Logistics Glossary: Service Edition

Master these essential logistics terms to communicate like a pro in international trade.

Core Shipping Modes

FCLFull Container Load (Single Recipient)

LCLLess than Container Load (Shared Space)

ConsolidationGrouping multiple shipments into one

Operations & Locations

Stuffing / VanningLoading cargo into a container

Unstuffing / UnvanningUnloading cargo from a container

CFSContainer Freight Station (Hub)

CYContainer Yard (Storage area)

DoorShipper’s Factory or Warehouse

Scope of Services

A/FAir Freight Services

CY to CYPort-to-Port Service

Door to DoorEnd-to-End Direct Delivery

Ocean Freight Document Glossary

Mastering the B/L terminology is vital for secure international trade.

B/L Bill of Lading Evidence of contract and title of goods.

MB/L Master Bill of Lading Issued by the shipping line (Carrier).

HB/L House Bill of Lading Issued by a freight forwarder (NVOCC).

SWB Sea Way Bill Non-negotiable, used for fast release.

Order B/L Order Bill of Lading Negotiable document via endorsement.

Clean B/L Clean Bill of Lading No damage or shortage noted on cargo.

Switch B/L Switch Bill of Lading Used in triangle trade to protect identity.

Anti-Dated Anti-dated B/L Dated before actual loading. (High Risk)

B/L Terminology Guide

SHPRShipper

CNEEConsignee

NTFYNotify Party

POLPort of Loading

PODPort of Discharge

O/BOn Board Date

B/DBack Date

GWTGross Weight

Container Encyclopedia

TEU20ft Equivalent Unit

FEU40ft Equivalent Unit

GP / DCGeneral Purpose / Dry Container

HQ / HC40ft High Cube Container

RF / RHReefer / High Cube Reefer

FRFlat Rack Container

OTOpen Top Container

SOC / COCShipper / Carrier Owned Container

Trade Terms Encyclopedia

CIF / CNF

Cost, Insurance & Freight involved in transit.

EXW

Buyer takes all costs from factory door.

FOB

Seller delivers to ship; buyer handles the rest.

DDP / DDU

Delivered to destination (Tax Paid/Unpaid).

Payment Methods

L/C: Letter of Credit (Bank Guaranteed)

T/T: Telex Transfer (Wire Transfer)

Essential Certs

C/O: Certificate of Origin

E.L.: Export License

Payment & Surcharge Glossary

Billing Transparency

Security & Filing

AMS / ACI / ENSAdvanced Manifest Filing

ISPS / ISFPort Security & Importer Filing

Surcharges & Adjustments

BAF / FAFBunker/Fuel Adjustment Factor

CAF / YASCurrency/Yen Adjustment Factor

GRI / PSSGeneral Rate Increase / Peak Season

Accounting & Operations

D/N & C/NDebit Note & Credit Note

THC / ORCTerminal Handling / Origin Receiving

R/TRevenue Tons (Billing Weight)

How to Start Shipping?

Ms. Yong

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Wendy

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