaging requirements.
All items are cushioned, blocked and braced with either 2 inches of closed cell foam or foam-in-place as needed.

Customs Broker

A firm that represents importers in dealings with Customs. Normally responsible for obtaining and submitting all documents for clearing merchandise through Customs, arranging inland transport, and paying all charges related to these functions.

Customs Clearance

The process of declaring and clearing cargoes through customs to gain authorized entry of those goods into or out of a country.

Customs Entry

Consumption Entry Form required by U.S. Customs for importing goods into the United States. The form contains information as to the origin of the cargo, a Definition of the merchandise and estimated duties applicable to the particular commodity. Estimated duties must be paid at the time the entry is filed.

Customs Invoice

Similar to a commercial invoice, a customs invoice is a special invoice in which the exporter states the Definition, quantity and selling price, freight, insurance, and packaging costs, terms of delivery and payment, weight and volume of the goods for the purpose of determining customs import value at the port of destination. The Canadian Customs Invoice is the most popular of this type.

Customs Value

The value of a shipment as declared by the shipper or appraised by customs as the basis for determining the amount of import duty and other taxes. The value may be determined in several ways, but the most-preferred method is transaction-value which (in addition to the price paid by a buyer to a seller) includes other costs incurred by the buyer, such as packing costs, license fee or royalty, and any other sum(s) that accrue to the seller. It is the customs officer (and not the importer, exporter, or customs broker) who has the final say in assigning this value.

CWT

Hundredweight or 100 pounds.

CY/CY Container Yard to Container Yard

A type of steamship line service in which freight is transported from origin container yard to destination container yard.

DDP

INCOTerm for Delivery duty paid.

DDU

INCOTerm for Delivery duty unpaid.

Deadhead

The return of an empty transportation container back to a transportation facility. Also empty backhaul.

Demurrage

The penalty for exceeding the free time (usually 72 hours) allowed for taking delivery of a shipment from the shipping or transporting company’s warehouse.

Detention Fee

The carrier charges and fees applied when rail freight cars, ship and carriers are retained beyond a specified loading or unloading time.

DIM Dimensional Weight.

Each carrier has calculated the “average” weight its vehicles must haul to cover operating costs. This is expressed in either pounds per cubic foot or by a “dim” factor. One cubic foot is 1728 cubic inches. Divide the “dim” factor into 1728 to convert to pounds per cubic foot desired.

Dock

A platform where trucks are loaded and unloaded, usually at a commercial or industrial location or terminal.

Door to Airport

A shipping service from shipper’s door to the destination airport for pick up by consignee.

Door to Door

A shipping service from the shipper’s door to the destination door or from the exporter to importer. Also called house to house service.

Door to Port

A shipping service from the shipper’s door to the port of destination.

DOT

Department of Transportation. Government agency.

Double Cover Corrugated Box

The double cover corrugated box is ideal for products that are unusually tall or heavy. The sides form an open column, with the top and bottom constructed like the tray or cap of a telescopic box.

Drayage

A charge for transporting goods for short distances, such as within a commercial area or town. Also called cartage or haulage.

Dunnage

Loose packaging material such as cardboard, pallets, plywood, foam rubber, air bags, etc. that is used to secure and protect while cargo is en route.

Durable Goods

Generally, any goods (particularly heavy goods) intended to last three or more years. Also called hard goods or consumer durables.

Economy Three to Five Day

Also referred to as deferred air usually moves on a space available basis and is not guaranteed to arrive on a given date or time.

Export

To send goods, products or commodities from one country to another country legitimately. Export of goods requires involvement of Customs and other Government authorities in both the country of export and import.

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)

Identifies controlled items that appear on the Commerce Control List. When commodities are exported from the United States, each item must be classified to determine if an export license is required from any U.S. Government agency. The Commerce Control List is composed of any items which are designated as controlled.

Export Declarations

A list of items you are shipping internationally. It is meant to serve two major purposes: (1) to provide information on amount, nature, and value of exports to the statistical office for compilation of foreign trade data, and (2) to serve as an export control document. In some cases, an export license and/or a certificate of origin is also required to be attached.

Export Documents

All documentation needing completion for an international shipment, including the invoice, the Shipper’s Export Declaration, export license, etc., as required by customs in the importing and exporting countries.

Export License

A document issued by the government of the shipper’s export country which permits the licensee to participate in the export of designated goods to certain destinations. The Export License must accompany the Application for Import Permit.

FAK (Freight of All Kinds)

Freight of all kinds, usually meaning consolidated cargo. Goods classified FAK are usually charged higher rates than those marked with a specific classification and are frequently in a FFE Forty-foot Equivalent Unit. The standard measurement unit of containerized cargo.

Five Panel Folder Box

A type of box most commonly used on long narrow items such as skis or extremely long, fragile items. A variation is the triangular four-panel folder, with the triangle being one of the strongest geometrical shapes.

Flatbed

A trailer without sides used for hauling machinery or other bulky items.

Floor Freight

Heavy freight which must be loaded on the trailer floor and not on top of light freight.

FMC (Federal Maritime Commission)

U.S. government agency responsible for overseeing regulatory aspects of the Ocean Shipping Act.

FMCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)

Established as a separate administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on January 1, 2000, pursuant to the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. The Primary mission of the FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The FMCSA develops and enforces regulations for motor carrier (truck and bus) safety.

Foam-In-Place Packaging

A type of specialized packaging using a liquid polyurethane material that expands into dense, solid foam around an object. It creates a custom-shaped mold that is strong, lightweight and reusable. Navis uses this packaging technique as a safe way to custom pack fragile but heavy goods such as computers, servers, monitors and metal sculptures.

FOB (Free on Board)

INCO Term for Free On Board, often used for domestic or ocean.

Forklift

Motorized vehicle used for hoisting and moving freight on the dock or on and off a trailer. Also known as a jeep, tow motor, or hi-lo.

Forwarding Agent

The person in the United States who is authorized by a principal party in interest to perform the services required to facilitate the export of items from the United States. This may include air couriers or carriers.

Free Trade Zone

An area or zone set aside at or near a port or airport, under the control of the U.S. Customs Service, for holding goods duty-free pending customs clearance. Also called foreign trade zone or free zone.

Freight

Any commodity or cargo that is transported by a commercial carrier. Items shipped fall into various categories depending on item Definition, size and weight.

Freight Bill

Document for a common carrier shipment that gives a Definition of the freight, its weight, amount of charges, taxes, and whether collect or prepaid. Charges paid in advance are called prepaid freight bills. Charges collected at the destination are called destination or collect freight bills.

Freight Consolidation

Cargo consolidation service provided by a freight forwarder in which several smaller shipments are assembled and shipped together to achieve better freight rates and security of cargo.

Freight Forwarder

A person or company whose business is to act as an agent on behalf of a shipper. A freight forwarder frequently consolidates shipments from several shippers and coordinates booking reservations.

Full Container load (FCL)

A shipment of cargo that fills an ocean worthy container, typically measuring 20’ or 40’ long. The term typically refers to ocean containers. A full container will thus offer a better price per unit shipped than will a Less then Container Load (LCL).

Full Telescopic Box

A telescopic box consists of two pieces, a top and a bottom tray. These may be equal (full telescope), or unequal (partial telescope) in depth.

Full Truckload (FTL)

A shipment of cargo that fills a given container either by bulk or weight. Shipments larger than about 15,000 pounds are typically classified as “truckload” (TL). Truckload shipments may be up to 40,000 pounds or 53’ long. Full truckload shipments typically travel as the only shipment on a trailer and deliver on the same trailer as they are picked up on.

General Average

The law of general average is a legal principle of maritime law according to which all parties in a sea venture proportionally share any losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice of part of the ship or cargo to save the whole in an emergency.

Girth

Girth is defined as the width (rounded to the nearest inch) times two, plus the height (rounded to the nearest inch) times two, measured perpendicular to the length of an item.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

The combined total weight of a vehicle and its freight.

Ground Transportation

Ground transport or transportation refers to the “over-the-road” transportation of goods usually by means of a commercial vehicle or truck.

Groupage

Combining several smaller shipments into a full container load to obtain a better per-unit cost for shipping. Also called consolidation.

Harmonized Code

A six to eleven digit coding system (XXXX.XX.XXXX-X) to identify and classify imported and exported goods, for the purpose of compiling trade statistics and determining customs tariff. Called harmonized system (HS) for short, it divides goods into about 5,000 groups and sub-groups and is in use in most countries since January 1, 1989. The US tariff system is a modified form of HC that employs a ten-digit code.

Hazardous Material

A substance or material which the Department of Transportation has determined to be capable of posing a risk to health, safety, and property when stored or transported in commerce. Navis does not transport hazardous materials (anything combustible, flammable, corrosive or radioactive).

HHGFAA – Household Goods Forwarder’s Association of America, Inc.

A global association whose members are typically movers and or personal effects and household shippers. Handling personal effects and household goods is a specialty and many commercial forwarders do not like to handle them from lack of expertise in the area.

Household Goods

Personal property within a home such as appliances, books, clothing, furnishings, and furniture.

IATA (International Air Transport Association)

A private organization promoting cooperation among the world’s scheduled airlines to ensure safe, secure, reliable, and economical air services.

ICC - Interstate Commerce Commission.

They regulate Interstate authority and pricing rules. Any move that crosses a state line comes under I.C.C. jurisdiction.

IDE (Immediate Delivery Entry)

Immediate Delivery Entry is used to expedite clearance of cargo. It allows up to ten days for the payment of estimated duty and processing of the consumption entry. In addition, it permits the delivery of the cargo prior to payment of the estimated duty and then allows for the subsequent filing of the consumption entry and duty. Also known as an ID entry.

IMCO

International Maritime Control Organization.

In-Transit Bond

A bond that allows a shipment to be transported or warehoused under U.S. Customs and Border Protection supervision until it is formally entered into the customs territory of the United States and duty is paid, or until it is exported from the United States.

Inbound Logistics

The movement of materials from shippers and vendors into production processes or storage facilities.

Inherent Vice

Hidden defect (or the very nature) of a good or property which of itself is the cause of (or contributes to) its deterioration, damage, or wastage. Such characteristics or defects make the item an unacceptable risk to a carrier or insurer. If the characteristic or defect is not visible, and if the carrier or the insurer has not been warned of it, neither of them may be liable for any claim arising solely out of the inherent vice.

Intermodal Transportation

Transportation movement involving more than one mode, e.g. rail-motor, motor-air, or rail-water.

International Customer Service Center

Responds to questions regarding International Shipments originating from the U.S. and Import Shipments to the U.S. You can call 1-800-782-7892 to contact the International Customer Service Center.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

The world’s largest standards developer. A non-governmental organization established in 1946, consisting of a network of 156 countries’ national standards institute with one member representing each country.

ISPM 15

ISPM 15 is an International Phytosanitary Measure developed by the International Plant Protection Convention that directly addresses the need to treat wood materials of a thickness greater than 6mm, used to ship products between countries. It affects all wood packaging material (pallets, crates, dunnages, etc) requiring that they be treated with heat or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked, often branded, with a seal of compliance. This seal of compliance is colloquially known as the “bug stamp.” Products exempt from the ISPM 15 are made from alternative material, like paper, plastic or manufactured wood products (eg. plywood). Navis adheres to ISPM 15 standards.

ITE (Immediate Transportation Entry)

Immediate Transportation Entry allows the cargo to be moved from the pier to an inland destination via a bonded carrier without the payment of duties or finalization of the entry at the port of arrival. Known as an IT entry.

Just-In-Time (JIT)

Cargo or components that must be at a destination at the exact time needed.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

A shipment of cargo that does not fill a standard 20’ or 40’ ocean container. Ocean rates for LCL are commonly higher on a per-unit basis than for a full container load. Thus, consolidation of several LCL loads from different places or shippers into a full container can save on costs.

Lift-On/Lift-Off (lo/lo) cargo

Containerized cargo that must be lifted on and off vessels and other vehicles using handling equipment.

Line Haul

The movement of freight over the road/rail from an origin terminal to a destination terminal, usually over long distances.

Live Entry

Requires that the commercial invoice, original export license (if applicable), customs entry, and estimated duties must be submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before the shipment can be released.

Logistics

The management of freight and information throughout the total supply chain from the original raw material source to the ultimate consumer of the finished product, encompassing factories, assembly and packing plants, warehouses, distribution centers and retail outlets.

Long Haul

A long move that is usually more than 1000 miles.

LPL (Less-Than-PalletLoad)

Less-Than-Pallet Load (LPL) refers to shipments of goods or merchandise that weigh less than 1,000 pounds.

LT (Long Ton)

1 Long Ton = 2,240 lbs or 1000 Kilograms.

LTL (Less-than-Truckoad)

Loads that do not by themselves meet full truckload requirements. LTL represents the majority of “freight” shipments and are often referred to as “motor freight.”

Manifest

A transportation document that lists all cargo on board a vessel as required by the relevant local authorities e.g. customs. Same as cargo manifest.

Master Transportation Coverage

Master Transportation Coverage, if purchased, covers the property of others that has been placed for transport by a licensed, Navis-approved carrier.

Mixed Shipment

Shipment consisting of items described in and rated under two or more rate items within a tariff.

Motor Carrier

A motor carrier refers to an individual, partnership, or a corporation that is engaged in the transportation of goods. A motor carrier is an enterprise that offers service via motor carriage (truck).

Motor Freight

Transporting freight or goods by truck or motor vehicle.

MT (Metric Ton)

1 MT = 2,204.62lbs.

Next Day

The act of transporting cargo or freight overnight for delivery or availability the following (next) day; next day usually moves by air but may be accomplished by ground (hot shot) depending on the distance.

NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification)

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) is a standard that provides a comparison of commodities moving in interstate, intrastate and foreign commerce.

NVOCC

A licensed carrier with the Federal Maritime Commission that can book, bill, market, profit, solicit, and handle ocean freight legally.

Ocean Freight

A form of shipping from one location to another via sea on a vessel, barge or steamship.

Off Site

Navis picks up items and brings them to our nationwide network of locations to package and ship items for transportation.

On Site

Navis can perform shipping, packaging & crating services at customer’s locations, including offices, hospitals, industrial plants, etc.

Origin Country

The country from which your shipment is sent.

Origin/Point of Origin

Location or station where a carrier receives a shipment from a shipper for transportation to the destination.

Overage

The actual piece count is greater than the piece count shown on the document accompanying the shipment.

Packing List

A document that more thoroughly identifies the goods to be delivered than a bill of lading. A list of packages for each shipment, showing individual breakdown in weights/measure and quantity.

Pallet

A reusable platform, usually made of wood, on which freight is loaded. Pallets are used to load/unload goods using a forklift. A pallet can carry a typical load of one metric ton (1,000 kilograms or about 2,200 pounds).

Pallet Size

Although they come in various sizes, the standard size is 48 inches X 48 inches.

Piggyback

The transportation of highway trailers or demountable trailer bodies on specially equipped rail flat cars.

Placard

A label that identifies a hazardous material shipment and the hazards presented.

Port Authority

A state or local government that owns, operates, or otherwise provides wharf, dock, and other terminal investments at ports.

Port of Discharge

A port where a vessel is off loaded and cargo discharged.

Port of Entry

A place where imported goods are admitted into the legal frontiers of the importing country. It may or may not be same as the port of destination.

Port of Loading

A port where a vessel is loaded and cargo stowed for transporting to another country.

Port of Origin (same as Port of Loading)

A place where a shipment actually originated (began its journey towards its destination.

Proof of Delivery

A Proof of Delivery (POD) is information supplied by the carrier containing the name of the person who signed for the shipment, the time and date of delivery, and other shipment delivery related information.

PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)

A unit of measure used in static load calculations.

PU&D

PU&D is the acronym for pick up and delivery relating to the transportation industry.

PUC - Public Utilities Commission.

The PUC will regulate transportation within each state. The regulatory agency has different names in each state.

Reusable Crates

A crate that can be used multiple times.

Reverse Logistics

A specialized segment of logistics focusing on the movement and management of products and resources after the sale and after delivery to the customer. Includes product returns and repair for credit.

Rigging

Applying techniques and use of slings, hooks, chains, rope, hoist chains, hitches, blocks and pulleys in combination with load, weight and center of gravity factors along with cranes, lifting equipment, derricks and hoists for moving large, heavy products.

Roll-on/Roll-off (ro/ro) Cargo

Wheeled cargo, such as automobiles, or cargo carried on chassis that can be rolled on or off vehicles, vessels or aircraft without using cargo handling equipment.

Same day

A service in which an item is picked up, packaged and shipped during the same day.

Ship from Location

The location where your shipment originates. It is used to help determine the cost of your shipment and can differ from your shipper address, as long as both addresses are in the same country.

Ship to Location

The location where your shipment is being sent.

Shipper

Party responsible for initiating a shipment.

Shipper’s Export Declaration:

A Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is a form required by export authorities used for compiling U.S. export trade statistics and for export control.

Shippers Letter of Instruction

The Shippers Letter of Instruction is a form used by the shipper to authorize a carrier to issue a bill of lading or an air waybill on the shipper’s behalf. The form contains all details of the shipment and authorizes the carrier to sign the bill of lading in the name of the shipper. Also known as a “one-off” or one time use Power of Attorney for that shipment.

Shipping Crates

Navis builds shipping crates for items that are fragile, large, awkward or valuable. Our crates are made with ½ inch plywood with 1 X 4 inch furring strips, or ¾ inch plywood bases for heavier items. Crate clips and skid mates are added to meet international wood packaging requirements.
All items are cushioned blocked and braced with either 2 inches of closed cell foam or foam-in-place as needed.

Shipping Manifest

A document that lists the pieces in a shipment.

Short Haul

A short move that is usually under 1000 miles.

SIT – Storage in Transit

An accessorial that is incurred when a shipment is either requested to be put in temporary storage or is required to be put in temporary storage because it cannot be delivered.

Skid

A skid is similar to a pallet for loading or handling goods, especially one having solid sideboards and no bottom. A skid differs from a pallet in that it is generally higher and does not have additional cross members, stringers, as support beneath the runners. Skids are used to support the load and assist with storage, handling and transportation.

Slat Crates

A slat crate is used to bolster and strengthen a corrugated container in lieu of a fully enclosed wooden crate. Slat crates can also be used to crate large items less expensively by lining the interior of the crate with corrugated instead of plywood.

ST (Short Ton)

1 Short Ton = 2000 lbs.

Supply Chain

Starting with unprocessed raw materials and ending with final customer using the finished goods.

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management (SCM) provides solutions for the re-engineering and management of global supply chains—from supplier through manufacturer, distributor, dealer, and/or the end consumer.

Tariff

A tax assessed by a government on goods entering or leaving a country. The term is also used in transportation in reference to the fees and rules applied by a carrier for its services.

TEE (Transportation and Exportation Entry)

Transportation and Exportation Entry allows goods coming from or going to a third country, such as Canada or Mexico, to enter the United States for the purpose of transshipment. Known as a T&E entry.

Terminal Delivery

An inexpensive delivery option where an item is delivered to a freight terminal for customer pickup.

TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit)

The 8-foot by 8-foot by 20-foot intermodal container is used as a basic measure in many statistics and is the standard measure used for containerized cargo.1 x Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit = 2 TEU’s.

Third Party Logistics

A specialist in logistics who may provide a variety of transportation, warehousing, and logistics-related services to buyers or sellers.

Time-in-Transit

The number of days, excluding weekends and holidays, that a package is in transit from pickup to delivery.

Tracking Number

The number Navis gives to you to track your shipment.

Transportation Charges

These represent the base shipping costs for a package. Transportation Charges do not include declared value fees, adjustments or refunds.

Truckload (TL)

Volume of cargo that fills a truck trailer—typically weighing about 4,500 kilograms or 10,000 pounds.

Two Day

The act of transporting cargo or freight for delivery or availability on the second business day; two day usually moves by air but may move by ground depending on the distance.

Universal Shipping Agreement and Release (USAR)

The USAR is the Universal Shipment and Release Agreement. This is the contract between you as a customer and the Navis franchise location. This will detail what is being shipped, the condition of the item(s), the value, the destination of where the shipment is going and the agreed upon price.

Unpack and Dunnage Removal

The unpacking, removal and disposal of all the packaging (dunnage) materials that were used to protect the shipment.

VRE (Vessel Repair Entry)

Vessel Repair Entry is the law known as the “Foreign Vessel Repair Statute”. It provides that when any repairs in a foreign country are made on a vessel documented under the laws of the United States, an ad valorem duty of 50% is imposed on the cost of repair, including labour and labour costs, when the vessel arrives in the United States. All equipment, parts or materials purchased, and repairs made outside the United States must be declared on Customs Form 226 (CF-226) and filed at the port of first arrival within 5 working days.

Warehouse

Storage place for products. Every Navis location has a warehouse.

Waybill

A waybill is a Definition of goods with a carrier freight shipment.

White Glove Service

A type of premiere delivery service in which items for shipment are delivered inside a house or office and all debris is removed.

Wood Crates

A wood crate is a structural framework of members fastened together to form a rigid enclosure, which protects the contents during handling, shipping and storage. The enclosure is usually of square or rectangular design and may or may not be sheathed. With design and structural criteria based on strength, transportation hazards, lumber, fasteners, and space for product requirements, the effective engineering of crates for specific purposes becomes effective.

Zone

A service area on which shipping rates are based.

 

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