Project Report On Export Documentation and Process

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Submitted by

Sagar Anand
PGDM –IB
Roll No-05

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF PGDM IN INTERNATIONAL


BUSINESS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR -2008-10.

Under the guidance of

Dr. R. Chandran

PIMSR, NEW PANVEL

PILLAI’S INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES & RESEARCH


NEW PANVEL, NAVI MUMBAI

(A recognized institute and given A rank by NACC and affiliated to AICTE)


Export Process & Documentation 2

COVER PAGE

EXPORT PROCESS
AND
DOCUMENTATION
PROJECT REPORT

This project report entitled “Export Process and


Documentation” based on my knowledge and two
month work experience with committed cargo
care Pvt. Ltd. as a summer trainee.

SAGAR ANAND
7/6/2009

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Export Process & Documentation 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Life of human beings is full of interactions.


No one is self-sufficient by himself whenever anyone is doing
some serious and important work a lot of help from the people
concerned is needed & one less specially obliged towards them. I
cannot forget acknowledging them in few words as without the
guidance & co-ordination of them in my project report would not
have been possible.

A large number of individual contributed to this project.


I am thankful to all of them for their help and encouragement.
My writing in this project report has also been influenced by a
number of website and standard textbooks. As far as possible, they
have been fully acknowledged at the appropriate place .I express
my gratitude to all of them.

First of all I owe my heartfelt gratitude to my guide prof.


Mr. Guha and prof. Betty for his noble guidance throughout the
completion of the Project.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Vikram


singh rawat, Branch Manager of committed cargo pvt. Ltd. Navi
Mumbai Branch for giving me an opportunity to work on this project.

I would also like to thank Ms. Kirti, Senior Executive, of


committed cargo pvt. Ltd. for his guidance, inspiration, and
constructive suggestions, which helped me in the Project.

I must also thank the management of committed cargo


pvt. Ltd. to provide excellent opportunity and environment to be able
to pull my project through. Cooperation of the staff is also gratefully
acknowledged.

Last but not least, also give my sincere thanks to all the
people to directly indirectly have help and encourage me in finding the
way to us collecting the requisite information and completing the
project effectively and timely.

Sagar Anand
PGDM (IB)
Roll no. - 05

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Export Process & Documentation 4

GUIDE CERTIFICATE

TO WHOMESOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that the project report titled


“Export Process and Documentation” Offered by
Committed cargo Pvt. Ltd. has been prepared by
Sagar Anand, Roll No.- 05, a student of
PGDM
(Post Graduation Diploma in Management), session
(2008-10) with International Business as major area
of specialization. The study was conducted with
special reference to committed cargo care Pvt. Ltd.
C.B.D. Belapur, Navi Mumbai. I recommend this
project for evaluation.

Place:

Date: (Dr. R. Chandran)


Director

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Export Process & Documentation 5

INDEX
Page No.

Important Abbreviations 6

Introduction of study 9

Objective of study 12

Research Methodology 13

Research Design 14

Scope of the Project 15

Limitations of the study 16

Company Profile 17

Organization Chart 25

Benefits Given by company 26

Theoretical background 27

Data Analysis and Interpretations 58

Findings 68

Bibliography 72

Glossary 73

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Export Process & Documentation 6

Important Abbreviations

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Export Process & Documentation 7

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Export Process & Documentation 8

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Export Process & Documentation 9

INTRODUCTION OF STUDY

This project is all about to know about export import


procedure/ documentation of shipment. This project puts
more focus on to know custom clearness, to make export -
import invoice, to get shipping bill number from custom
department etc. This project will also find out how
Committed cargo Pvt. Ltd. could sustain in the competitive
world by providing vast range of cargo handling through all
instruments which flexible prompt and innovative in
meeting the requirement of the customer. The purpose of
the study was to know about export – import documentation
of seaway in the committed cargo Pvt. Ltd.

The India International Coir Fair-2009, which is


coinciding with the golden jubilee celebrations of the Central
Coir Research Institute, is expected to give further fillip to
coir exports from the country by providing better visibility to
coir products in the global market. The celebration of the
International Year of the Natural Fibre is also expected to
draw greater attention to coir and coir products.

Exceeding target

At a meeting of representatives of the coir exporters with the


Board officials to discuss issues related to exports, Mr V.S.
Vijayaraghavan, Chairman of Coir Board, thanked exporters
for their collective efforts in surpassing the export target last
year, both in quantity and value, despite tremendous odds
and conspicuous global impediments.

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Export Process & Documentation 10

Forex Earnings

Indian coir exports during 2008-09 had touched 1,94,791


tonnes valued at Rs 634 crore, exceeding the target set for
the year.

Coir export was 1,87,566 tonnes valued at Rs 592 crore


during the previous year.

Performance hopes

With the conduct of the India International Coir Fair-2009


and the celebration of the International Year of Natural
Fibre, the Coir Board was confident of better performance
this year.

Mr Vijayaraghavan hoped that the Coir Exporters


Federation would play a leading role in enhancing the
growth of the coir industry in all its dimensions and assured
of the board's full support in taking timely action to redress
the problems of the exporters.

The need to obtain timely governmental sanction to


participate in overseas fairs to achieve greater mileage in the
export market, setting up of a container freight station at
Pollalchi, Tamil Nadu, in view of its growing contribution to
exports and increasing the frequency of the meeting of
exporters with Board officials also received attention at the
meeting held on Monday. It was decided to hold the next
executive committee meeting of the Board at Bangalore on
May 26.

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Export Process & Documentation 11

Sales turnover

The 30-odd Coir Board showrooms spread over the country


had achieved a sales turnover of Rs 11.19 crore, accounting
for 86.10 per cent of the Rs 13-crore target fixed for the year
2008-09. The meeting also considered suggestions to
revamp these showrooms and sales depots through out the
country in tune with the growing expectations of all
sections, especially the upper strata of society in order to
remain competitive in the domestic market. In this
background, Mr Vijayaraghavan was confident of achieving
the revised sales target of Rs 15 crore set for the showrooms
in the country for the current year.

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Export Process & Documentation 12

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objectives of the research were:

 To know about export import process.

 To know what are the documents required before and


after sailing the cargo.

 To know different type of container used in shipment.

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Export Process & Documentation 13

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Collect data/information about cargo through:

 Primary data collection:-

 E-mail

 Telephone

 Invoice

 Packing List

 Secondary data collection:-

 Invoice

 Packaging list

 Shipping bill

 Internet

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RESEARCH DESIGN

Research design is the based framework, which provides


guidelines for the research process. It is a map or blue print according
to which the research is to be conducts. The research design specifies
the methods for data collection & data analysis determine the source
of data. Most specifically it was a kind of “Descriptive conclusive
research” who takes care of who, when, where, what, how and why
aspects of the investigation further the researcher used the statistical
method to serve he purpose of project, it permitted the research to
derive more accurate generalization whose reliability could be
measured.

CENTRE : ALL OVER INDIA

RESEARCH : EXPLORATORY

RESEARCH TECHNIQUE : QUALITATIVE & QUANNTATIVE

TOOL USED : TELEPHONIC & E-MAIL

DATA SOURCE : PRIMARY & SECONDARY

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SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of marketing research could cover the business


problems relating to the followings.

 Types of consumers that compromise present and potential markets.

 Buying habits and pattern of consumption

 Size and location of different markets, not only in India but also
overseas.

 The prospects for growth or construction for the current markets being
served.

 New mantras of emerging segments.

 Marketing and manufacturing capabilities of competitors.

 Most suitable entry timing.

 The current and prospective competitive position.

 Chances of improvement of current channels.

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LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

 Not a panacea

 Not an exact science

 Limitation of time

 Erroneous findings

 Not exact tool for forecasting

 In experience research staff

 Narrow conception of marketing research

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COMPANY PROFILE

INTRODUCTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

Overview
 
An ISO 9001:2000 Company Incorporated head quarter in
the national capital Delhi, India and specializes in handling Import &
Export Cargo. Earning and maintaining a reputation for dependable
and complete worldwide cargo movement solutions with the motto
“Customer Pride” achieved this longevity in the volatile cargo industry.
 
Committed Group has established its hub at Los Angeles, Toronto,
Shanghai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ludhiana and a reliable network of
associate offices in India and world over and is specialized in
forwarding of cargos choosing the most convenient and cost effective
transportation method by air, courier, sea and truck any time &
anywhere around the globe.
 
Committed Group management has the right mix of experience and
commitment and is fast to adapt to new emerging technology. Its well-
established network and tracking software enables to provide fast and
reliable information to its client. Thus capable of handling –

 Packaging

 Warehousing

 Freight forwarding

 Clearance of Export and Import Cargo

 Commercial, Diplomatic and Non-Diplomatic Consignment.

 Projects

Mission Statement
 
“To be focused as a pro-active cargo gateway by anticipating and
reacting to each stage of a shipment's transit with commitment and to
experience strategic growth of a highly respected and recognized cargo
company in the Industry”.

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Export Process & Documentation 18

Team
 
The Committed Group management team brings together leaders with
a wealth of expertise from various industries, including
transportation, logistics, cargo management, professional services and
customer service.

These individuals form a strong foundation that provides


vision and support to a growing team of talented, dedicated
professionals working to adopt and deliver professional freight
forwarding solutions and custom clearance.
 
The Operational team at Committed Group comprising of more than
50 in-house trained energetic and aggressive group of employees with
several years of experience in the international freight forwarding plus
an protracted experience in the reputable shipping lines and airlines.
 
Thus, with strong gamut of professional from cargo industry under
one roof help Committed Group to adopt the "Total Freight
Management" approach, a feature of which is the handling of client
cargo on a door-to-door basis.

This approach ensures the correct management of cargo


in a cost-efficient and professional way at competitive price and feels
Committed Group is the RIGHT PARTNER FOR YOU.

Services

 Air Freight

 Custom Clearance

 Document Processing

 Multi Modal Facility

 3 PL & Supply Chain Management

 Packaging & Warehousing

 Tracking & Tracing

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Export Process & Documentation 19

Multi Modal Facility

At Committed Group it is a single window contract for the carriage of


goods by at least two or more different modes of transport. Thus,
providing a permutation-combination between air- ocean-surface
modes to reduce the cost of transportation. This includes Door pick to
Door delivery and a complete logistics support constituting of:

» Origin Pickup/Trucking.
» Warehousing if required.
» Customs Clearance & Documentation at origin.
» Origin charges payable like THC, B/L Fee etc.
» Carriage by Sea or Air by payment of Freight.
» Inland Trucking if required.
» Customs Clearing of goods at destination and Warehousing if need be.
» Door Delivery of the cargo.
 
Committed Group operates as Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO)
providing the end 2 end services like:

DDP: Delivered Duty Paid Shipments.

DDU: Delivered Duty Unpaid Shipments.

CI Shipments: Cargo picked up on cost and insurances terms

CF Shipments: Cargo picked up on cost and freight paid terms

CIF Shipments: Cargo picked up on cost Insurance and freight paid


terms.

FOB: Free on Board Shipment. Only Port to port or Apt to Apt service
by Carrier.

Ex Works: Pick up if cargo from shipper’s warehouse/factory.

Multimodal Transport (MT) Document


Services along with logistic documentation evidencing a multimodal
transport contract which can be replaced by electronic data
interchange messages insofar as permitted by applicable law and be

(a)Issued in a negotiable form or,

(b) Issued in a non-negotiable form indicating a named consignee.


 
Taken in charge means that the goods have been handed over to and
accepted for carriage by the MTO for delivery.

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Delivery of the Cargo through Multimodal facility

This is done after completion of various documentation and


formalities after the arrival of the shipment at destination.

The Cargo delivery is subject to various terms and conditions to be


fulfilled by the consignee as listed below:

1. Payment of all applicable charges to the delivery agent of the


carrier.
2. On presentation of Duly Endorsed Original Bill of Lading (for Sea /
Ocean Shipments).
3. For Air shipments, an Authority Letter is required.
4. Original DIC.
5. In case of shipments under L/C, the designated Bank need to
endorse the Bill of Lading or issue 
    A Bank Release Order in favour of the carrier.
 
Committed Group as an MTO undertakes to perform or to procure the
performance of all acts necessary to ensure delivery of the goods /
cargo with responsibility:
 
(a) When the MT document has been issued in a negotiable form
"to bearer", to the person surrendering one original of the
document, or

(b) When the MT document has been issued in a negotiable form


"to order", to the person surrendering one original of the document
duly endorsed, or

(c) When the MT document has been issued in a negotiable form to a


named person, to that person upon

     Proof of his identity and surrender of one original document; if


such document has been transferred "to Order" or in blank the
provisions of (b) above apply, or

(d) When the MT document has been issued in a non-negotiable form,


to the person named as consignee in the document upon proof of his
identity, or

(e) When no document has been issued, to a person as instructed by


the consignor or by a person who has acquired the consignor's or the
consignee's rights under the multimodal transport contract to give
such instructions.
 

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Export Process & Documentation 21

Period of responsibility

The responsibility of Committed Cargo Care Pvt. Ltd. as a


Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) for the goods under these Rules
covers the period from the time the MTO has taken the goods in his
charge to the time of their delivery.

The multimodal transport operator shall be responsible for


the acts and omissions of its employee or agents, when any such
employee or agent is acting within the scope of his employment, or of
any other person of whose services he makes use for the performance
of the contract, as if such acts and omissions were his own.

Packaging & Warehousing

Packaging at Committed Group

Committed Group employs professional packers and experienced


supervisors who are trained packing and packaging. We specialize in
handling fragile / heavy / oversized cargo. For packaging, we use
material like craft paper / soft papers, corrugated rolls & boxes, air
bubble pack rolls, polythene & polypropylene, and masking tape, etc.
depending upon the requirement.

We design fabrication and assembly of crating material for


packaging machinery and equipment for storage or shipment and
usage of correct primary protective packing materials to insulate
machinery and equipment from moisture, corrosion and excessive
shock. Crating and the use of machines to execute packing and
moving operations has resulted in accolades and sustained patronage
by clients in India and abroad.
 
Warehousing at Committed Group

Committed Group offer warehousing facilities to support export -


import activities. The warehousing facilities are very helpful to
accelerate the transportation of goods, especially for cargos with LCL
Status. We use authorised warehouses located worldwide.

Further to our covered warehousing facilities are provided for


storing of FMCG, industrial and high-end sophisticated products on
transit. The warehouses are equipped with dedicated loading and
unloading bays.

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Export Process & Documentation 22

At Committed Group storage areas of warehouses are demarcated to


identify each location. Our distribution centres offer ample space for
palletizing, crating and packing services according to customers’
specifications.

3 PL & Supply Chain Management

At Committed Group, we define functional experience, expertise,


speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to manage your freight efficiently
everytime.

As an experienced provider of 3PL (Third Party Logistics) 24 x 7,


we provide a total supply chain solution for your logistics and freight
management needs. Our ongoing goal is to simplify the shipping
process for our clients by finding the best rates and then smoothly
coordinating all aspects of the shipment from pick-up to ship to
delivery for our E2E, B2E, B2B, B2C and C2C clientele base.

At Committed Group, we practice logistics. We can develop a


comprehensive project plan for your organization, deploy a project
team, and remain with your team through the implementation and
start-up. We analyze existing processes, from initiation of an order
through fulfillment, and evaluate modal selection, carrier utilization,
and existing cost structures. We formulate a customized solution for
your unique needs.
Committed group is a hub-based third party fulfilment and logistics
company servicing both domestic and international needs.

Services include: Complete Supply Chain Operations: End-to-


End

 Full Case Pick Modules

 Split Case Pick Modules

 Tilt Tray Sorter

 Sliding Shoe Sorter

 CAPS Line

 Pick-to-Light

 Kitting

 Product/Process QA Management

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 Performance-driven Controls

 Standard and Customized Reporting

 Inventory control

 Private and Public Delivery Network

 Invoicing

 Call Centre Support

 Diverse Product Categories Returns processing

 Assembly and inbound / outbound freight management.

 Accounts Management, and advanced in-house Systems


Support.

 A-frame and Real-Time RF-Controlled Inventory System

Along with state-of-the-art distribution, our 3PL and SCM


services offers clients around the clock full service fulfilment support.
Additional services available: extensive print support, product
packaging and ware housing.

Our 3PL solution and Supply Chain Management enables cost savings
and better route planning

 Ability to connect customers and their supply chain partners


through a real-time information hub

 10-15% reduction in transportation costs

 Real-time monitoring of inventory, orders and events

 Intelligent order sourcing across multiple stocking locations

 10-15% cost improvement for fleets

Tracking & Tracing

Committed Group big advantages offer to our customers is the


one stop online track and trace facility. Through this site you now

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have the ability to monitor your consignments online or web access at


any time, day or night, without the need to constantly refer back to
your forwarder. Our system offers access on a 24/7 basis for all
consignments shipped by road, sea and air.

Updated daily, the moment you entrust your consignment


given a reference number and subsequently logged on our system the
same day. All customers are assigned unique login details to allow
immediate tracking of their consignments. The unique login codes
ensure total security by baring others from viewing the same
information. The accessible information is kept on a secure location
and is accessed through a strict password system. The information
available from our track and trace facility is flexible and can be
tailored to your individual needs. Thus, a global network of contacts
and our combined wealth of experience ensure that your shipments
are transported effectively and efficiently. Committed Group Track and
Trace facility is available for obtaining your freight consignment status
with most major Airlines.

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Export Process & Documentation 25

ORGANISATION CHART

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BENEFITS GIVEN BY COMPANY

 Origin Pickup/Trucking.

 Warehousing if required.

 Customs Clearance & Documentation at origin.

 Origin charges payable like THC, B/L Fee etc.

 Carriage by Sea or Air by payment of Freight.

 Inland Trucking if required.

 Customs Clearing of goods at destination and


Warehousing if need be.

 Door Delivery of the cargo.


 

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THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

LOGISTICS SYSTEM

Logistics is defined by the council of Logistics, Ohio USA as the

Process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, co-


effective flow and storage flow and storage of raw materials, in process
inventory finished goods and related information from point of origin
to point consumption. More simply, the objective of Logistics System
is that the right products reach the right place in the right quantity at
the right time to satisfy customer demand.

ELEMENTS OF LOGISTICS SYSTEM

 Nature of Product

 Location of Manufacturing Plant

 Availability of infrastructure such as Road

 Availability of different modes of transportation

 Dealer/Distributor Network

 Government Policy

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Nature of Product

Location of
Government
Manufacturing
Policy
Plant

Element of
Logistics
System
Availability of
Dealer/Distributor infrastructure
Network. such as road,
Ports ,Airports etc

Availability of
different modes of
transportation.

ELEMENTS OF LOGISTICS SYSTEM

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Export Process & Documentation 29

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

 AIR TRANSPORT

 OCEAN TRANSPORT

 RAIL TRANSPORT

 ROAD TRANSPORT

OCEAN TRANSPORT

More than 95 per cent of international trade is conduced by sea


routes since ancient times, sea routes are being used for
transportation of cargo from one continent or country to Coastal
shipping is also used for transporting the cargo from one port
within the country to another.

For example in India the cargo can be transported from Chennai


port to Visakhapatnam port using the costal shipping route.

Sea routes are used for carrying bulj


commodities like such as coaling and thermal coal mires, fertilizers
rock phosphate etc, and liquid go like crude oil ammonium acids
etc Ideally the goods with high volume and kiw vakye are suited
die ocean transport in the era of containerisation even the high
value cargo can be safely enabled the cargo carrying capacities of
the ship to increase many fold.

In 1956, the first containerised ship belonging


to sea land corp. carried 58 twenty feet containers. The modern
ships have the capacity to carry 7000 containers.

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Export Process & Documentation 30

One of the biggest ships owned by Maersk-sea


land is 1,138 feet long from end to end and 140 feet wide at mid
ship. Such ships are called Post-Panamax ship.

Cargo ship categorised into followings:-

 Liners ships : Liners ship represent the organized sector


of the shipping industries due to their fixed schedules of arrival and
departure, Pre-determined voyages and trade routes and published
ocean freight rates. Liner shipping is governed by shipping conference
and offers the following advantage to shippers:-

 Regular sailings to scheduled ports of call.

 Stable freight rates for a long period of time which helps the
shipper to quote C & F prices with confidence.

 Uniform rates for all shippers.

 Coverage of wide range of ports.

 Rebates of freight rates based on loyalty agreements.

 Tramp ships:- Tramp ships on the other hand have


the following characteristics –

 They are free to move anywhere on the high seas at their


will.

 Their voyage routes and schedules are flexible.

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Export Process & Documentation 31

 They travel from the port to another port o various trade


routes looking for the cargo and carrying the same to various
routes looking for the cargo and carrying the same to various
destinations around the world.

 They arrive or depart without a fixed route or schedule.

 They fix their voyages according to availability of cargo


and as per the requirement of the shippers of these
cargoes.

 The freight rates of tram ships depend upon the


demand and supply conditions in the shipping
industry. If there is a glut of shipping space the tramp
freight rates plummet. Whereas in case of shortage of
shipping space, the tramp freight rates shoot up.

 The cargo space on the tramps is booked by the


brokers located in major port cities like New York,
London, Rotterdam Hamburg, and Hong- Kong etc.
They work as a link between tramp operators and
shippers.

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TYPE OF CONTAINER USED IN


SHIPMENT
HIGHCUBE REEFERS
BULKERS
FLAT RACKS DRY CONTAINER

TANKS ROOLTRALERS OPEN TOPS

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STANDARD CONTAINER
STANDARD CONTAINERS:

Standard 20'

inside inside Inside door door tare Maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

19'4" 7'8" 7'10" 7'8" 7'6" 1,172CuFt 4,916lbs 47,900lbs

5.900m 2.350m 2.393m 2.342m 2.280m 33.2CBM 2,230Kg 21,770Kg

Standard 40'

inside inside Inside door door tare Maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

FLAT RACK CONTAINER

Flat rack 20'

inside inside inside door door tare maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

18'5" 7'3" 7'4" - - - 5,578lbs 47,333lbs

5.620m 2.200m 2.233m - - - 2,530Kg 21,470Kg

Flat rack 40'

inside inside inside door door tare maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

39'7" 6'10" 6'5" - - - 12,081lbs 85,800lbs

12.080m 2.438m 2.103m - - - 5,480Kg 39,000Kg

FLATT RACK COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER

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Flat rack Collapsible 20'

inside inside inside door door tare Maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

18'6" 7'3" 7'4" - - - 6,061lbs 61,117lbs


5.618m 2.208m 2.233m - - - 2,750Kg 17,730Kg

Flat rack Collapsible 40'

inside inside inside door door tare Maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

39'7" 6'10" 6'5" - - - 12,081lbs 85,800lbs


12.080m 2.126m 2.043m - - - 5,800Kg 39,000Kg

REEFER COINTAINER

Reefer 20'

inside inside inside door door tare maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

17'8" 7'5" 7'5" 7'5" 7'3" 1,000CuFt 7,040lbs 45,760lbs

5.425m 2.275m 2.260m 2.258m 2.216m 28.3CBM 3,200Kg 20,800Kg

Reefer 40'

inside inside inside door door tare maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

37'8" 7'5" 7'2" 7'5" 7'0" 2,040CuFt 10,780lbs 56,276lbs

11.493m 2.270m 2.197m 2.282m 2.155m 57.8CBM 4,900Kg 25,580Kg

REEFER HIGH CUBE CONTAINER

Reefer High Cube 40'

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Export Process & Documentation 35

inside Inside inside door door tare maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

37'11" 7'6" 8'2" 7'6" 8'0" 2,344CuFt 9,900lbs 57,761lbs

11.557m 2.294m 2.500m 2.294m 2.440m 66.6CBM 4,500Kg 25,980Kg

HIGH CUBE CONTAINER

HIGH CUBE 40'

inside Inside inside door door tare Maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

39'5" 7'8" 8'10" 7'8" 8'5" 2,694CuFt 8,750lbs 58,450lbs

12.036m 2.350m 2.697m 2.338m 2.338m 76.3CBM 3,970Kg 26,510Kg

PLATEFORM CONTAINER

PLATFORM 20'

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Export Process & Documentation 36

inside inside inside door door tare Maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

19'11" 8'0" 7'4" - - - 6,061lbs 52,896lbs

6.058m 2.438m 2.233m - - - 2,750Kg 24,000Kg

PLATFORM 40'

inside inside inside door door tare Maxi


capacity
length width height width height weight cargo

40'0" 8'0" 6'5" - - - 12,783lbs 86,397lbs

12.180m 2.400m 1.950m - - - 5,800Kg 39,200Kg

International Transaction

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EXPORT PROCEDURE AND DOCUMENTATION

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In India, ships transport more than 90 per cent of the cargo. It


therefore interesting to study the export processed by ship
documentation related to it.
Processing of an export order-----

Exporter operation starts with the receipt of enquiry by the


i.
exporter from importer. Bar on the enquiry exporter submits his
offer giving complete details of products technical specific price
delivery payment terms etc.

After the process negotiations importer sends a purchase order


ii.
follow by letter of credit (if applicable).

The exporter manufactures the goods according to the


iii.
specification given in purchase order.

As soon as the goods are ready the exporters invites the


iv.
representative of Export inspections agency (EIA) for pre
shipment inspection and obtain the certificate of inspection.

After that, the exporter prepared following documents:----


v.

INVOICE

PACKING LIST

ARE1 FROM EXSICE DEPARTMENT

MARINE INSURANCE POLICY

COPY OF PURCHASE ORDER / L/C

Above those documentation sends to CHA by exporter.
vi.

Based on these documents CHA agent completes the octroi


vii.
formalities, obtain port permit and prepare shipping bill which
is a customs documents.

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Custom department check the export cargo on the basis of


viii.
information provided on the shipping bill. If satisfy then cargo
allow to loaded on the board of ship.

The shipping line gives mate receipts to CHA agents after the
ix.
payment of ocean freights and port due obtains the bill of lading
(B/L) from shipping line .B/L is a proof of dispatch of cargo and
also a negotiable document.

After that, CHA agent send various documents back to exporter


x.
which is—
Customs attested invoice

Copy of shipping bill


Full set of non board bill of lading.


Copy of purchase order or L/C


Copies of ARE1 Form


SDF form

After that the exporter submitted above these documents for


xi.
negotiation to the bank which include :----
Commercial invoice

Packing list

SDF form

Original copy of purchases order


Certificate of origin

Bill of exchange

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Shipment advice

After that, bank scrutinizes these documents and if found correct


make payment to exporter against documentations.

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INVOICE

CERTIFICATE

CUSTOMS DOCUMENT

EXPORT
TRANSPORT DOCUMENT
DOCUMENTATION
EXCHANGE CONTROL
DOCUMENT.

PAYMENT
DOCUMENT.

MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENT

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EXPORT INVOICE

ELEMENT OF EXPORT INVOICE:-

 Exporter

 Consignee

 Invoice No. and Date

 Exporter Ref.

 Buyer order no and date

 Other reference

 Buyer (other than consignee)

 Country of origin of goods

 Country of final destination

 Terms of delivery and Payment

 Pre-carriage by

 Place of receipt by pre-carrier

 Vessel/ Flight no.

 Port of loading

 Port of discharge

 Final Destination

 Marks and Nos. / No & Kind of pkgs.

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 Item code

 Description of goods

 Net weight

 Gross weight

 Quantity

 Rate CIF EURO

 Amount CIF EURO

 Amount in words

 Declaration:

 Authorised signature

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DATA ANALYSIS

How Big is a Cubic Meter?


Calculation: Length x Width x Height divided by 1728 = cubic feet
divided by 35 = cubic meters.

23 BOOK 11 MEDIUM
BOXES BOXES 8 LARGE BOXES
= one cubic meter

13x13x17 inches
18x18x17 inches 18x18x24 inches
1.5 cubic feet
3.1 Cubic Feet 4.5 Cubic Feet
0.043 Cubic    
0.091 Cubic Meters 0.125 Cubic Meters
Meters (approx) (approx)
(approx)
Or mix and match:

= one cubic
 
meter

= one cubic
meter

= one cubic
meter

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Air freight calculation

Introduction

Airlines that are members of the International Air Transport


Association (IATA) are bound by their membership to
comply with tariffs issued by IATA. However since 11th
September 2002, airfreight rates are now extremely
negotiable. Airfreight rates cover transportation from the
airport of loading to the airport of discharge.

These rates do not include the following:

 Collection of air cargo from the consignor's/exporters


premises
 Delivery of cargo from the airport of destination to the
consignee's premises
 Storage of cargo before or after loading
 Customs clearance in the country of destination
 Any duties and taxes that may have to be paid
 Insurance

Chargeable/volumetric weight

Airline freight rates are based on a "chargeable weight",


because the volume or weight that can be loaded into an
aircraft is limited. The chargeable weight of a shipment will
be either the "actual gross mass" or the "volumetric weight",
whichever is the highest. The chargeable weight is
calculated as follows: 1 metric ton = 6 cubic metres. In
order to establish if the cargo will be a weight or volumetric
based shipment.

Step 1

Measure the parcel/cargo along the greatest length, width


and height of that parcel. For example; 100 cm (L) X 100 cm
(W) X 100 cm (H) = 1 000 000 cm3. Next, weigh the parcel;
assume it weighs 150kg.

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Step 2

Now divide the 1 000 000 cm3 by 6 000 = 166,66 kg. You
have now converted the centimeters (cm) into kilograms (kg)

Step 3

Now compare the weight to the volume. If the weight is 150


kg then the airline would base the freight on the higher
amount being: 166,66 kg

Air freight calculations

The airline calculates freight based on weight or volume,


which ever yields the greatest amount. Airlines quote freight
rates based on the following rate structures:

 A basic minimum charge per shipment.


 General cargo rates quoted for per kilogram. This rate
applies without reference to the nature or description
of the parcel, which is to be freighted.
 Specific commodity rates apply to certain goods of
specific descriptions, such as fresh produce. These
rates are lower than the general cargo rate, and they
provide breakpoints at which the level of the rate
reduces further.

Example:
0 - 50 Kg @ R22.00/per kg
50 - 100 Kg @ R19.00 per kg
100 - 150 Kg @ R17.00 per kg

Unit Load Device charges

These rates are charged per container/ULD without


reference to the commodity loaded therein. Calculation of
freight rates:

Let us assume the following figures:


The freight rate is R18.00 per kg
The weight of the parcel is 300 kg
The dimensions are: 114,6 cm X 120,4cm X 132,5 cm
(round the cm's up or down)

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Therefore: 115 cm X 120 X 133 cm = 1 835 400 divide by 6


000 = 305.9 kg (having converted cm's to kg's now round up
the kg's to the next half a kilogram = 306 kg.
As the freight rate quoted by the airline is R18.00 per kg, we
calculate the price as follows:
306 kg X R18/kg = R5 508.00

The freight rate will not be calculated on the actual mass


300 kg X R18.00 = R5 400.00 as the airline will always use
the greater amount either the kg, or volumetric weight.

Consolidation

Consolidation is an economical method of moving cargo by


employing a consolidator. The consolidator receives cargo
from a number of suppliers/shippers and then combines
these cargoes into one consignment by packing the goods
into a Unit Load Device. The consolidator then books the
Unit Load Device with an airline. The supplier/shipper
would have a contract of carriage with the consolidator of
the cargo and in turn the airline would have a contract of
carriage with the consolidator. The airline would issue an
air waybill to the consolidator when accepting the Unit Load
Device and in turn the consolidator would issue the
supplier/shipper with a house air waybill.

The air waybill

The air waybill, unlike the ocean bill of lading is not a


document of title to the goods described therein, however it
does perform several similar functions these are:

 It is a receipt for the goods


 It is evidence of the contract of carriage between the
exporter and the carrier
 It incorporates full details of the consignor/shipper,
the consignee/receiver and the consignment/goods
 It is an invoice showing the full freight amount
 It must be produced, be it in an electronic format, at
the airport of discharge for clearing purposes

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All copies of the air waybill, together with the commercial


invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and any other
document which may be necessary for clearing the goods
through customs, these documents are carried in the flight
captain's bag.

Sea freight calculations

Introduction

Seafreight calculations can broadly be divided into two main


components; breakbulk and containerised. In this section
we deal with how you should calculate the freight costs of
both of these two types of seafreight.

Break bulk cargo calculations

Break bulk cargo, is cargo that is unitised, palletised or


strapped. This cargo is measured along the greatest length,
width and height of the entire shipment. The cargo is also
weighed. Shipping lines quote break bulk cargo per "freight
ton", which is either 1 metric ton or 1 cubic metre, which
ever yields the greatest revenue.

Example:
A case has a gross mass of 2 Mt.
The dimensions of the cargo are:
2.5 X 1 X 2 metres
The tariff rate quoted by the shipping line is: USD 110.00
weight or measure (freight ton)

Step 1

Multiply the metres 2.5 X 1 X 2 = 5 metres Compare to the


mass = 2 Mt.

Step 2

Calculate the freight with the greater amount either the


mass or the dimension. 5 X USD 110.00 = USD 550.00

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Freight would be paid on the measurement and not the


weight. All shipping lines carrying cargo in a break-bulk
form insist on payment based on a minimum freight charge
which is equivalent to one freight ton, one cubic metre or
one metric ton.

Full Container load calculations and surcharges

Freight rates for containers are based on the container as a


unit of freight irrespective of the commodity or commodities
loaded therein, (FAK) Freight All Kinds. The shipping lines
quote per box (container) either a six or twelve metre
container. From time to time, abnormal or exceptional costs
arise in respect of which no provision has been made in the
tariffs. For example a shipping line cannot predict the
movement of the US Dollar or the sudden increase of the
international oil price. These increases have to be taken into
account by the shipping line in order to ensure that the
shipping line continues to operate at a profit. These
increases are called surcharges. All shipping lines
accordingly retain the right to impose an adjustment factor
upon their rates taking into account these fluctuations. All
surcharges are expressed as a percentage of the basic
freight rate. Surcharges are regularly reviewed in the light of
unforeseen circumstances, which may arise and bring cause
for a surcharge increase.

Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)

"Bunkers" is the generic name given to fuels and lubricants


that provide energy to power ships. The cost of bunker oil
fluctuates continually and with comparatively little warning.

Example:
Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ BAF 5.2%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 5.2% = US Dollar 65.00

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Add the two amounts together


Freight rate: U S Dollar 1 315.00

Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF)

The currency adjustment factor is a mechanism for taking


into account fluctuations in exchange rates, these
fluctuations occur when expenses are paid in one currency
and monies earned in another by a shipping company. The
currency adjustment factor is a mechanism for taking into
account these exchange rate fluctuations. It is always
expressed as a percentage of the basic freight and is subject
to regular review.

Example:
Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ CAF 6.3%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 6.3% = US Dollar 78.75
Add the two amounts together
Freight rate: U S Dollar 1 328.75

War Surcharge

The outbreak of hostilities between nations can have a


serious effect upon carriers servicing international trade
even though they may sail under a neutral flag. Carriers
sailing within the vicinity of a war zone may impose a war
surcharge on freight to compensate for the higher risks
involved and the higher levels of insurance premium, which
they may be obliged to pay.

Example:
Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ WAR 5%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 5% = US Dollar 62.50
Add the two amounts together
Freight rate: U S Dollar 1 35.50

All of the above surcharges may be applied to a single


freight rate.

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Example:
Freight rate: Port Elizabeth to Singapore
Freight rate: US Dollar: 1 250.00 per 6-M container
+ BAF 5.2%
+ CAF 6.3%
+ WAR 5%
Total amount of surcharge 16.5%
US Dollar 1 250.00 X 16.5% = US Dollar 206.25
(add to freight rate)
US Dollar 1 456.25

Port Congestion Surcharge

Congestion in a port for a period of time can involve


considerable idle time for vessels serving that port. When a
ship lies idle, this creates a huge amount of loss for the
ship's owner. Shipping lines therefore have the right to
impose a surcharge on the freight to recover revenue lost.
Another factor which influences port congestion surcharge
would be labour disputes. Port congestion surcharges are
calculated as a percentage of the freight rate as expressed in
the previous examples.

Consolidation services

The consolidator or groupage operator hires a container


from a shipping line and then sells that space to his
clients/exporters. The benefit for the exporter is that small
quantities which, would not fill a full container load, can be
shipped by sea freight in a shipping container as an
alternative to air freighting the goods. The consolidator
would charge per metric ton or cubic metre, which ever
yields the greatest. Example: US Dollar 89.00 Weight or
Measure. The shipping line would have a contract of
carriage with the consolidator and in turn the consolidator
would have a contract of carriage with the exporter. The
consolidator would be issued with an combined through bill
of lading from the shipping line and then present the
exporter with a house bill of lading (See bill of lading below)

The bill of lading

The bill of lading performs the following functions:

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 A contract of carriage between the shipper of the cargo


and the carrying shipping company.
 The name of the shipper and the receiver of the goods
the consignee.
 The contents of the packages as declared by the
shipper.
 Shipping details such as: port of loading and the port
of discharge.
 The bill of lading is a freight invoice and indicates if
the freight costs have been prepaid by the exporter or
will be paid by the importer, "freight collect".
 The bill of lading states the number of packages,
weight and dimension of the shipment.
 It is a document of title to the goods stated thereon.

Every original bill of lading signed by or on behalf of the


shipping company is a document of title to the underlying
goods. This special function of a bill of lading is achieved by
a form of words which state: "In witness whereof the
undersigned on behalf of the shipping company has signed
three bills of lading all of this tenor and date, one of which
being accomplished the others to stand void".
"Accomplishing" the bill of lading requires the surrender to
the shipping line or its agents in the port or place of
destination one of the signed original bills of lading duly
endorsed by the consignee/importer. Unless and until one
of the original bills of lading as described above is
surrendered, the shipping line will not release the cargo to
the consignee/importer. Upon surrender of any one of the
originals the other originals bills of lading become void.

Endorsed Bills of Lading

Bills of lading can only be issued with the words "shipped


on board", if the cargo has actually been loaded onto the
named vessel at the port of loading. By insisting that the
exporter supplies the importer with a "shipped on board" bill
of lading, the importer obtains conclusive evidence that the
goods have been loaded on board the intended vessel.

Some importers insist that the exporter presents "shipped


on board" bills as a condition for payment. "Received for

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shipment", bills of lading can be issued as soon as the goods


have been delivered into the custody of the carrying
shipping company or its agent either at the point of receipt
or at the port of loading. Thus, a 'received for shipment", bill
of lading will only indicate the ship in which the cargo is
intended to be loaded on. The risk remains that the loading
may, for many reasons delayed or the cargo may not be
loaded at all.

Banks responsible for the payment of funds in payment for


goods under letters of credit will not release the funds if the
bill of lading has been endorsed "received for shipment".

FINDINGS

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IMPORTER

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PURCHASES ORDER / L/C

EXPORTER
CERTIFICAT INVOICE PACKING GR ARE1 MARINE
E OF LIST FORM FORM INSURANCE
INSPECTION POLICY

CUSTOMS SHIPPING FULL COPY DUPLICATE DUPLICATE


ATTESTED BILLS SET OF OF L/C COPY ARE COPY GR
INVOICE ON FORM FORM
BOARD
BILL OF
LADING
C & F AGENT

EXPORTER
COMMERCI PACKIN DUPLICA NEGOTIAB ORIGI CERTIFICATE BILL OF
AL INVOICE G LIST TE COPY LE COPIES NAL OF ORIGIN EXCHANG
GR FORM OF B/L L/C E

NEGOTIATING BANK

L/C AMOUNT SHIPPING DOCUMENT

EXPORTER IMPORTER

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Export Import Documentation - Prof. D.C. pai


Logistics in International Business - Prof. Rajeev Aserkar

REFERENCES – INTERNET

www.committedgroup.com
www.google.co.in
www.ask.com
www.exit.net

GLOSSARY INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT


TERMS

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ABI - Automated Brokerage Interface: Is a system available to U.S.


Customs Brokers with the computer capabilities and customs certification
to transmit and exchange customs entries and other information,
facilitating prompt release of imported cargo.
Acceptance: A time draft (or bill of exchange) which the drawee has
accepted and is unconditionally obligated to pay at maturity. Drawee's act
in receiving a draft and thus entering into the obligation to pay its value at
maturity. An agreement to purchase goods under specified terms.
Add Hoc Charter: A one-off charter operated at the necessity of an
airline or charterer.
Ad Valorem ("according to the value"): A fixed percentage of the
value of
goods that is used to calculate customs duties and taxes.
Admiralty Court: Is a court having jurisdiction over maritime questions
pertaining to ocean transport, including contracts, charters, collisions, and
cargo damages.
Advance Against Documents: Load made on the security of the
documents
covering the shipment.
Advising Bank: A bank that receives a letter of credit from an issuing
bank,
verifies its authenticity, and forwards the original letter of credit to the
exporter without obligation to pay.
Advisory Capacity: A term indicating that a shipper's agent or
representative is not empowered to make definite decisions or adjustment
without the approval of the group or individual represented.
Affiliate: Is a company that controls, or is controlled by another
company, or is one of two or more commonly controlled companies.
Airfreightment: An agreement by a steamship line to provide cargo
space on a vessel at a specified time and for a specified price to
accommodate an exporter or importer, who then becomes liable for
payment even though he is later unable to make the shipment.
Agency Agreement: The steamship line appoints the steamship agent
and
defines the specific duties and areas of responsibility of that agent.
Air Cargo Agent: Is a type of freight forwarder who specializes in air
cargo and acts for airlines that pay him a fee (usually 5%). He is
registered with theInternational Air Transport Association, IATA (See
also Air Freight Forwarder; Forwarder, Freight Forwarder, Foreign
Freight Forwarder).
Air Freight Forwarder: Is a type of freight forwarder who specializes in
air

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cargo. He usually consolidates the air shipments of various exporters,


charging them for actual weight and deriving his profit by paying the
airline the lower consolidated rate. He issues his own air waybills to the
exporters, is licensed by the CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board) and has the
status of an indirect air carrier (See also Air Cargo Agent, Forwarder,
Freight Forwarder, Foreign Freight Forwarder.)
Air Waybill: A bill of landing that covers both international and
domestic flights transporting goods to a specified destination. This is a
non-negotiable documents of air transport that serves as a receipt for the
shipper, indicating that the carrier has accepted the goods listed and
obligates itself to carry the consignment to the airport of destination
according to specified conditions.
AITA: International Air Transport Association, IATA, (French, German).
All-Risk Clause: Is an insurance provision that all loss or damage to
goods is insured except that of inherent vice (self caused). (See All Risk
Insurance).
All Risk Insurance: Is a clause included in marine insurance policies to
cover loss and damage from external causes, such as fire, collision,
pilferage, etc. but not against innate flaws in the goods, such as decay,
germination, nor against faulty packaging, improper packing/ loading or
loss of market, nor against war, strikes, riots and civil commotions (See
Marine Insurance)
Alongside: A phrase referring to the side of a ship. Goods to be delivered
"alongside" are to be placed on the dock or barge within reach of the
transport ship's tackle so that they can be loaded abroad the ship.
Arbitration Clause: Is a standard clause to be included in the contracts
of
exporters and importers, as suggested by the American Arbitration
Association. It states that any controversy or claim will be settled by
arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration
Association.
Assignment: The transfer of the rights, duties, responsibilities and/or
benefits of an agreement, contract, or financial instrument to third party.
Assignment of Proceeds: A stipulation within a letter of credit in which
some or all of the proceeds are assigned from the original beneficiary to
one or more additional beneficiaries.
A.T.: American Terms (Marine Insurance) A term used to differentiate
between the conditions of American Policies from those of other nations,
principally England.
Automated Brokerage Interface (ABI): An electronic system allowing
customhouse brokers and importers to interface via computer with the US
Customs Service for transmitting entry and entry summary data on
imported merchandise.

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Automated Commercial System (ACS): The electronic system of the


US
Customs Service, encompassing a variety of industry sectors, that permits
online access to information in selected areas.
Automated Manifest System (AMS): The electronic system allowing a
manifest inventory to be transmitted to the US Customs Service data
center by carrier, port authority or service center computers.
BAA: British Airports Authority
BACA: Baltic Air Charter Association
Balance of Trade: The difference between a country's total imports and
exports; if exports exceed imports, favorable balance of trade exists, if
not, a trade deficit is said to exist.
Barter: Trade in which merchandise is exchanged directly for other
merchandise without use of money. Barter is an important means of trade
with countries using currency that is not readily convertible.
B/B: (See Break-Bulk Cargo)
Belly Cargo: Freight accommodation below the main deck.
Beneficiary: A firm or person on whom a letter of credit has been drawn.
The beneficiary is usually the seller or exporter.
Bermuda Agreement: An agreement concluded in 1946 between the
U.K. and the U.S., designed to regulate future international air traffic.
Most governments accept its principles and follow it inter alia by limiting
traffic rights on international routes to one or two carriers.
Berth: Is the place beside a pier, quay or wharf where a vessel can be
loaded or discharged.
Berth Liner Service: Is a regular scheduled steamship line with regular
published schedules (port of call ) from and to defined trade areas.
Berth or Liner Terms: Is an expression covering assessment of ocean
freight rates generally implying that loading and discharging expenses
will be for ship owner's account, and usually apply from the end of ship's
tackle in port of loading to the end of ship's tackle in port of discharge.
Bill of Lading: A document that establishes the terms of a contract
between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to
be moved between specified points for a specified charge. Usually
prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the carrier, it serves as a
document of title, contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods. Also see
Air Waybill and Ocean Bill of Lading.
Bonded Warehouse: A warehouse storage area or manufacturing facility
in
which imported goods may be stored or processed without payment of
customs duties.

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Brussels Tariff Nomenclature Number (BTN): The customs tariff


number used by most European nations. The United States does not use
the BTN, but a similar system known as the Harmonize Tariff Schedule.
CAA: Is the Civil Aviation Authority. Government body responsible for
regulating
U.K. airlines.
Cabotage: Is where cargo is carried on what is essentially a domestic
flight and therefore not subject to international agreements that fix set
rates. Cabotage rates are negotiable between shipper and airline and apply
on flights within a country and to its overseas territories.
CAD Can have two meanings in the industry
CAD: The acronym meaning "cash against documents," a method of
payment for goods in which documents transferring title are given to the
buyer upon payment of cash to an intermediary acting for the seller.
CAD/CAM: Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing.
Cage: The transporting of goods by truck to or from a vessel, aircraft, or
bonded warehouse, all under customs custody.
Cargo: Is merchandise/commodities/freight carried by means of
transportation.
Cargo Receipt: Is a receipt of cargo for shipment by a consolidator (used
in
ocean freight).
Carnet: A customs document permitting the holder to carry or send
merchandise temporarily into certain foreign countries (for display,
demonstration, or similar purpose) without paying duties or posting
bonds.
Carriers(s) Containers or Shipper(s) Containers: The term Carrier(s)
Container(s) or Shipper(s) Container(s) means containers over which the
carrier or the shipper has control either by ownership or by the acquisition
thereof under lease or rental from container companies or container
suppliers or from similar sources. Carriers are prohibited from
purchasing, leasing or renting shipper owned containers.
Carrier, Common: A public or privately owned firm or corporation that
transports the goods of others over land, sea, or through the air, for a
stated freight rate. By government regulation, a common carrier is
required to carry all goods offered if accommodations are available and
the established rate is paid.
Cartel: Is an association of several independent national or international
business organizations that regulates competition by controlling the
prices, the production, or the marketing of a product or an industry.
Cash in Advance (C.I.A.): Payment for goods in which the price is paid
in full before shipment is made. This method is usually used only for
small purchases or when the goods are built to order.

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Cash Against Documents (CAD): Payment for goods in which a


commission house, or other intermediary, transfers title documents to the
buyer upon payment in cash.
C.C.E.F.: Is a Customs Centralized Examination Facility.
Certificate of Analysis: Is a certificate required by some countries as
proof of the quality and composition of food products or pharmaceuticals.
The required analysis may be made by a private or government health
agency. The certificate must be legalized by a foreign consul of the
country concerned, as is the case with such similar certificates as the
phytosanitary certificate.
Certificate of Inspection: A document certifying that the goods were in
apparent good condition immediately prior to shipment.
Certificate of Manufacture: A statement in which a producer specifies
where his goods were manufactured, certifies that manufacturing has
been completed, and confirms that the goods are at the buyer's disposal.
Certificate of Origin: A statement signed by the exporter, or his agent,
and
attested to by a local Chamber of Commerce, indicating that the goods
being shipped, or a major percentage of them, originated and were
produced in the exporter's country.
CES: Is a Customs Examination Station
C&F: Is a quoted price includes cost of goods and freight.
C & I: Is a quoted price includes cost of goods and insurance.
CFS (Container Freight Station): The term CFS at loading port means
the
location designated by carriers for the receiving of cargo to be packed
into
containers by the carrier. At discharge ports, the term CFS means the
bonded location designated by carriers in the port area for unpacking and
delivery of cargo.
CFS/CFS (Pier to Pier): The term CFS/CFS means cargo delivered by
break bulk to Carrier's CFS to be packed by Carrier into containers and to
be unpacked by Carrier from the container at Carrier's destination port
CFS.
CFS/CY (Pier to House): The term CFS/CY means cargo delivered
break-bulk to Carrier's CFS to be packed by Carrier into containers and
accepted by consignee at Carrier's CY and unpacked by the consignee off
Carrier's premises, all at consignee's risk and expense.
CFS CHARGE (Container Freight Charge): The term CFS Charge
means the charge assessed for services performed at the loading or
discharging port in packing or unpacking of cargo into/from containers at
CFS.

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CFS Receiving Service: The term "CFS Receiving Services" means the
service performed at loading port in receiving and packing cargo into
containers from CFS to CY or shipside. "CFS Receiving Services"
referred herein are restricted to the following
1. Moving empty containers from CY to CFS
2. Drayage of loaded containers from CFS to CY and/or ship's tackle
3. Tallying
4. Issuing dock receipt/shipping order
5. Physical movement of cargo into, out of and within CFS
6. Stuffing, sealing and marking containers
7. Storage
8. Ordinary sorting and stacking
9. Preparing carrier's internal container load plan
CIF (cost, insurance and freight): Seller is responsible for inland
freight,
ocean/air freight, and marine/air insurance to the port of final entry in the
buyer's country. The buyer is responsible for inland transportation to his
or her location.
Chargeable Kilo: Rate for goods where volume exceeds six cubic metres
to the tonne.
Charter: Originally meant a flight where a shipper contracted hire of an
aircraft from an airline. Has usually come to mean any non-scheduled
commercial service.
Charter Party: The contract between the owner of a ship and the
individual or company chartering it. Among other specifications, the
contract usually stipulates the exact obligations of the ship-owner
(loading the goods, carrying the goods to a certain point, returning to the
charterer with other goods, etc.); or it provides for an outright leasing of
the vessel to the charterer, who then is responsible for his own loading
and delivery. In either case, the charter party sets forth the exact
conditions and requirements agreed upon by both sides.
Charter party Bill of Lading: A bill of lading issued under a charter
party. It is not acceptable by banks under letters of credit unless so
authorized in the credit.
Chassis: A wheel assemble including bogies constructed to accept
mounting of containers.
CIA: The acronym meaning "cash in advance," a method of payment for
goods whereby buyer pays seller in advance of shipment of goods.
C.I.F.: Is a quoted price includes cost of goods, insurance and freight.
C.I.T.E.S.: Committee on International Trade of Endangered Species.
Class Rates: A class of goods or commodities is a large grouping of
various

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items under one general heading. All items in the group make up a class.
The freight rates that apply to all items in the class are called class rates.
Classification: Is a customs term. The placement of an item under the
correct number in the customs tariff for duty purposes. At times this
procedure becomes highly complicated; it is not uncommon for importers
to resort to litigation over the correct duty to be assessed by the customs
on a given item.
Claused Bill of Lading: Is a bill of lading which has exemptions to the
receipt of merchandise in "apparent good order" noted.
Clean Bill of Lading: Is a bill of lading which covers goods received in
"apparent good order and condition" and without qualification.
Clean Draft: Is a draft to which no documents have been attached.
cm: Centimeters
CNS: Cargo Network Services, an IATA company. See IATA.
Collective Paper: All documents (commercial invoices, bills of lading,
etc.)
submitted to a buyer for the purpose of receiving payment for a shipment.
Commercial Risk: Risk carried by the exporter (unless insurance is
secured) that the foreign buyer may not be able to pay for goods delivered
on an open account basis.
Confirmed Letter of Credit: A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank,
with validity confirmed by a U.S. bank. An exporter who requires a
confirmed letter of credit from the buyer is assured of payment by the
U.S. bank even if the foreign buyer or the foreign bank defaults.
Conference: A group of vessel operators joined together for the purpose
of
establishing freight rates.
• RoRo/Container Vessel - Ship designed to accommodate containers
and
roll-on roll-off cargo. It can be self sustaining.
• RoRo/Container/Break-bulk Vessel - Designated to accommodate
three
types of cargo, usually self sustaining.
Commercial Code: A published code designed to reduce the total
number of words required in a cablegram.
Commodity Specialist: An official authorized by the U.S. Treasury to
determine proper tariff and value of imported goods.
Consignee: Person or firm to whom goods are shipped under a bill of
landing.
Consular Declaration: A formal statement, made to the consul of a
foreign
country, describing goods to be shipped.

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Consular Invoice: A document, required by some foreign countries,


describing a shipment of goods and showing information such as the
consignor, consignee, and value of the shipment. Certified by consular
official of the foreign, it is used by the country's customs official to verify
the value, quantity, and nature of the shipment.
Combi: Is an aircraft with pallet or container capacity on its main deck as
well as in its belly holds.
Combination Vessels: Container/Break-bulk vessel - this type of ship
accommodates both container and break-bulk cargo. It can be either self
sustaining or non-self sustaining.
Commercial Invoice: An itemized list of goods shipped, usually
included among an exporter's collection papers.
Common Carrier: A firm or individual that transports persons or goods
for
compensation.
Confirmed Letter of Credit: A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank
with validity confirmed by a U.S. bank.
Confiscation: The taking and holding of private property by a
government or an agency acting for a government. Compensation may or
may not be given to the owner of the property.
Consignee: The individual or company to whom a seller or sipper sends
merchandise and who, upon presentation of necessary documents, is
recognized as merchandise owner for the purpose of declaring and paying
customs duties.
Consignee Marks: A symbol laced on packages for identification
purposes;
generally consisting of a triangle, square, circle, diamond, cross, with
letters
and/or numbers as well as port of discharge.
Consignment: Is the physical transfer of goods from a seller (consignor)
with whom the title remains, to another legal entity (consignee) who acts
as a selling agent, selling the goods and remitting the new proceeds to the
consignor.
Consignor: A term used to describe any person who consigns goods to
himself or to another party in a bill of lading or equivalent document. A
consignor might be the owner of the goods, or a freight forwarder who
consigns goods on behalf of his principal.
Consolidated Shipment: An arrangement whereby various shippers pool
their boxed goods on the same shipment, sharing the total weight charge
for the shipment.
Consolidator: An agent which brings together a number of shipments for
one destination to qualify for preferential airline rates.
Consortium: The name for an agreement under which several nations or

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nationals (usually corporations) of more than one nation, join together for
a common purpose. It could be for management or exploitation of a
natural resource, as in the case of some international petroleum
consortiums.
Consul: A government official residing in a foreign country, charged
with
representing the interests of his or her country and its nationals.
Consular Documents: Special forms signed by the consul of a country to
which cargo is destined.
Consular Invoice: A document, required by some foreign countries,
describing a shipment of goods and showing information such as the
consignor, consignee, and value of the shipment. Certified by a consular
official of the foreign country, it is used by the country's customs officials
to verify the value, quantity and nature of the shipment.
Container: The term container means a single rigid, non-disposable dry
cargo, insulated, temperature controlled flatrack, vehicle rack portable
liquid tank, or open top container without wheels or bogies attached,
having not less than 350 cubic feet capacity, having a closure or
permanently hinged door that allows ready access to the cargo (closure or
permanently hinged door not applicable to flatrack vehicle rack or
portable liquid tank). All types of containers will have constructions,
fittings and fastenings able to withstand without permanent distortion, all
the stresses that may be applied in normal service use of continuous
transportation. All containers must bear manufacturer's specifications.
Container Ship: Ocean going ship designed to carry containers both
internally and on deck. Some are self sustaining.
Containerization: Is a concept for the ultimate unitizing of cargo used by
both steamship lines and air cargo lines. Containers allow a greater
amount of cargo protection from weather, damage, and theft.
Containers (Air Cargo): Many types of air cargo containers are offered:
The containers are designed in various sizes and irregular shapes to
conform to the inside dimensions of a specific aircraft.
Containers (Ocean): Are designed to be moved inland on its own chassis
and can be loaded at the shippers plant for shipment overseas. Basic types
of containers are; dry van, open top, half high, hi cube, flat rock, tank
container, refrigerated container, insulated container, tilting container.
Average outside dimensions are generally 20, 35, and 40 feet in length, 8
feet wide and 8 feet high standard.
Continuous Bond: Is an annual customs bond insuring compliance with
all
regulations and requirements.
Contract Rate: Is a charge levied by carriers selling capacity forward
over a

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given route to a shipper of forwarder; the client is therefore assured of


capacity, which must be paid for regardless of load carried.
Coordinating Committee for Export Controls (COCOM): An
informal group of 15 western countries established to prevent the export
of certain strategic products to potentially hostile nations.
Correspondent Bank: A bank that, in its own country, handles the
business of a foreign bank.
Countertrade: Is a reciprocal trading arrangement, which includes a
variety of transactions involving two or more parties.
Countervailing Duties: Is a special duties imposed on imports to offset
the
benefits of subsidies to producers or exporters of the exporting country.
Credit Risk Insurance: Insurance designed to cover risks of
nonpayment for delivered goods.
Customs Bonded Warehouse: Is a warehouse where imported goods
may be stored for a total of three years without the payment of duty or
taxes.
Customhouse Broker: An individual or firm licensed to enter and clear
goods through Customs.
Customs Court: Is the court to which importers might appeal or protest
decisions made by Customs officers.
Customs Tariff: Is a schedule of charges assessed by the federal
government on imported goods.
Customs Union: Is an agreement between two or more countries in
which they arrange to abolish tariffs and other import restrictions on each
other's goods and establish a common tariff for the imports of all other
countries.
CWO: The acronym meaning "cash with order," a method of payment for
goods where cash is paid at the time of order and the transaction becomes
binding on both buyer and seller.
CY (Container Yard): The term CY means the location designated by
Carrier in the port terminal area for receiving, assembling, holding,
storing and delivering containers, and where containers may be picked up
by shippers or re-delivered by consignees. No container yard (CY) shall
be a shipper's, consignee's,
NVOCC's, or a forwarder's place of business, unless otherwise provided.
CY/CFS (House to Pier): The term CY/CFS means containers packed by
shipper of carrier's premises and delivered by shipper to Carrier's CY, all
at
shipper's risk and expense and unpacked by Carrier at the destination port
CFS.
CY/CY (House to House): The term CY/CY means containers packed
by

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shipper off Carrier's premises and delivered by shipper to Carrier's CY


and
accepted by consignee a t Carrier's CY and unpacked by consignee off
Carrier's premises, all at the risk and expense of cargo.
Dangerous Goods: Articles or substance capable of posing a significant
risk to health, safety or property, and that ordinarily require special
attention when being transported.
DAT: Dangerous articles tariff.
Date Draft: Draft that matures in a specified number of days after the
date it is issued, without regard to the date of Acceptance. See Draft.
DCA: Department of Civil Aviation. Commonly used term to denote the
government department of any foreign country that is responsible for
aviation regulation and granting traffic rights.
DDP: Delivered duty paid. Also known as "free domicile."
DDU: Delivered duty unpaid. Reflects the emergence of "door-to-door"
intermodal or courier contracts or carriage where only the destination
customs duty and taxes (if any) are paid by consignee.
Dead Leg: Is a sector flown without payload.
Dead Freight: Is freight charges paid by the charterer of vessel for the
contracted space, which is left partially unoccupied.
Deck Cargo: Is cargo carried on deck rather than stowed under deck. On
deck carriage is required for certain commodities, such as explosives.
Deferred Payment Credit: Type of letter of credit providing for
payment some time after presentation of shipping documents by exporter.
Deferred Rebate: The return of a portion of the freight charges by a
carrier or a conference shipper in exchange for the shipper giving all or
most of his shipments to the carrier or conference over a specified period
of time (usually 6 months). Payment of the rate is deferred for a further
similar period, during which the shipper must continue to give all or most
of his shipments to the rebating carrier or conference. The shipper thus
earns a further rebate which will not, however, be paid without an
additional period of exclusive or almost exclusive patronage with the
carrier of conference. In this way, the shipper becomes tied to the
rebating carrier or conference. Although, the deferred rebate system is
illegal in U.S. foreign commerce, it generally is accepted in the ocean
trade between foreign countries.
Demurrage: A penalty for exceeding free time allowed for loading or
unloading at a pier or freight terminal. Also a charge for undue detention
of transportation equipment or carriers in port while loading or unloading.
Density: Density means pounds per cubic foot. The cubage of loose
articles or pieces, or packaged articles of a rectangular, elliptical or
square shape on one plane shall be determined by multiplying the greatest
straight line dimensions of length, width and depth in inches, including

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all projections, and dividing the total by 1728 (to obtain cubic feet). The
density is the weight of the article divided by the cubic feet thus obtained.
DEQ: Delivered ex quay/duty paid.
Destination Control Statement: Any of various statements that the U.S.
government requires to be displayed on export shipments and that specify
the destination for which export of the shipment has been authorized.
D.F.: Dead Freight
DGR: Dangerous Goods Requirement.
Dim Weight: (Dimensionalized Weight) Determined by calculating
length x width x height and dividing by 166. Charged when actual weight
is less than the dim. weight.
Dock Receipt: When cargo is delivered to a steamship company at the
pier, the receiving clerk issues a dock receipt.
Documents Against Acceptance (D/A): Instructions given by a shipper
to a
bank indicating that documents transferring title goods should be
delivered to the buyer (or drawee) only upon the buyer's acceptance of
the attached draft.
DOT: Department of Transportation
Draft (or Bill of Exchange): An unconditional order in writing from one
person (the drawer) to another (the drawee), directing the Drawee to pay
a specified amount to a named Drawer at a fixed or determinable future
date.
Drawback: A U.S. customs law that permits an American exporter to
recover duties paid on imported foreign raw materials or components
included in products that are subsequently exported out of the United
States.
Drawee: The individual or firm on whom a draft is drawn and who owes
the stated amount to the drawer.
Dry Lease: The rental of a "clean" aircraft without crew, ground staff or
supporting equipment.
DST: The acronym meaning "double stack train" service, which is the
transport rail between two points of a trainload of containers with two
containers, one on top of the other, per chassis.
d.w.: Deadweight (tons of 2,240 lbs.)
d.w.c.: Deadweight for cargo
E.A.O.N.: Except as otherwise noted.
EDI or EDIFACT: Electronic Data Interchange for Administration,
Commerce and Transport, from the UN-backed electronic data
interchange standards body, to create electronic versions of common
business documents that will work on a global scale. One digital
document under consideration, the International Forwarding and

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Transport Message will do the jobs of six different electronic messages


currently in use.
Empty Leg: Results from an aircraft primarily chartered outbound
having cargo capacity inbound or vice versa. A cheap form of airfreight.
Endorsement in Blank: Commonly used on a bank check, an
endorsement in blank is an endorsement to the bearer. It contains only the
name of the endorser and specifies no particular payee. Also, a common
means of endorsing bills of lading dawn to the order of the shipper. The
bills are endorsed "For..." (see Bill of Lading, Order).
Eurodollars: U.S. dollars on deposit outside of the United States to
include
dollars on deposit at foreign branches of U.S. banks, and dollars on
deposit with foreign banks.
"Ex": Signifies that the quoted price applies only at the indicated point
of origin (e.g. "price ex factory" means that the quoted price is for the
goods available at the factory gate of the seller).
Ex. B.L.: Exchange bill of lading.
Export Broker: The individual who brings together buyer and seller for
a fee, eventually withdrawing from any transaction.
Export Declaration: A form to be completed by the exporter or their
authorized agent and filed in triplicate by a carrier with the United State
Collector of customs at the point of exit. It serves a twofold purpose:
1. Primarily, it is used by the U.S. Bureau of Census for the compilation
of
export statistics on United States foreign trade (for this reason an export
declaration is required for practically all shipments from the United States
to foreign countries and the United States possessions, except for mail
shipments of small value, or for those of a non commercial character);
2. The declaration also serves as an export control document because it
must be presented, together with the export license, to the United States
Customs at the port of export. If the goods may be exported under general
export license, this fact must be stated on the export declaration.
Export License: A document secured from a government, authorizing an
exporter to export a specific quantity of a particular commodity to a
certain
country. An export license is often required if a government has place
embargoes or other restrictions upon exports. See General Export
License.
Export Trading Company: A corporation or other business unit
organized and operated primarily for the purpose of exporting goods and
services, or of providing export related services to other companies.
Express: Premium-rated service for urgent deliveries.

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EXW: Ex works. Same as the former "Ex Works."FAK: Freight All


Kinds – uniform airline charging scale applying to a number of
commodities; as opposed to SCR (Specific Commodity Rate) applying to
one commodity only.
FAS (free alongside ship): Seller is responsible for inland freight costs
until
goods are located alongside the vessel/aircraft for loading. Buyer is
responsible for loading costs, ocean /air freight and marine/air insurance.
Fathom: (Nautical) Conversion equivalents: 6 feet; 1.83 meters.
F.C.L.: Full container load, full car load.
F.c.s.: Free of capture and seizure.
f.c.s.r.c.c.: Free of capture, seizure, riots and civil commotions.
F.&.D.: Freight and demurrage.
FEU: Forty foot equivalent
FIATA: International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations.
Fifth Freedom Flight: Where cargo is carried by an airline between two
countries in neither of which it is based.
F.i.b.: Free in bunkers; free into barge.
Flag Carrier: An airline of one national registry whose government
gives it partial or total monopoly over international routes.
FOB (free on board): Seller is responsible for inland freight and all
other costs until the cargo has been loaded on the vessel/aircraft. Buyer is
responsible for ocean/air freight and marine/air insurance.
F.o.d. : Free of damage
Folded: An article folded in such a manner as to reduce its bulk 33 1/3%
from its normal shipping cubage when not folded.
Force Majeure: The title of a standard clause found in marine contracts
exempting the parties for nonfulfillment of their obligations by reasons of
occurrences beyond their control, such as earthquakes, floods or war.
Foreign Trade Zone: A free port in the United Stated divorced from
Customs authority but under Federal control. Merchandise, except that
which is prohibited, may be stored in the zone without being subjected to
the United States tariff regulation. Also called Free Trade Zone.
Foreign Trade Zone Entry: A form declaring goods which are brought
duty free into a Foreign Trade Zone for further processing or storage and
subsequent exportation.
Forwarder, Freight Forwarder, Foreign Freight Forwarder: An
independent
business that dispatches shipments for exporters for a fee. The firm may
ship by land, air, or sea, or it may specialize. Usually it handles all the
services connected with an export shipment; preparation of documents,
booking cargo space, warehouse, pier delivery and export clearance. The
firm may also handle banking and insurance services on behalf of a

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client. The U.S. forwarder is licensed by the Federal Maritime


Commission for ocean shipments.
Foul Bill of Landing: A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an
indication that the goods were damaged when received.
F. P.A.A.C. F.p.a. (A.C.) : Free of Particular Average, American
Conditions- (Marine Insurance Term). The American form of clause
commonly used, as distinguished from that used by the English
underwriters. Under the American clause the underwriter does not assume
responsibility for partial losses unless caused by stranding, sinking,
burning or collision with another vessel whereas under the English
clause, the underwriter assumes responsibility for partial losses if the
vessel be stranded, sunk, burnt or in collision even though such anevent
did not actually cause the damage suffered by the goods. Conditions (See
F.P.A.A.C.).
F.P.A.: Free of Particular Average (Marine Insurance Term). A term used
in marine insurance policies to indicate that while the underwriter is
unwilling to assume liability for ordinary partial losses due to the peculiar
qualities of the particular article or to its form of package, he is willing to
bear partial losses, the direct result of stranding, sinking, burning,
collision, or other named peril
Free Alongside: Quoted price includes the cost of delivering the goods
alongside a designated vessel.
Free In (F.I.): Cost of loading a vessel is borne by the charterer.
Free In and Out (F.I.O.): Cost of loading and unloading a vessel is
borne by the charterer.
Free of Capture and Seizure (F.C.& S.): An insurance clause providing
that loss is not insured if due to capture, seizure, confiscation and like
actions, whether legal or not , or from such acts as piracy, civil war,
rebellion and civil strife.
Free of Particular Average (F.P.A.): A marine insurance clause
providing that partial loss or damage is not insured American conditions
(F.P.A.A.C.). Partial loss is not insured unless caused by the vessel being
sunk, stranded, burned, on fire, or in collision. English conditions (F.P.
A.E.C.). Partial loss not insured unless a result of the vessel being sunk,
stranded, burned, on fire, or in collision.
Free Out (F.O.): Cost of unloading a vessel is borne by the charterer.
Free Port: A port which is a foreign trade zone, open to all traders on
equal terms; more specifically a port where merchandise may be stored
duty-free, pending re-export or sale within that country.
Free Trade Zone: A port designated by the government of a country for
duty-free entry of any non-prohibited goods. Merchandise may be stored,
displayed, used for manufacturing, within the zone and re-exported
without duties being paid. Duties are imposed on the merchandise (or

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items manufactured from the merchandise) only when the goods pass
from the zone into an area of the country subject to the Customs
Authority.
Freight Forwarder: An individual or company , acting on the behalf of a
shipper, who arranges all necessary details of shipping and
documentation for a manufacturer or exporter, which includes employing
the services of a carrier of carriers.
Gang: Group of stevedores usually 4 to 5 members with supervisor
assigned to a hold or portion of the vessel being loaded or unloaded.
Gateway: Port of entry into a country or region.
GATT: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, a multilateral treaty
intended to help reduce trade barriers and promote tariff concessions.
GCR: General Cargo Rate. The basic tariff category which was
introduced to cover most air cargo now covers only a minority, the
remainder being under SCR or class rates.
General Average: When damage to cargo on board a vessel exceeds
carrier's insurance, carrier will release cargo only with an acceptance
agreement to claim only a general percentage of all the damage sustained.
General Export License: Any of various export licenses covering export
commodities for which validated export licenses are not required. No
formal application or written authorization is needed to ship exports
under a general export license.
General Order: Government contract warehouse for the storage of
cargoes left unclaimed for ten working days after availability. Unclaimed
cargoes are auctioned publicly after one year.
Gross Weight: Entire weight of goods, packing, and container,, ready for
shipment.
G.R.Wt./G.W.: Gross Weight.
GSA: General Sales Agent acting on behalf of an airline. Usually Broker
or
Forwarder.
Harmonized Code: An internationally accepted and uniform description
system for classifying goods for customs, statistical and other purposes.
Harmonized Systems: A key provision of the recently signed trade bill,
effective Jan. 1, 1989, that establishes international uniformity for
product classifications. Most U.S. Trading partners adopted it a year
earlier, and it was drafted in Brussels a decade ago with U.S.
representatives' input. In essence, it is a new tariff schedule in that it
changes methods of rating some items.
Hatch: The cover of - or opening- in the deck of a vessel, through which
cargo is loaded.
Heavy Lifts: Freight too heavy to be handled by regular ship's tackle.

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Heavy Lift Vessel: Specifically designed to be self sustaining with heavy


lift
cranes, to handle unusually heavy and/or out-sized cargoes.
House Air Waybill: An air waybill issued by a freight consolidator. See
Air
Waybill.
Hub: A central location to which traffic from many cities is directed and
from which traffic is fed to other areas.
Hundredweight (cwt.): A short ton hundredweight = 100 pounds. Long
ton
hundredweight = 112 pounds.
Husbanding: Term used by steamship lines, agents, or port captains who
are appointed to handle all matters in assisting the master of the vessel
while in port to obtain bunkering, fresh water, food and supplies, payroll
for the crew, doctors appointments, ship repair, etc.
IATA: International Air Transport Association.
ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization. A specialized agency
of the United Nations, with headquarters in Montreal. Its task is to
promote general development of civil aviation (e.g. aircraft design and
operation, safety procedures, contractual agreements).
ICC: International Chamber of Commerce
I.C.T.F.: Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, an on-dock facility for
moving containers from ship to rail or truck.
IFF: Institute of Freight Forwarders.
Igloo: Container designed to occupy full main deck width of carrying
aircraft.
Import License: A certificate, issued by countries exercising import
controls, that permits importation of the articles stated in the license. The
issuance of such a permit frequently is connected with the release of
foreign exchange needed to pay for the shipment for which the import
license has been requested.
In-Bond: A customs program for inland ports that provide for cargo
arriving at a
seaport to be shipped under a Customs bond to a more conveniently
located inland port where the entry documents have been filed. Customs
clears the shipment there, and the cargo is trucked to its destination,
which normally is close to the inland port.
Independent Action: A move by whereby a member of a shipping
conference elect to depart from the specific service rates set forth by the
conference, giving ten calendar days notice of such action. The
conference member's new schedule of rate, or rates, officially takes effect
no later than ten days after receipt of notice by the conference.

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Inducement: Some steamship lines publish in their schedules the name


of a port and the words by inducement in parentheses. This means the
vessel will call at the port if there is sufficient amount of profitable cargo
available and booked.
Inland Carrier: A transportation line which hauls export or import
traffic between ports and inland points.
I.p.a.: Including particular average
Inspection Certificate: A document certifying that merchandise (such as
perishable goods) was in goods condition immediately prior to shipment.
Integrated Carrier: Forwarder which uses own aircraft, whether owned
or
leased, rather than scheduled airlines.
Intellectual Property: Ownership of the legal rights to possess, use or
dispose of products created by human ingenuity, including patents,
trademarks and copyrights.
Interline: Mutual agreement between airlines to link their route network.
Intermeddle: Referring to the capacity to go from ship to train to truck,
or the like, the adjective generally refers to containerized shipping or the
capacity to handle same.
ISO: International Standards Organization also referred to as the
International
Organizational for Standardization.
Incoterms: A codification of terms used in foreign trade contracts that is
maintained by the International Chamber of Commerce.
Incremental Cost to Export: The additional costs incurred while
manufacturing and preparing a product for export ( e.g., product
modifications, special export packaging and export administration costs.)
This does not include the costs to manufacture a standard domestic
product, export crating and transportation to the foreign market.
Irrevocable Letter of Credit: A letter of credit with a fixed expiration
date that carries the irrevocable obligation of the issuing bank to pay the
exporter when all of the terms and conditions of the letter of credit have
been met.
J.&W.O.: Jettison and washing overboard
JETSAM: Goods from a ship's cargo, or parts of its equipment, that have
been thrown overboard to lighten the load in time of danger, or to set a
stranded ship adrift.
Joint Venture: A form of business partnership involving joint
management and the sharing of risks and profits between enterprises
sometimes based in different countries.
Just-In-Time (JIT): The principle of production and inventory control in
which goods arrive when needed for production or use.
K.D.C.L.: Knocked down in carload lots

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KD Flat: An article taken apart, folded, or telescoped to reduce its bulk


at least 66 2/3% below its assembled size.
K.D.L.C.L.: Knocked down in less than carload lots.
Knock Down (KD): An article taken apart, folded or telescoped in such a
manner as to reduce its bulk at least 33 1/3% below its assembled bulk.
Knot (Nautical): The unit of speed equivalent to one nautical mile, or
6,080.20 feet per hour or 1.85 kilometers per hour.
L/C - Letter of Credit: A document issued by a bank per instructions by
a buyer of goods, authorizing the seller to draw a specified sum of money
under specified terms. Issued as revocable or irrevocable.
L. & D.: Loss and damage
Lagan: Cargo or equipment to which an identifying marker or buoy is
fastened, thrown over-board in time of danger to lighten a ship's load.
Under maritime law if the goods are later found they must be returned to
the owner whose marker is attached; the owner must make a salvage
payment.
Lash: Lighter Aboard Ship (see Lighter)
Lash Vessel: Designed to load internally, barges specifically designed for
the vessel. The concept is to quickly float the barges to the vessel (using
tugs or ships wenches) load these barges through the rear of the vessel,
then sails. Upon arrival at the foreign port, the reverse happens; Barges
are quickly floated away from the vessel and another set of waiting
barges quickly are loaded. Designed for quick vessel turn-around.
Usually crane-equipped; handles mostly breakbulk cargo.
Lay Days: The dates between which a chartered vessel is to be available
in a port for loading of cargo.
L.C.L.: Less than container load; less than car load.
Legal Weight: The weight of the goods plus any immediate wrappings
which are sold along with the goods: e.g., the weight of a tin can as well
as its contents.
(See Gross Weight).
Less than Truck Load (LTL): Rates applicable when the quantity of
freight is less than the volume or truckload minimum weight.
Letter of Credit: A document issued by a bank at a buyer's request
honoring debt obligations to the seller upon receipt of the document.
Lighter: An open or covered barge equipped with a crane and towed by a
tugboat. Used mostly in harbors and inland waterways.
Lighterage: The cost of loading or unloading a vessel by means of
barges
alongside.
Liner: The word "liner" is derived from the term "line traffic" which
denotes

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operation along definite routes on the basis of definite, fixed schedules; a


liner thus is a vessel that engages in this kind of transportation, which
generally involves the haulage of general cargo as distinct from bulk
cargo.
Liquidation: The finalization of a customs entry.
Livestock: Common farm animals.
Lkg. & Bkg.: Leakage and breakage.
Load Factor: Capacity sold as against capacity available, expressed as a
percentage.
Lo/Lo: The acronym meaning "lift-on,lift-off," denoting the method by
which cargo is loaded onto and discharged from an ocean vessel, which
in this case is by the use of a crane.
l.t. or l.tn.: Long ton (2240 lbs.).
Ltge.: Lighterage
LTL: Less than truckload
Letter of Credit - payment by sight draft: The exporter receives
guaranteed
payment from the confirming bank in the U.S. upon presentation of the
sight draft and documents required by the letter of credit.
Manifest: A list of the goods being transported by a carrier.
Marine Insurance: An insurance which will compensate the owner of
goods transported overseas in the event of loss which cannot be legally
recovered from the carrier.
Maritime Administration (MARAD): A US government agency, while
not
actively involved in vessel operation, administers laws for maintenance of
merchant marine for the purposes of defense and commerce.
Mark: As used on containers in foreign trade, a symbol or initials shown
together with the port of importation and the final destination, if different.
Example: A.G. y
Cia., Bogota via Barranquilla. Marks are registered at appropriate
customs
houses; they also appear on bills of lading and invoices. In domestic
trade, it is common to mark containers with the name and address of the
recipient, but this is rarely done in foreign trade.
Marking: Every article of foreign origin, or its container, imported into
the United States shall be permanently marked in a conspicuous place in a
manner which would indicate to the ultimate purchaser the English name
of the country of origin of the article.
Mate's Receipt: Receipt of cargo by the vessel, signed by the mate
(similar to dock receipt).
Measurement Ton: The measurement ton (also known as the cargo ton
or

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freight ton) is a space measurement, usually 40 cubic feet or one cubic


meter. The cargo is assessed a certain rate for every 40 cubic feet or 1
cubic meter it occupies.
Min. B/L: Minimum bill of lading
M.M.: Mercantile marine
MFN (Most Favored Nation): Designation for countries which receive
preferential tariff rates. This is no longer the best tariff structure
available.
M/R: Mate's Receipt
M/T: Metric Ton (2204 lbs.)
mt.: Empty
M/V or M.V.: Motor vessel
MW: Minimum weight factor
National Carrier: A flag carrier owned or controlled by the state.
n.e.m.: Not elsewhere mentioned (English)
n.e.s.: Not elsewhere specified
Nested: Three or more different sizes of an article are placed within each
other so that each article will not project above the next lower article by
more than 33 1/3% of its height.
Nested Solid: Three of more different sizes of an article are placed within
each other so that each article will not project above the next lower article
by more than 1/4 inch.
Net Terms: Free of charters' commission
Net Weight: (Actual Net Weight) Weight of goods alone without any
immediate wrappings; e.g., the weight of the contents of a tin can without
the weight of the can.
NMFC: National Motor Freight Classification
No Objection Certificate: Document provided by scheduled or national
airlines of many countries declaring no objection to a proposed charter
flight operated by another airline. Often demanded by government
authorities before they grant permission for a charter flight to take place.
No Objection Fee: Sum of money paid by a charter airline normally to a
scheduled airline in order that it waives its right of objection to its
government, thus allowing a charter to take place. Tantamount to a bribe.
The amount is usually a fixed percentage of the gross cost of a charter.
Common practice in the Middle East and Africa.
N.O.E.: Not otherwise enumerated
N.O.H.P.: Not otherwise herein provided
N.O.I.: Not more specifically described
N.O.I.B.N.: Not otherwise indicated by number; Not otherwise indicated
by name.
Non-Scheduled Flight: See scheduled flight.

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Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB): Economic, political, administrative or legal


impediments to trade other than duties, taxes and import quotas
Non-Vessel Operation Common Carrier (NVOCC): An F.M.C.
registered cargo consolidator of small shipments in ocean trade, generally
soliciting business and arranging for or performing containerization
functions at the port. These carriers issue their own bill of lading referred
to as a house bill of lading.
N.O.S.: Not otherwise specified
N.T.: Net tons
Ocean Bill of Lading: A receipt for cargo in transit, and a contract
between the exporter and an ocean carrier for transportation and delivery
of goods to a specified party at a specified foreign destination. Issued
after the vessel has sailed and the cargo has been entered in the ship's
manifest.
O.D.: Outside diameter
ODS: An acronym commonly used for the term "operating differential
subsidy," which is a payment to an American-flag carrier by the federal
government to offset the difference in operating costs between US and
foreign vessels.
Off-Line: Describes an airline that sells in a market to which it does not
operate. An Off-Line carrier will use another operator to link with its
network.
O/N: Order notify; own name
O/o: Order of
Open Account: A high-risk trade arrangement in which goods are
shipped to a foreign buyer without guarantee of payment.
Open Policy: A cargo insurance policy that is an open contract; i.e., it
provides protection for all an exporter's shipments afloat or in transit
within a specified geographical trade area for an unlimited period of time,
until the policy is cancelled by the insured or by the insurance company.
It is "open" because the goods that are shipped are also detailed at that
time. This usually is shown in a document called a marine insurance
certificate.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM accounts): Customers who


incorporate the exporter's product into their own merchandise for resale
under their own brand names.
O/R : Owner's risk
O. & R.: Ocean and Rail
O.r.b.: Owner's risk or breakage
O.R. Det.: Owner's risk of deterioration
O.R.F.: Owner's risk of fire or freezing
O.R.L.: Owner's risk of leakage

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O.R.W.: Owner's risk of becoming wet


O.S. & D.: Over, short and damage
Ocean Bill of Lading: A receipt for cargo in transit, and a contract
between the exporter and an ocean carrier for transportation and delivery
of goods to a specified party at a specified foreign destination. Issued
after the vessel has sailed and the cargo has been entered in the ship's
manifest.
O.D.: Outside diameter
ODS: An acronym commonly used for the term "operating differential
subsidy," which is a payment to an American-flag carrier by the federal
government to
offset the difference in operating costs between US and foreign vessels.
Off-Line: Describes an airline that sells in a market to which it does not
operate. An Off-Line carrier will use another operator to link with its
network.
O/N: Order notify; own name
O/o: Order of
Open Account: A high-risk trade arrangement in which goods are
shipped to a foreign buyer without guarantee of payment.
Open Policy: A cargo insurance policy that is an open contract; i.e., it
provides protection for all an exporter's shipments afloat or in transit
within a specified geographical trade area for an unlimited period of time,
until the policy is cancelled by the insured or by the insurance company.
It is "open" because the goods that are shipped are also detailed at that
time. This usually is shown in a document called a marine insurance
certificate.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM accounts): Customers who
incorporate the exporter's product into their own merchandise for resale
under their own brand names.
O/R : Owner's risk
O. & R.: Ocean and Rail
O.r.b.: Owner's risk or breakage
O.R. Det.: Owner's risk of deterioration
O.R.F.: Owner's risk of fire or freezing
O.R.L.: Owner's risk of leakage
O.R.W.: Owner's risk of becoming wet
O.S. & D.: Over, short and damage
P.A. : Particular average
Paired: Port of Arrival Immediate Release and Enforcement
Determination. A U.S. Customs program that allows entry documentation
for an import shipment to be filed at one location, usually an inland city,
while the merchandise is cleared by Customs at the port of entry,
normally a seaport. May be ineffective with certain types of high-risk

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cargoes, such as quota-regulated textiles or shipments from drug-


production regions. Cities where there is a natural flow of cargo are
actually "paired" in the program; e.g., Atlanta, an inland city, is linked
with Savannah, a seaport. Tested in '87-'88, it became generally available
in mid- '88.
Pallet: Load carrying platform to which loose cargo is secured before
placing aboard the aircraft.
Pallet Extender: Fashionable metal or cardboard device to increase
pallet
capacity.
Paperless Release: Under ABI, certain commodities from low-risk
countries not designated for examination may be released through an
ABI-certified broker without the actual submission of documentation.
Part Charter: Where part of an airline's scheduled flight is sold as if it
were a charter in its own right (Often wrongly used as a synonym for split
charter).
Part Load Charter: Where a part of an aircraft's load is discharged at
one
destination and a part of it at another. This is distinct from a split charter
where a number of consignments are carried to the same destination.
Inbound, part loads are treated as single entity charters under the
regulations of most countries.
Particular Average: Partial loss or damage to goods.
Perils of the Sea: Most losses covered by a marine insurance policy
come
within the comprehensive expression "perils of the sea," which refers to
damage caused by heavy weather, strandings, strikings on rocks or on
bottom, collision with other vessels, contacts with floating objects, etc.
Perishables: Any cargo that loses considerable value if it is delayed in
transportation (Usually refers to fresh fruit and vegetables).
Phytosanitary Inspection Certificate: A certificate issued by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture indicating that a shipment has been inspected
and is free of harmful pests and plant diseases.
Pilferage: As used in marine insurance policies, the term denotes petty
thievery, the taking of small parts of a shipment, as opposed to the theft
of a whole shipment or large unit. Many ordinary marine insurance
policies do not cover against pilferage, and when this coverage is desired,
it must be added to the policy.
Pivot Weight: That weight of a ULD above which a higher tariff applies;
in effect, an incentive to maximize cargo density.
Place: A particular street address or other designation of a factory, store,
warehouse, place of business, private residence, construction camp or the
like, at a point.

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Place of Rest: The term "Place of Rest" as used in the Containerized


Cargo
Rules means that location on the floor, dock, platform or doorway at the
CFS to which cargo is first delivered by shipper or agent thereof.
Point: A particular city, town, village or other community or area which
is treated as a unit for the application of rates.
Port Authority: A government body (city, county or state) which in
international shipping maintains various airports and/or ocean cargo pier
facilities, transit sheds, loading equipment warehouses for air cargo, etc.
Has the power to levy dockage and wharfage charges, landing fees, etc.
Port Marks: An identifying set of letters numbers and/or geometric
symbols followed by the name of the port of destination, which are
placed on export shipments. Foreign government requirements may be
exceedingly strict in the matter of port marks.
Port of Discharge: Port where vessel is off loaded and cargo discharges.
Port of Entry: A port at which foreign goods are re-admitted into the
receiving country.
Port of Loading: Port where cargo is loaded aboard the vessel lashed and
stowed.
Power of Attorney: A document that authorizes a customs broker to sign
all customs documents on behalf of an importer.
Pre-Advice: Preliminary advice that a letter of credit has been
established in the form of a brief authenticated wire message. It is not an
operative instrument and is usually followed by the actual letter of credit.
Prepaid Freight: Generally speaking, freight charges both in ocean and
air
transport may be either prepaid in the currency of the country of export or
they may be billed collect for payment by the consignee in his local
currency.
However, on shipments to some countries freight charges must be prepaid
because of foreign exchange regulations of the country of import and/or
rules of steamship companies or airlines.
Pre-Slung Cargo: Cargo shipped already in a cargo sling or net. Usually
prepared and loaded at pier ready for arrival of vessel and subsequent
loading
(i.e. coffee in bags, coconut shells, etc).
Price Quotation/Proforma Invoice: An invoice prepared by the seller in
advance of shipment that documents the cost of goods sold, freight,
insurance, and other related charges. It is often used by the buyer to
secure a letter of credit, an import license or a foreign currency allocation.
Prima Facie: Latin, "on first appearance." A term frequently encountered
in
foreign trade. When a steamship company issues a clean bill of lading, it

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acknowledges that the goods were received "in apparent good order and
condition" and this is said by the courts to constitute prima facie evidence
of the conditions of the containers; that is, if nothing to the contrary
appears, it must be inferred that the cargo was in good condition when
received by the carrier.
Proforma: When used with the title of a document, the term refers to an
informal document presented in advance of the arrival, or preparation of
the required document, in order to satisfy a customs requirement.
Pro Number: A number assigned by the carrier to a single shipment,
used in all cases where the shipment must be referred to. Usually
assigned at once.
Proof of Delivery: Add-on service in express market, delivered either by
phone or courier. Often offered free.
Protest: Customs form 19 allows for a refund of an overpayment of duty
if filed within 90 days of liquidation.
P.W.: Packed weight
R. & C. : Rail and Canal
R/C: Reconsigned
r. & c.c.: Riots and civil commotions
r.c.c. & s.: Riots, civil commotions and strikes
Rebate: A deduction taken from a set payment or charge. As a rebate is
given after payment of the full amount has been made, it differs from a
discount which is deducted in advance of the payment. In foreign trade, a
full or partial rebate may be given on import duties paid on goods which
are later re-exported.
Reciprocity: A practice by which governments extend similar
concessions to one another.
Red Clause Letter of Credit: A letter of credit that allows the exporter
to receive a percentage of the face value of the letter of credit in advance
of shipment. This enables the exporter to purchase inventory and pay
other costs associated with producing and preparing the export order.
REFG.: Refrigerating; Refrigeration
Regs.: Registered Tonnage
Retaliation: Action taken by a country to restrain its imports from
another
country that has increased a tariff or imposed other measures that
adversely affects the firsts country's exports.
RORO (ROLL ON-ROLL OFF) : Direct drive on/drive off wheeled
vehicles on specially-designed ocean-going vessels.
Route: an established air passage, from point of departure to terminating
station.

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Royalty: a charge on charter flights levied by some governments before


traffic rights are granted. Sometimes called a "no objection fee." Usually
a fixed proportion of a total charter value.
Salvage: Rescue of goods from loss at sea or by fire; also, goods so
saved, or payment made or due for their rescue.
Sanitary and Health Certificate: A statement signed by a health
organization official certifying the degree of purity, cleanliness, or
spoilage of goods, and the health of live animals.
Schedule B: Refers to "Schedule B, Statistical Classification of Domestic
and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States." Being
replaced under the Harmonized System.
Scheduled Flight: Any service that operates to a set timetable.
SCR: Specified Commodity Rate. Applied to narrowly specified
commodities. Usually granted on relatively large shipments.
Theoretically is of limited time duration.
Sector: Distance between two ground points within a route.
Self-Sustaining: Vessel has its own cranes and equipment mounted on
board for loading/unloading. Used in ports where shore cranes and
equipment are lacking.
Service: The defined, regular pattern of calls made by a carrier in the
pick-up and discharge of cargo.
Service Contract: A contract between a shipper and an ocean carrier of
conference, in which the shipper makes a commitment to provide a
minimum quantity of cargo over a fixed time period.
Set Up: Articles in their assembled condition.
S. & F.A.: Shipping and forwarding agent.
Shipment: Freight tendered to a carrier by one consignor at one piece at
one time for delivery to one consignee at one place on one bill of lading.
Shipper: Term used to describe exporter. Mostly manufacturing
companies.
Shipper's Export Declaration: A form required by the Treasury
Department and completed by a shipper showing the value, weight,
consignee, destination, etc., of export shipments as well as Schedule B
identification number.
Ship's Manifest: An instrument in writing containing a list of the
shipments
comprising the cargo of the vessel.
Ship's Tackle: All rigging, etc., utilized on a ship to load or discharge
cargo.
Short-Shipped: Cargo manifested but not loaded.
Single Entry Charter: A non-scheduled flight carrying the cargo of one
shipper.

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Sight Draft: A draft payable upon presentation to the drawee. Compare


date draft and time draft.
S.I.T.: Stopped in Transit
Site: A particular platform or location for loading or unloading at a place.
S.L. & C. : Shipper's Load and Count
S.L. & T.: Shipper's Load and Tally
S/N: Shipping Note
S.O.L.: Ship Owner'Liability
Split Charter: Where a number of consignments from different shippers
are carried on the same non-scheduled aircraft. Under U.K. regulations a
nonscheduled flight chartered by a single forwarder or agent on behalf of
a number of shippers is still classified as a split charter. Under U.S.
regulations, a forwarder chartered flight is classified as a single entity
although it can consolidate.
S.R: Shipping Receipt
S.R. & C.C.: Strikes, riots, and civil commotions.
SS: Steamship; steam powered ship (Steam driven turbines)
Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) : A standard
numerical
code system developed by the United Nations to classify commodities
used in international trade.
S.tn.: Short ton
Steamship Agent: A duly appointed and authorized representative in a
specified
territory acting in behalf of a steamship line or lines and attending to all
matters relating to the vessels owned by his principals.
Steamship Line: Company is usually composed of the following
departments; vessel operations, container operations, tariff department,
booking, outbound rates, inward rates and sales. the company can
maintain its own in country U.S. offices to handle regional sales,
operations and/or other matters or appoint steamship agents to represent
them doing same. Some lines have liner offices in several regions and
have appointed agents in others.
Stowage: The lacing of cargo in a vessel in such a manner as to provide
the
utmost safety and efficiency for the ship and the goods it carries.
Strikes, Riots, and Civil Commotions: An insurance clause referring to
loss or damage directly caused by strikers, locked-out workmen, persons
participation in labor disturbances, and riots of various kinds. The
ordinary marine insurance policy does not cover this risk; coverage
against it can be added only by endorsement.
Subsidy: An economic benefit granted by a government to producers of
goods or services, often to strengthen their competitive position.

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Sue & Labor Clause: A provision in marine insurance obligating the


assured to do things necessary after a loss to prevent further loss and to
act in the best interests of the insurer.
Surety Bond: A bond insuring against loss or damage or for the
completion of obligations.
Surety Company: An insurance company
S.W.: Shipper's weights
Tally Sheet: List of cargo, incoming and outgoing, checked by Tally
clerk on dock.
Tare Weight: The weight of the container and/or packing materials only
-
excluding the weight of the goods inside the container.
Tariff: A general term for any listing of rates, charges, etc. the tariffs
most
frequently encountered in foreign trade are: tariffs of the international
transportation companies operating on sea, on land, and in the air; tariffs
of the international cable, radio, and telephone companies; and the
customs tariffs of the various countries, which list goods that are duty
free and those subject to import duty, giving the rate of duty in each case.
There are various classes of customs duties.
T.B.L.: Through bill of lading
Temperature Controlled Cargo: Any cargo requiring carriage under
controlled temperature.
TEU: Twenty foot equivalent.
Third Freedom Right: Where cargo is carried by an airline, from the
country in which it is based, to a foreign country.
T.I.B.: Temporary Import Entry.
Time Draft: A draft that matures in a certain number of days, either from
acceptance or date of the draft.
Title, Passing: The passing of title to exported goods is determined in
large
measure by the selling terms. For example, if an exporter sells goods c.i.f
he may be presumed to pass ownership and tender of documents.
However, he may ship on a bill of lading drawn to his own order, to
prevent the buyer from gaining possession of the goods until the draft is
paid or accepted. In this case he retains a security title to the goods; that
is, a title for security purposes only, until the financial arrangement is
carried out. Caution: depending on the laws of the buyer's country, you
may not be able to force passage of title without payment having been
received or the buyer having accepted delivery of the goods or a clear
understanding by the buyer being understood and accepted.
TL: Truckload

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Ton: Freight rates for liner cargo generally are quoted on the basis of a
certain rate per ton, depending on the nature of the commodity. This ton,
however, may be weight ton or a measurement ton.
Ton-Deadweight: Indicates the carrying capacity of the ship in terms of
the
weight in tons of the cargo, fuel, provisions and passengers which a
vessel can carry.
Ton-Displacement: The weight of the volume of water which the fully
loaded ship displaces.
Ton-Kilometer: Measure of airline freight capacity.
Ton-Registered: Indicates the cubical contents or burden of a vessel in
tons of
100 cubic feet. The space within a vessel in units of 100 cubic feet.
Tracking: A carrier's system of recording movement intervals of
shipments from origin to destination.
Trade: A term used to define a geographic area or specific route served
by
carriers.
Traffic Conferences: Rate-fixing machinery operated by IATA.
Tramp: A tramp is a vessel that does not operate along a definite route
on a fixed schedule, but calls at any port where cargo is available.
Transferable Letter of Credit: A letter of credit that allows all or a
portion of the proceeds to be transferred from the original beneficiary to
one or more additional beneficiaries.
Transshipment: The transfer of a shipment from one carrier to another
in
international trade, most frequently from one ship to another. In as much
as the unloading and reloading of delicate merchandise is likely to cause
damage, transshipments are avoided whenever possible.
Transport Index: The number expressing the maximum radiation level
in a package of ULD.
Truckload: Truckload rates apply where the tariff shows a truckload
minimum weight. Charges will be at the truckload minimum weight
unless weight is higher.
Trust Receipt: Release of merchandise by a bank to a buyer for
manufacturing or sales purposes in which the bank retains title to the
merchandise.
Turnkey Project: Capital construction projects in which the supplier
(contractor) designs and builds the physical plant, trains the local
personnel on how to manage and operate the facility and presents the
buyer with a self-sustaining project (all the buyer has to do is "turn the
Key").
UKACC: United Kingdom Air Cargo Club.

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ULD: Unit Load Device. Pallet or Container for freight.


Unclean Bill of Lading: A bill containing reservations as to the good
order and condition of the goods, or the packaging, or both. Examples:
"bags torn;" "drums leaking;" "one case damaged;" "rolls chafed."
Unitisation: The packing of single or multiple consignments into ULDs
or pallets.
Universal Postal Union: Organization which negotiates international
mail
charges.
VAT (Value-Added Tax): A sales or consumption tax which the end
user pays. Typically, this is a "hidden" tax, added to the list price of the
goods in question.
Valuation Charges: Transportation charges assessed shippers who
declare a value of goods higher than value of carrier's' limits of liability.
Ves.: Vessel
Visa: An invoice properly validated by the Minister of Trade in regard to
quota entries.
Volume Weight: Used when calculating air freight when the size of the
carton is greater than the average weight, calculated by multiplying the
length times the width times the height and dividing by 166.
W.A.: With Average
Warehouse Receipt: A receipt of commodities deposited in a warehouse,
identifying the commodities deposited. It is non-negotiable if permitting
delivery only to a specified person or firm, but it is negotiable if made out
to the order of a person or firm or to a bearer. Endorsement (without
endorsement if made out to bearer) and delivery of a negotiable
warehouse receipt serves to transfer the property covered by the receipt
serves to transfer the property covered by the receipt. Warehouse receipts
are common documents in international banking.
Warehouse-to-Warehouse: A clause in marine insurance policy
whereby the underwriter agrees to cover the goods while in transit
between the initial point of shipment and the point of destination, with
certain limitations, and also subject to the law of insurable interest. When
it was first introduced, the warehouse-towarehouse clause was extremely
important, but now its importance is diminished by the marine extension
clauses, which override its provisions.
War Risk: The possible aggressive actions against a ship and its cargo by
a
belligerent government. This risk can be insured by a marine policy with
a risk clause.
War Risk Insurance: Insurance issued by marine underwriters against
war-like operations specifically described in the policy. In former times,
war risk insurance was taken out only in times of war, but currently many

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exporter cover most of their shipments with war risk insurance as a


protection against losses from derelict torpedoes and floating mines
placed during former wars, and also as a safeguard against unforeseen
warlike developments. In the United states, war risk insurance is written
in a separate policy from the ordinary marine insurance; it is desirable to
take out both policies with the same underwriter in order to avoid the ill
effects of a possible dispute between underwriters as to the cause (marine
peril or war peril) of a given loss.
Weight: Gross - The weight of the goods including packing, wrappers, or
containers, internal and external. The total weight as shipped.
• Net - The weight of the goods themselves without the inclusion of any
wrapper.
• Tare - The weight of the packaging or container.
• Weight/Measurement Ton - In many cases, a rate is shown per
weight/measurement ton, carrier's option. This means that the rate will be
assessed on either a weight ton or measurement ton basis, whichever will
yield the carrier the greater revenue. As example, the rate may be quoted
on the basis of 2,240 pounds or 40 cubic feet or of 1 metric ton or 1 cubic
meter.
• Weight Ton - There are three types of weight ton; the short ton,
weighing 2,000 pounds; the long ton, weighing 2,240 pounds; and the
metric ton weight 2,204.68 pounds. The last is frequently quoted for
cargo being exported from Europe.
Weight, Legal: Net weight of goods, plus inside packing.
Weight Load Factor: Payload achieved as against available, expressed
as a
percentage. Cargo is frequently limited by volume rather than weight;
load factors of 100% are rarely achieved.
Wet Lease: An arrangement for renting an aircraft under which the
owner
provides crews, ground support equipment, fuel and so on (of dry lease).
w.g.: Weight guaranteed
Wharfage: A charge assessed by a pier or dock owner against the cargo
or a steamship company for use of the pier or dock.
W. & I.: Weighing and Inspection
With Average: A marine insurance term meaning that shipment is
protected for partial damage whenever the damage exceeds a stated
percentage.
Without Reserve: A term indicating shipper's agent or representative is
empowered to make definitive decisions and adjustments abroad without
approval of the group or individual represented. See advisory capacity.
With Particular Average (W.P.A.) : An insurance term meaning that
partial loss or damage of goods is insured. Generally must be caused by

PIMSR
Export Process & Documentation 106

sea water. Many have a minimum percentage of damage before payment.


May be extended to cover loss by theft, pilferage, delivery, leakage, and
breakage.
W/M: Weight and/or measurement
W.P.A.: With Particular Average
W/R: Warehouse receipt
W.R.: War Risk
X Heavy: Extra Heavy
X Strong: Extra strong
XX Heavy: Double extra heavy
XX Strong: Double extra strong
Y/A: York-Antwerp Rules - A code of rules adopted by an international
convention in 1890, amended in 1924 and again in 1950, for the purpose
of establishing a uniform basis for adjusting general average. Certain
nationalities decline to observe certain of the rules adopted. United States
shipping interests generally abide by general rule "F" and numbered rules
1 to 15 and 17 to 22, inclusive and specifically set this forth in a Bill Of
Lading Clause.

Yield: Revenue, not necessarily profitable, per unit of traffic.

PIMSR

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