The shipping glossary.

Third-Party Logistics

A provider handling logistics activities for another business, such as transport, storage or fulfilment. The actual services depend on the agreed scope.

Fourth-Party Logistics

A provider coordinating a broader logistics network and other service providers. The role focuses on managing the overall supply-chain arrangement.

Charges for extra services beyond the basic movement, such as waiting, special handling or an additional delivery attempt.

Automated Commercial Environment

The US Customs and Border Protection system used for electronic import, export and related trade processing. Different parties have different filing and access responsibilities.

Authorised Dealer Code

A bank-related identifier used in Indian trade and customs processes. Registration and linking requirements depend on the transaction and location.

Authorised Economic Operator

A customs-recognised status for businesses meeting the relevant programme’s standards. Benefits and eligibility vary by country.

Artificial Intelligence

Software capabilities that help interpret information, identify patterns or prepare useful work. In logistics, examples include document checks and shipment summaries.

The AI powered part of the Flaminglobe platform that helps prepare summaries, check details and highlight next steps. People handle the reviews and actions requiring their responsibility.

A quotation presented as a total for a stated scope. Always check the inclusions, exclusions, assumptions and any charges that remain conditional.

Cargo capacity reserved with a carrier for an agreed period or departure. The agreement sets any use, cancellation and payment conditions.

Automated Manifest System

A name widely used in operations for US advance cargo-manifest reporting. The required filing process depends on the transport mode and current customs systems.

Arrival Notice

A notice of an approaching or arrived shipment, often identifying release steps and destination charges. An arrival notice does not itself confirm customs release.

Application Programming Interface

A defined way for software systems to exchange information or request actions. It can connect shipment, order or tracking information between platforms.

A recorded decision by someone authorised to accept a cost, booking, change or submission. A suggestion or draft does not count as approval.

Advance Shipping Notice

Information sent before a delivery so the receiver knows what is coming. It can include package details, quantities and expected arrival.

Actual Time of Arrival

The recorded arrival time at a particular point. The event should identify the location and movement it refers to.

Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission

An international customs document for temporary movement of eligible goods, such as exhibition equipment. Its use depends on the participating countries and re-export conditions.

Actual Time of Berthing

The recorded time a vessel berths. Cargo discharge and release still follow their own operational steps.

Actual Time of Departure

The recorded departure time for the specified movement. It replaces an estimate once departure is confirmed.

Air Waybill

The air-cargo transport document recording the shipment and carriage arrangements. Unlike a negotiable ocean bill of lading, an AWB is not a document of title.

Bill of Lading

A transport document acknowledging cargo and recording carriage terms. Some bills also function as documents of title; the type and release instructions matter.

Bunker Adjustment Factor

An ocean-freight surcharge linked to vessel fuel costs. The rate, basis and validity are set by the relevant carrier or quotation.

Cargo carried in the lower hold of a passenger aircraft. Space and handling limits depend on the aircraft and airline service.

A scheduled vessel sailing or port call that a carrier cancels. The shipment may need a different departure or routing.

Bill of Entry

India’s import customs declaration, providing the goods, value and other entry details for the applicable import procedure.

An authorised facility holding goods under customs control, with duty treatment governed by the relevant procedure. Goods cannot be released as ordinary stock without meeting those requirements.

Cargo handled as separate pieces, bundles or units rather than inside a standard container. Common for large machinery and project cargo.

Unpackaged cargo carried in large quantities, such as grain, minerals or liquids. It requires equipment and handling suited to the product.

Currency Adjustment Factor

A freight adjustment linked to exchange-rate changes. Check whether it is included in the quote and how it is calculated.

The goods being transported. A useful cargo description identifies the actual products, quantities and handling needs, rather than saying only “general cargo”.

Insurance for goods in transit under an agreed policy. Cover, exclusions, limits and claims requirements depend on the policy; it is not automatically included in freight.

Customs Broker

A specialist authorised to carry out customs work in the relevant jurisdiction. Their authority and responsibilities depend on local rules.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs

The Indian authority responsible for customs and central indirect-tax administration. Shipment-specific processes involve the relevant customs formations.

Cubic Metre

A measure of cargo volume. Dimensions must use consistent units and describe the packed goods, including any pallet or crate where relevant.

Cost and Freight

For sea or inland-waterway transport: the seller pays freight to the named destination port, while risk passes once goods are aboard at origin.

Container Freight Station

A facility where cargo is consolidated into containers or separated from them. Often used for LCL receiving, handling and release.

Customs House Agent

A term still used in Indian operations for a customs broker. Current authorisation and the agreed customs work matter more than the older label.

Commercial Invoice

The seller’s invoice describing the goods, quantities, prices and parties. Customs and logistics providers use it to understand the transaction.

Cost, Insurance and Freight

Like CFR, with the seller also arranging the required cargo insurance. Risk still passes when goods are aboard at origin.

Carriage and Insurance Paid To

Like CPT, with the seller also arranging the required cargo insurance. Risk passes at carrier handover, before arrival at the named destination.

Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road

Often used to mean the CMR road consignment note for transport under the convention. Its use depends on the countries and road movement.

Certificate of Analysis

A document reporting test results or product characteristics. It is common for chemicals, food ingredients and other goods needing quality evidence.

Carrier-Owned Container

A container supplied by the shipping line. Its use and return are subject to the carrier’s equipment terms and free-time allowance.

Certificate of Conformity

A document confirming conformity with specified standards or requirements. Here CoC means a certificate; COC in container bookings can mean Carrier-Owned Container.

Cash on Delivery / Collect on Delivery

An arrangement collecting an agreed payment when goods are delivered. The amount collected and the remittance process depend on the provider and agreement.

Certificate of Insurance

Evidence of an insurance arrangement. Read the policy, insured journey and conditions to understand the actual cover.

A temperature-controlled storage and transport process. Each handover must maintain the required conditions for the goods.

Combining smaller shipments or supplier orders into one larger movement. The collection, waiting time, handling and later separation should fit the shipping plan.

Certificate of Origin

A document certifying the origin of goods under the relevant rules. Preferential origin and non-preferential origin are different uses.

Carriage Paid To

The seller pays transport to the named destination, but risk passes when goods are delivered to the carrier. Paying for transport does not mean keeping the transit risk.

Cargo Ready Date

The date the supplier expects the goods to be packed and ready for collection. It should include any checks needed before pickup.

Moving received goods to an outbound movement with little or no storage time. Inbound and outbound timing must be closely coordinated.

Carton / Package

Common packing-count abbreviations. The total count should make clear whether it refers to cartons, pallets, crates or another outer unit.

The process of meeting the customs authority’s requirements for a goods movement. Transport arrival, customs release and physical delivery are different milestones.

The value used for customs assessment under the relevant valuation rules. It can differ from a simple invoice total.

The deadline for cargo, shipping instructions or other required information for a departure. A shipment can have several different cutoffs.

Chargeable Weight

The weight used to price cargo. Air freight commonly compares actual gross weight with a volume-based weight; the applicable rate rules determine the charge.

Container Yard

A terminal or depot area where full or empty containers are received, held and handed over. CY/CY usually describes a container-yard-to-container-yard movement.

Checking part of the warehouse inventory on a planned, recurring basis instead of counting every item at once. Differences need review and correction.

Documents against Acceptance

A documentary collection arrangement releasing documents against acceptance of a time-payment obligation. Acceptance is not the same as the funds being received.

Delivery Order

An instruction or authorisation used to release cargo to the nominated receiving party. Carrier release and customs release are separate steps.

Documents against Payment

A documentary collection arrangement where the collecting bank releases the specified documents against payment. It is different from a bank guaranteeing payment.

Demurrage and Detention

A collective label for container time-related charges. The carrier may calculate them separately or under a combined free-time arrangement.

Door-to-Door

A service from an agreed pickup address to the agreed delivery address. The quote should make the included transport, customs and supporting work clear.

Delivered at Place

The seller delivers at the named destination with goods ready for unloading. The buyer handles unloading and import clearance under the rule.

Delivered at Terminal — legacy term

A rule from Incoterms® 2010, replaced by DPU in the 2020 edition. Check the edition stated in the contract instead of treating the names as automatically interchangeable.

Duty Drawback

An Indian export mechanism for specified duty refunds or rebates. The eligible amount and procedure depend on the goods, duties and applicable scheme.

Distribution Centre

A facility receiving and dispatching goods to stores, businesses or other destinations. It may also hold stock and prepare orders.

Delivered Duty Paid

The seller delivers to the named destination and handles import clearance and duties under the rule. The buyer normally unloads; local import requirements still matter.

Delivered Duty Unpaid — legacy term

An older trade term that is not one of the Incoterms® 2020 rules. If it appears in a quote, agree the precise responsibilities rather than assuming its meaning.

A receiving slot agreed with the destination. Vehicle type, unloading arrangements and required references should be confirmed before dispatch.

Demurrage

In container operations, a charge commonly associated with keeping a carrier’s container inside a terminal beyond free time. Carrier definitions and combined charging arrangements vary.

Detention

In container operations, a charge commonly associated with keeping a carrier’s container outside the terminal beyond free time. The return event and tariff determine the charge.

Dangerous Goods

Goods presenting regulated transport hazards, such as certain chemicals or batteries. Classification, packing, marking and acceptance must suit the transport mode.

Dangerous Goods Declaration

A declaration providing the required dangerous-goods shipment details. It must be prepared and signed by the appropriate trained or authorised person.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade

The Indian authority administering foreign-trade policy and services such as the Importer Exporter Code and relevant trade authorisations.

Dangerous Goods Regulations

In air cargo, commonly refers to IATA’s dangerous-goods regulations. Requirements depend on the goods, packaging, airline and route.

Dimensions

The length, width and height of the packed cargo. Accurate dimensions help determine equipment, loading feasibility and any volume-based charge.

Moving goods from a warehouse or arrival point to the businesses or customers that need them. It can involve multiple delivery locations.

Direct Port Delivery

An Indian import arrangement for eligible containers to move through the port’s direct-delivery process. Eligibility and local operating conditions must be confirmed.

Direct Port Entry

An Indian export arrangement allowing eligible cargo or containers to use the port’s direct-entry process. It remains subject to customs and terminal requirements.

Delivered at Place Unloaded

The seller delivers and unloads at the named destination. The buyer handles import clearance under the rule.

A short road movement of a container, often between a port, rail terminal, depot or nearby warehouse. Waiting and equipment-return conditions can affect the cost.

Destination Terminal Handling Charge

Terminal handling charges at the destination. Check who pays them and whether they are included in the booked scope.

Electronic Air Waybill

An electronic air-waybill arrangement replacing the paper AWB where the participating parties and route support it.

e-Storage and Computerized Handling of Indirect Tax Documents

An Indian customs facility for electronic supporting documents. Uploaded records are linked to the relevant customs work through their reference details.

Electronic Bill of Lading

A bill of lading issued and managed electronically through a supported system. Acceptance, transfer and release depend on the participating parties and applicable framework.

Electronic Data Interchange

Structured business messages exchanged between systems, such as booking, shipment-status or invoice messages. Agreed formats reduce repeated manual entry.

Export General Manifest

An outgoing cargo manifest used in Indian customs processes. Its details connect exported cargo with the departing movement.

Equipment Interchange Receipt

A record of a container or other equipment being handed over. It usually records identifying details, time and visible condition.

Entry Summary Declaration

Advance safety and security information for goods entering a customs territory, including the EU where applicable. It is different from an import customs declaration.

Economic Order Quantity

A planning calculation for an order size that balances ordering and stock-holding costs under stated assumptions. Real operating constraints may require a different quantity.

Exporter of Record

The party responsible for the export declaration and applicable export obligations. Its identity and responsibilities must match the relevant local requirements.

Economic Operators Registration and Identification

A registration identifier used for customs interactions in the European Union. The required registration depends on the party and customs activity.

Electronic Proof of Delivery

A digital delivery record that may include a receiver’s acknowledgement, time, photos or location details. The agreed service defines the required evidence.

Enterprise Resource Planning

Software bringing business records such as purchasing, stock and finance together. Logistics systems can connect to it to avoid re-entering the same information.

Estimated Time of Arrival

The current expected arrival time at a stated location. It is an estimate that can change, and it does not automatically mean goods are ready for delivery.

Estimated Time of Berthing

The expected time a vessel will berth. Berthing can be later than arrival at the port area.

Estimated Time of Departure

The current expected departure time for a transport leg. Check whether the update refers to the supplier, terminal, port or airport.

Estimated Time of Sailing

The expected time a vessel will sail. It is a planning estimate until the sailing is confirmed.

Something needing attention because work is not following the expected plan, such as missing paperwork, a changed arrival date or an unresolved charge.

Ex Works

The seller makes goods available at the named place; the buyer generally arranges onward movement. Seller loading and export clearance are not included by this rule.

Free Alongside Ship

For sea or inland-waterway transport: the seller delivers alongside the vessel at the named loading port. The buyer arranges the onward carriage.

Fulfilment Centre

A facility storing goods and preparing customer orders for dispatch, often including picking, packing and returns handling.

Free Carrier

The seller delivers to the carrier or nominated person at the agreed place and handles export clearance. The exact delivery point determines the handover.

Full Container Load

A container booked for one shipper’s cargo. The goods do not have to fill every part of the container for the booking to be FCL.

A smaller vessel service connecting a local port with a larger hub port, where cargo may transfer to or from a mainline vessel.

First Expired, First Out

A stock-rotation method prioritising goods with the earliest expiry date. Common for products with limited shelf life.

Forty-foot Equivalent Unit

A container-capacity measure based on one 40-foot container, equal to two TEU. It is a capacity measure, not the weight of the cargo.

Freight Forwarder

A business that arranges freight and supporting services. Its responsibilities depend on the booking, transport documents and agreed scope.

First In, First Out

A stock-rotation method where the earliest received goods are used or dispatched first. It helps avoid older stock being left behind.

The collection leg at the start of a journey and the delivery leg at the end. Both need the correct address, timing and loading or receiving instructions.

Free On Board

For sea or inland-waterway transport: the seller delivers aboard the vessel at the named loading port. Risk then passes to the buyer.

Flat Rack Container

Container equipment with a strong base and end structures, used for machinery and other cargo that does not fit a normal enclosed container.

The agreed period before a specified container or storage charge starts. Separate allowances may apply to different charges and locations.

Prepaid means freight is payable at origin under the arrangement; collect means it is payable at destination. Neither term alone defines all buyer and seller obligations.

An aircraft carrying cargo rather than passengers. Its doors, deck and loading arrangements may suit cargo that cannot travel on passenger aircraft.

Fuel Surcharge

A charge reflecting fuel-related costs in the relevant transport service. Different providers use different calculation methods.

Free Trade Agreement

An agreement between economies that can provide trade preferences. Reduced duty depends on eligibility, origin rules and the supporting evidence.

Full Truckload

A truck booked for one customer’s cargo or a dedicated movement. The shipment does not need to fill every available space.

Free Trade and Warehousing Zone

A type of Indian special economic zone focused on trade and warehousing activities. Goods movements and permitted operations follow the applicable framework.

Preparing customer orders for delivery, usually including picking the items, packing them and arranging dispatch.

General Average

A maritime principle involving shared contributions for certain extraordinary sacrifices or expenses to preserve a voyage. Cargo release may involve security or insurer coordination.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

AI that creates content such as a draft update or plain-language summary from available information. Generated work still needs appropriate checks and approvals.

General Purpose Container

A standard enclosed dry container for cargo that does not need temperature control or special equipment.

Goods Receipt

A document acknowledging receipt of goods. In Indian road transport, it may refer to a carrier’s consignment receipt; warehouse receiving uses can differ.

General Rate Increase

A carrier’s announced increase to freight rates for a defined service or market. Whether it affects a shipment depends on its booking and rate terms.

Goods Received Note

A receiving record stating what a warehouse accepted. It helps compare delivered goods with the purchase order and shipping documents.

General Sales Agent

A representative appointed to sell an airline’s services in a market. The actual operating airline and carriage arrangements still need to be identified.

Goods and Services Tax

India’s indirect-tax framework for supplies of goods and services. The applicable treatment depends on the supply and legal requirements.

Goods and Services Tax Identification Number

The identification number of a registered taxpayer under India’s GST system. It must match the appropriate entity and transaction records.

Gross Weight

The weight of goods plus their packaging, for the stated measurement. Confirm whether a figure covers the cargo packages or the whole packed container.

House Air Waybill

The air transport document issued by a freight forwarder to its customer. Its shipment may move under a separate master air waybill with the airline.

House Bill of Lading

A bill of lading issued by a freight forwarder or NVOCC to its customer. Its details must align with the carrier booking and agreed release process.

High Cube Container

A container with extra internal height compared with a standard-height container. Useful for bulky goods, subject to equipment and route limits.

Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System

The international goods-classification system used in customs. The shared HS structure uses six digits; countries can add digits for their own tariff lines.

Harmonized System of Nomenclature

The term commonly used in India for goods classification based on the Harmonized System. The appropriate code depends on what the product actually is.

International Air Transport Association

The airline industry association whose standards and guidance are widely used in air cargo, including cargo documents and dangerous-goods handling.

International Civil Aviation Organization

The United Nations agency for international civil aviation. Its standards and technical instructions help shape air-transport safety requirements.

Inland Container Depot

An inland facility handling containers and related customs or terminal work. It connects an inland location with a seaport or other gateway.

Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway

The Indian customs electronic gateway used for trade filings, messages and related services. Access and filing responsibilities depend on the registered user’s role.

Indian Customs EDI System

The Indian customs system that processes electronic declarations and related customs work. ICEGATE provides the trade-facing gateway for many interactions.

Import Control System 2

The EU advance cargo-information system used for safety and security declarations. The required ENS data and filing responsibilities depend on the movement and supply-chain arrangement.

Importer Exporter Code

An identification code issued by India’s DGFT for import/export activities where required. It identifies the business; it is not a shipment clearance.

Import General Manifest

An incoming cargo manifest used in Indian customs processes. It is associated with the arriving movement and is distinct from an importer’s Bill of Entry.

Integrated Goods and Services Tax

The GST component relevant to specified inter-state supplies and imports in India. Its application or export treatment depends on the transaction.

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

The international code for packaged dangerous goods carried by sea. It covers matters such as classification, packing, marking and segregation.

International Maritime Organization

The United Nations specialised agency for international shipping safety, security and environmental standards. An IMO vessel number identifies a ship.

International Commercial Terms

ICC trade rules allocating specified delivery tasks, costs and risks between buyer and seller. State the chosen rule, named place and edition in the agreement.

A journey using more than one transport mode, commonly moving the same container between ship, rail and truck. The document and contract arrangements still need checking.

Importer of Record

The party responsible for the import entry and applicable customs obligations in a jurisdiction. It is not always the same party as the final delivery recipient.

Importer Security Filing

An advance security filing for applicable US-bound ocean shipments, commonly called 10+2. It is separate from the import entry.

International Ship and Port Facility Security

The maritime security framework behind charges sometimes labelled ISPS. An ISPS charge is a commercial charge; confirm its scope and billing basis.

Kilogram

A unit of mass used in cargo weights. Keep the unit clear when comparing net, gross, volumetric and chargeable weight.

Key Performance Indicator

A measure used to track performance, such as on-time delivery or document completeness. Define the calculation and data source before comparing results.

Letter of Credit

A bank’s undertaking to pay when the required complying documents are presented under its terms. Document preparation must match those terms.

Less than Container Load

Cargo that shares a container with other shipments. Goods are combined before departure and separated after arrival; handling and destination charges also matter.

Let Export Order

An Indian customs permission allowing the cleared goods to be exported. It is a customs status, not confirmation that the vessel or flight has departed.

Last Free Day

The final day before a specified time-related charge begins. Confirm which charge it refers to and which event stops the clock.

Letter of Indemnity

A document in which a party accepts specified responsibility for a requested action. Its wording and acceptance need proper review; it is not a routine release shortcut.

Lorry Receipt

A road carrier’s consignment or goods-receipt document, commonly used in Indian trucking. It records the goods and movement details.

Less than Truckload

A road shipment sharing vehicle capacity with other cargo. Transfers and delivery schedules can differ from a dedicated truck.

Letter of Undertaking

In Indian GST export operations, an undertaking used for eligible supplies without payment of IGST, subject to the applicable conditions.

A list of cargo carried on a vessel, aircraft or other movement. It supports transport, terminal and customs processes.

Master Air Waybill

The air waybill issued by the airline for its carriage. A consolidated movement may link several house air waybills to one master air waybill.

Master Bill of Lading

The bill of lading issued by the ocean carrier. In a forwarding arrangement, the customer may also receive a separate house bill.

A meaningful shipment event, such as collection, departure, customs release or delivery. An update should distinguish an estimated milestone from a confirmed one.

Minimum Order Quantity

The smallest quantity a supplier will accept for an order. It can affect purchasing, storage space and consolidation planning.

Metric Tonne

A unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms. Do not confuse a metric tonne with a volume-based freight unit or a different national ton measure.

Multimodal Transport Operator

An operator arranging carriage using more than one transport mode under a multimodal arrangement. The contract determines the operator’s responsibility.

Non-Operating Reefer

A refrigerated container used without its cooling equipment running, usually for suitable dry cargo. Its usable space differs from a standard dry container.

Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier

A business that offers ocean transport and issues its own transport documents while buying vessel space from shipping lines. It does not operate the vessel itself.

Net Weight

The weight of the goods without their packaging. It is different from the gross weight used for many transport and handling purposes.

Open Account

A sale where goods are supplied before payment becomes due under agreed credit terms. The buyer’s payment timing creates a commercial credit exposure.

Original Bill of Lading

An original issued bill of lading. Where original presentation is required, cargo release follows the applicable document and carrier requirements.

Optical Character Recognition

Technology that reads text from a scanned document or image. Extracted values can contain errors, especially when the original is unclear.

Order Management System

Software that records and manages customer orders, stock allocation and fulfilment progress across the relevant sales or delivery channels.

Out of Charge

An Indian customs release order for imported goods after the applicable requirements are met. Carrier and terminal release steps may still remain.

Out of Gauge

Cargo extending beyond the normal dimensions of its booked equipment. It needs accurate measurements, suitable securing and carrier acceptance.

Open Top Container

A container with a removable top covering, used when cargo needs to be loaded from above or cannot fit through standard doors.

On-Time Delivery

A measure of deliveries completed by the agreed date or time. Its definition should state which milestone and time window count.

Origin Terminal Handling Charge

Terminal handling charges at the origin. The services covered and billing basis depend on the quotation and local arrangements.

On Time In Full

A delivery-performance measure checking whether the order arrived on time and in the required quantity. Define the promised date and measurement rules.

Pieces

A count of individual units. Confirm whether it refers to products, packed pieces or outer packages so it agrees with the invoice and packing list.

Pro Forma Invoice

A preliminary invoice or offer showing proposed goods and prices. It usually precedes the final commercial invoice.

Packing List

A breakdown of packages, contents, weights and dimensions. It should match the physical shipment and the other shipping documents.

Purchase Order

The buyer’s order to a supplier, setting out the goods, quantities and agreed purchasing details. Its reference connects shipment work to the correct order.

Port of Discharge

The port where cargo is unloaded from the vessel. In delivery paperwork, POD can instead mean Proof of Delivery; check the context.

Proof of Delivery

Evidence that goods were delivered or received, such as a signed or electronic receipt. Record shortages and visible damage through the agreed receiving process.

Port of Loading

The port where cargo is loaded onto the vessel for the relevant ocean leg. It may be different from the original pickup location.

Proper Shipping Name

The regulated name used for dangerous-goods transport. It may differ from the commercial product name on a sales invoice.

Peak Season Surcharge

An additional charge applied for a specified period or service during high demand. Its start date and basis should be checked in the quote.

Part Truckload

A road-freight arrangement for cargo using part of a truck. Providers may use PTL and LTL differently, so confirm the service and handling plan.

Moving received goods into their assigned warehouse storage locations and recording where they have been placed.

Quality Assurance

The processes used to help work consistently meet agreed quality requirements. It is broader than checking a single finished item.

Quality Control

Checks on goods or work against agreed requirements, such as quantity, condition or product specifications. The required inspection scope should be clear.

Registration-cum-Membership Certificate

An Indian exporter registration or membership certificate issued by an appropriate export promotion council or other authorised body for the relevant purpose.

Refrigerated Container

A temperature-controlled container, often called a reefer. The temperature, ventilation and handling instructions must suit the cargo.

Return Merchandise Authorisation

A reference or permission for returning goods under a seller’s process. It helps connect the returned item to the correct order and instructions.

Risk Management System

A customs system used to assess risk and determine the appropriate processing or intervention. A facilitated consignment is still subject to applicable requirements.

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products

An Indian scheme for remission of specified duties and taxes on eligible exports. Eligibility, rates and claim conditions depend on the applicable scheme rules.

Cargo moved to a later sailing instead of the booked departure. Capacity, cutoffs, documents or operational changes can cause a rollover.

Rules of Origin

The rules used to decide a product’s origin for a particular purpose. Shipping from a country does not automatically make the goods originate there.

Reorder Point

The stock level that triggers a replenishment order. It should reflect expected demand and the time needed to receive new stock.

Roll-on/Roll-off

A vessel service where wheeled cargo, such as cars or trailers, is driven or towed on and off the ship.

Return to Origin

A shipment being sent back to its origin after delivery could not be completed or another return condition was triggered. Charges and next steps depend on the service.

Shipping Bill

India’s export customs declaration. It records the consignment details used for export processing and related records.

Supply Chain Management

Coordinating the flow of goods and related information from suppliers through to the customer. Logistics is one part of that wider process.

Safety Data Sheet / Material Safety Data Sheet

A document describing a chemical’s hazards, handling and emergency information. SDS is the current term commonly used in place of MSDS.

Special Economic Zone

A designated area operating under a specific trade or tax framework. Movement into or out of an SEZ has its own documentation and conditions.

The shared collection of a shipment’s details, documents, tasks and decisions. It helps people work from the same information through the journey.

Shipping Instructions

The cargo, party and routing details supplied to prepare the transport document. Incorrect instructions can lead to amendments or clearance problems.

Stock Keeping Unit

An internal code identifying a particular product or variation. Different sizes, colours or pack types may have different SKUs.

Service Level Agreement

An agreement setting out service expectations and how performance is measured. Its scope, exclusions and response or completion targets should be clear.

Shipper’s Letter of Instruction

Instructions from the shipper to the forwarder covering the shipment and work to be arranged. It helps define the information and authority needed to act.

Shipper-Owned Container

A container supplied by the shipper rather than the shipping line. The carrier must accept the equipment and its condition for the intended journey.

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

A major maritime safety convention. Its container-weight requirements are why a packed export container needs a verified gross mass.

Standard Operating Procedure

An agreed set of steps for recurring work. It should identify the information, responsible people and checks needed to complete the task.

Security Surcharge

A charge for specified security-related services or requirements. It is commonly seen in air cargo, but the quotation determines what is included.

Serial Shipping Container Code

A GS1 identifier for a logistics unit such as a pallet, case or parcel. It identifies the unit for tracking; it is not the ocean container’s equipment number.

Charges for using warehouse, terminal or depot space. They can be separate from the carrier’s demurrage or detention charges.

Loading goods into a container, or removing them from it. Packing, securing, counts and condition checks are important at both stages.

Sea Waybill

A non-negotiable ocean transport document naming the consignee. It does not operate as a negotiable document of title like an order bill of lading.

Transshipment

Moving cargo from one vessel or transport service to another on the way to its final destination. A connection adds a handover to the journey.

Telegraphic Transfer

A term commonly used for a bank transfer in international trade. Confirm payment details and agreed timing through the appropriate verification process.

The Air Cargo Tariff and Rules

IATA’s air-cargo rates and rules reference. A shipment’s actual commercial quote can differ from a published tariff.

A carrier release instruction commonly used after the required original-bill surrender process. It differs from simply emailing a scanned bill of lading.

Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit

A standard measure of container capacity based on one 20-foot container. A 40-foot container normally counts as two TEU.

Terminal Handling Charge

A charge for specified handling at a terminal. Origin and destination terminal charges may be quoted separately.

Transport Management System

Software for planning and managing transport activity, including bookings, routes, costs and movement updates.

Following a shipment’s progress and checking its recorded movement history. The accuracy and timing depend on the information supplied by the relevant providers.

Funding or financial arrangements supporting trade transactions. Availability, approval, costs and terms depend on the provider and the transaction.

Transit Time

The time expected for a transport movement. Confirm whether the quoted time covers only the main freight leg or the complete door-to-door journey.

Unit Load Device

An aircraft container, or a pallet and net combination, used to group and secure cargo for air transport. Aircraft compatibility and loading limits apply.

United Nations Number

A four-digit identifier for a dangerous substance or group of substances. The number is used with the correct shipping name and other required details.

Verified Gross Mass

The verified total mass of a packed ocean container, including the container itself. It must be provided as required before vessel loading.

Volumetric Weight

A weight calculated from the space cargo occupies. The formula and divisor depend on the service and provider; confirm them before comparing quotes.

Weight or Measurement

A freight-pricing basis comparing weight with volume under the provider’s tariff. The conversion and minimum charge need to be checked.

Receiving and storing goods until they are needed. Storage conditions, access, handling and release instructions should fit the products.

Warehouse Management System

Software used to manage receiving, storage locations, inventory and warehouse tasks such as picking and dispatch.