Glossary

A
ADR: Agreement regulating the international transport of dangerous goods by road.

B
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor): A surcharge based on changes in fuel prices applied by the shipowner.
Bill of Lading (B/L): A document that serves as the contract for the transportation of goods by sea.
Booking: The process of reserving space on a vessel or aircraft.

C
CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor): A surcharge reflecting changes in currency exchange rates.
Charterer: A person or company that rents a ship or aircraft.
Customs duties: Taxes and charges imposed on goods when they cross borders.

D
Demurrage: Fees charged for exceeding the allotted time for loading or unloading goods.

E
EORI: Economic Operator Registration and Identification number for customs formalities in the EU.
EUR1-EUR2: Documents certifying the origin of goods under preferential trade agreements.
Empotage/Dépotage: The loading and unloading of goods in containers.

F
FCL (Full Container Load): A shipping container filled by one consignee.
FIATA: International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, representing global transport companies.
Freight collect: A payment option where freight is paid upon delivery by the consignee.
Freight rates: The cost charged for transporting goods.

G

General Rate Increase (GRI): A surcharge applied to sea freight rates.

H
HAWB (House Air Waybill): A document detailing the shipment when multiple consignors combine goods.
Handling agent: An entity responsible for packing goods and delivering them to the transport vehicle (ship/aircraft).

I
IATA: International Air Transport Association, which governs air transport regulations.
Incoterm: International Commercial Terms, defining the responsibilities in a shipping contract.

L
LCL (Less than Container Load): A shipping method where multiple consignments share container space.
Lashing: Techniques used to secure cargo or containers aboard ships to prevent movement.

M
MAWB (Master Air Waybill): The primary air waybill that consolidates all individual consignments into a group.

N
NVOCC: A non-vessel operating common carrier, a company that consolidates shipments and offers transport capacity without owning vessels.

P
Packing list: A detailed document outlining the specifics of the goods being shipped.
Palette: A platform used to stack and transport goods.

R
RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off): A shipping method allowing vehicles to be driven on and off ships.
Rider: A type of port equipment used for container handling.

S
SOLAS: Safety regulations for the protection of life at sea.
Shipowner: Individual or company operating a ship.
Slings: Cables or straps used for lifting goods.
Stacking: Storing goods on top of each other.

T
T.I.R notebook: A booklet used for international road transit operations.
Telex Release Bill of Lading: Allows cargo to be released without the original bill of lading being physically present.

U
ULD (Unit Load Device): A container used in air transport for cargo.

V
VGM: Verified Gross Mass, the total weight of a container, required before loading onto ships.