Glossary

Service of providing inland export transportation from shipper’s premises to the port of loading.    

This is a payment term indicating that charges have been paid on the origin side.  Even a customer with credit can have “prepaid” terms, in which case payment would be collected at origin, and not destination, even if it is … Read More

This is our 5 digit control number that we use.  If you’re shipping 10 containers at a time, we’ll likely have the same number.  However, if you shipping 10 containers spread out over a year, we’ll have one reference number … Read More

If you’re moving your personal effects, you may want to load at your residence.  Sometimes this is not a problem.  Other times, due to liability, truckers are not legally allowed to go all the way to your residential door. In … Read More

The sender of the cargo.  This is the cargo owner before the cargo transfers to the consignee.  This term is often confused with carrier. For example, if you are shipping your own personal effects, you would be the shipper on … Read More

Often referred to as a “20” or “40,” depending on its dimensions, containers have become the standard for any cargo that will fit inside them. Shipping containers come in lengths of 20 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet (though the 45′ … Read More

Charge for goods held in storage facilities (warehouses) under a fixed agreement for periods of time, and which is not included in other arrangement.

Trnasshipping is when your cargo is changes vessels en route.  This can occur when a certain vessel does not go the entire range of your booked route.  For instance, if you book a container from, say, New York to Accra, Ghana, … Read More

USAID is the US Government’s international development arm.  501(c)(3) companies can apply for reimbursement of some shipping costs by becoming a registered PVO.  From USAID’s website, you can read more here.

In air freight, the rate is calculated per unit of weight (e.g. $1.50/kg). However very non-dense cargo takes up significant room without weighing much.  (Think if you were to ship inflated balloons–they weigh almost nothing yet take up valuable room on … Read More

As it pertains to Customs, this is when Customs does not break the container seal or remove your cargo to examine it.  X-ray exams are often less expensive than the full Customs exam, where Customs removes your cargo and inspects it … Read More