Archives: Glossary

Cargo insurance (also known as marine, shipping or freight insurance) covers the loss, damage or theft of commodities while in transit.

This is the one party who moves the cargo.  The carrier can be a trucker, rail, ocean vessel, or airplane.  Some mistakenly called the carrier the “shipper,” but these are not the same.

Community Based Organization

The consignee is the receiver of the cargo.  Once ownership passes from the shipper, it becomes the consignee’s. For example, if you are shipping a donation to Zimbabwe, you would need to find an organization registered in Zimbabwe to receive … Read More

This is an agent that clears customs on your behalf.  Often they are most needed on the destination side.  It is very important that you pick a Customs broker who is trustworthy and time-tested, as delays in Customs can cost … Read More