WEEKLY LCL LOADING TO LUSAKA FROM INDIA, CHINA & DUBAI.
Conceive the Shipping Glossary
At JIA, we understand that not everyone has expertise in freight forwarding, and the process of shipping cargo can often involve complex terminology. Our goal is to simplify and streamline the shipping experience as much as possible, which is why we have developed a user-friendly glossary of terms. Additionally, please don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable experts who are ready to assist you with any questions you may have. If there is any specific jargon that you require clarification on and it is not included in our glossary, kindly inform us, and our experts will make every effort to provide you with a clear explanation.
- Freight Forwarder : An intermediary who arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers. They provide services such as warehousing, documentation, customs clearance, and insurance to help shippers move their goods from one place to another.
- Customs Broker : A licensed professional who helps importers and exporters comply with the customs regulations of different countries. They act as an intermediary between the importer/exporter and the government agencies responsible for enforcing customs laws.
- Incoterms : A set of standardized rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that defines the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade transactions. They provide a common language for shippers, carriers, and customs brokers to avoid misunderstandings.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) : A legal document that serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It provides details about the cargo being shipped, its origin, destination, and the terms of the shipment.
- Container : A standardized metal box used for transporting goods via sea, rail, or truck. It is designed to be easily transferred from one mode of transportation to another without the need to unpack the contents.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) : A type of shipping where the cargo being transported is not enough to fill an entire container. The freight forwarder consolidates the shipments of several different shippers into a single container, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
- FCL (Full Container Load) : A type of shipping where the cargo being transported fills an entire container. The freight forwarder arranges for the container to be picked up from the shipper's location and delivered to its final destination.
- FOB (Free on Board) : A term used in international trade to indicate that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port of shipment and loading them onto the vessel. Once the goods are loaded onto the vessel, the buyer assumes responsibility for them.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) : A term used in international trade to indicate that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the port of destination and paying for the cost of transportation and insurance. The buyer assumes responsibility for the goods once they are unloaded from the vessel.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) : A term used in international trade to indicate that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer's destination, paying for all transportation costs, and assuming all customs duties and taxes.
- Telex Release : A method of releasing the cargo to the consignee without the need for a physical bill of lading. The shipping line sends a telex or email to the destination agent, authorizing them to release the cargo to the consignee upon presentation of certain documents.
- Breakbulk : A type of shipping where the cargo is loaded and unloaded piece by piece, rather than in containers. It is used for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit in a container.
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) : A type of shipping where the cargo is loaded and unloaded by driving it onto and off of a specialized vessel. It is used for vehicles, heavy machinery, and other wheeled or tracked cargo.
- Transshipment : The process of transferring cargo from one vessel to another during a shipment. It is typically used when a direct route between the origin and destination is not available, or when the cargo needs to be consolidated with other shipments.
- ETD (Estimated / Expected Time of Departure : The expected date and time that a vessel or cargo will depart from the port of loading. ETD provides information on the day on which the consignment leaves the seaport or airport.
- ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) : The expected date and time that a vessel or cargo will arrive at its destination. It is an important piece of information for shippers, consignees, and freight forwarders, as it allows them to plan for the arrival of the cargo and make any necessary arrangements.
- ATA (Actual Time of Arrival) : The actual date and time that a vessel or cargo arrives at its destination. It is important to compare the ATA with the ETA to measure the accuracy of the shipping schedule.
- Demurrage : The penalty or fee charged to the shipper or receiver of goods for delaying the unloading or loading of cargo beyond the allotted time. It is designed to incentivize timely cargo movements and reduce congestion at ports.
- Carrier : The company or entity that provides transportation services for goods. This can include shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, and railroads.
- Tare Weight : The weight of an empty container or vehicle. It is subtracted from the gross weight of the container or vehicle and the cargo inside to determine the net weight of the cargo.
- Dry Bulk : A type of cargo that is loose, unpackaged, and typically loaded onto a vessel in large quantities. Examples include coal, grain, and iron ore.
- Reefer : A refrigerated container or vessel used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
- Waybill : A document that serves as a receipt for the goods being shipped and contains details about the cargo, the shipper, the consignee, and the carrier. It does not serve as a title to the goods, like a bill of lading.
- Air Waybill : A document that serves as a contract between the shipper and the airline for the transportation of goods by air. It contains details about the cargo, the shipper, the consignee, and the terms of the shipment.
- NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) : A type of freight forwarder that does not own its own vessels, but instead contracts with shipping lines to transport cargo on behalf of shippers.
- LOI (Letter of Intent) : A document used in international trade to express a willingness to enter into a contract with another party. It is not a legally binding document, but it is often used as a preliminary step in negotiating a contract.
- LCL(Less than Container Load) : A type of shipping where the cargo being transported does not require a fullcontainer load. The freight forwarder consolidates the shipments of several different shippers into a single container, reducing costs and improving efficiency.