Freight Forwarding Terminology

Fitted with cabins and catering facilities for offshore crews. Semisubmersible accommodation units are often called "Flotels".

An accident due exclusively to natural causes which may not be provided against by human foresight.

Total weight of a container including empty container, loose internal fittings and payload.

The actual weight of the pay load - the difference between the actual gross weight and the gross tare weight.

In proportion to value.

A rate applied in proportion to the value. Applied to duties graduated according to the subject matter taxed.

The confirmed or official dimensions of a ship.

European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, 1968.

In, near, or toward the stern of the vessel.

A fee charged to the ship by the ship's agent, representing payment for services while the ship was in port. Sometimes called attendance fee.

Anchor-handling tug: moves anchors and tow drilling vessels, lighters and similar.

Anchor-handling Tug/Supply. Combined supply and anchor-handling ship. Seismic ship: Conducts seismic surveys to map geological structures beneath the sea bed.

American Institute of Merchant Shipping

A system devised by the ICC whereby all international trade documents are designed to a common standard, printed on A4 size paper with each item of information always appearing in the one location.

A vessel designed to carry containers only.

A vessel in which decks and tween decks consist of removable panels so the whole length of the holds are accessible from above.

The act if striking or collision of a moving vessel against a stationary object.

American Maritime Congress.

Generally speaking the word amidships means in the middle portion of a vessel.

American National Standards Institute.

A form of advice used to notify a consignee of cargo arrival.

The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Sometimes called ship's articles, shipping articles.

American Shipbrokers Association.

The documentary transfer of title to cargo.

A backward direction in the line of a vessel's fore and aft line; behind. If a vessel moves backwards it is said to move astern; opposite to ahead.

In marine insurance this phrase applies to a ship which is free from its moorings and ready to sail.

Air Waybill (AWB) or Air Consignment Note refers to a document of affreightment used to cover the movement of goods by air. The AWB has a tracking number which can be used to check the status of delivery, and current position of the shipment. The number consists of a three letter identifier issued by IATA and a 8 digit number, the last number being a check digit. The first 7 digits can be divided by 7 and the remainder will be the last digit. The first three copies are classified as originals. The first copy is retained by the issuing carrier or their appointed agent. The 2nd copy by the receiving carrier or their appointed agent. The 3rd copy is used as Proof Of Delivery (POD).