B/L (Bill of Lading)
The key sea freight document issued by the carrier, serving as a receipt for cargo, evidence of the transport contract …
Sea Freight
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)
A fuel surcharge added to ocean freight rates so carriers can pass changes in ship fuel costs on to shippers.
CBM (Cubic Meter)
The standard unit of cargo volume in freight, calculated from package dimensions and used to price LCL and plan …
CFS (Container Freight Station)
A warehouse near a port where LCL cargo from several shippers is received, consolidated into containers, or unpacked on …
Container Types (20GP, 40GP, 40HQ)
The three standard dry shipping containers used for sea freight, with approximate internal volumes and how to choose …
Cut-off Time
The deadline set by a carrier or terminal for cargo, documents, VGM or customs clearance before a vessel departs.
CY (Container Yard)
The terminal area where full and empty containers are stored before loading onto a ship or after discharge, used mainly …
Demurrage and Detention
Daily charges for keeping a container at the terminal or outside it beyond the free time allowed by the carrier.
FCL (Full Container Load)
A sea freight option where one shipper books an entire container for their own goods, paying a flat rate per container.
ISF (Importer Security Filing)
A US customs requirement that ocean importers file shipment details, known as 10+2, at least 24 hours before cargo is …
LCL (Less than Container Load)
A sea freight option where small shipments from several shippers share one container, with charges based on volume or …
MBL and HBL (Master and House Bill of Lading)
Two layers of bills of lading: the MBL issued by the ocean carrier to a forwarder, and the HBL issued by the forwarder …