Archives: Glossary

Metric Ton. 1 MT = 1000 Kilograms or 2,204.62lbs

Weight of the raw product and does not include the weight of the product’s packaging or container.

Non Governmental Organization

This is the party listed on the Bill of Lading (BL) who the carrier will notify upon arrival (however, in reality, this is not something you should depend on–we recommend being proactive and “chasing the cargo”).  They also have a … Read More

Not for Profit Organization / Non Profit Organization

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier Carrier offering an international cargo transport service through the use of underlying carriers and under their own rate structure in accordance with tariffs filed with the Federal Maritime Commission in Washington D.C.

The Onward segment references the overland portion, often following the ocean segment.  Typically, this is a substantial difference (to another city or country), not a door delivery within the port city.  For example, if your cargo disembarks in Mombasa en route to … Read More

See Bill of Lading.

The Packing Lists is the list of all the cargo for a particular shipment. Here is a sample form you can download and use.

Marine insurance term which refers to partial loss on an individual shipment. Particular–average insurance can usually be obtained, but the loss must be in excess of a certain percentage of the insured value of the shipment.

Issued by the United States Department of Agriculture to certify that the domestic plants or plant products have been inspected according to appropriate procedures, and they are considered to be free from quarantine pests, practically free from other injurious pests, and conform to … Read More

Abbreviation for: Port of Discharge

Abbreviation for: Port of Loading

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