AIR DOCUMENT
AWB — Air Waybill
A transport document associated with air cargo that records shipment and transportation information.
Used in air-freight movements between the shipper, forwarder, airline and consignee.
Related: Air Freight Guide →
01 · Understanding the Glossary
What Is a Logistics Glossary?
A logistics glossary is a reference guide to terminology used in freight forwarding, shipping, cargo handling, customs, international trade, transportation and supply-chain operations.
Some terms describe documents. Others describe transportation methods, equipment, costs, responsibilities, customs procedures or cargo-handling processes.
A useful definition does more than expand an abbreviation. A good logistics explanation should describe the term in plain English, explain why it matters, show how it can appear in a real shipment and connect the term to related logistics concepts.
Definition
What does the term actually mean?
Why It Matters
What part of the shipment or transaction does it affect?
Real Context
How is the term used during an actual logistics process?
02 · Search
Search the Logistics Glossary
Search by abbreviation, logistics term, document, equipment, shipping process or international-trade concept.
Showing all glossary terms.
CHARGE
BAF — Bunker Adjustment Factor
A surcharge or pricing adjustment associated with bunker-fuel costs in ocean transportation, depending on carrier and trade arrangement.
BAF terminology and amounts can vary by carrier, contract and trade lane.
VOLUME
CBM — Cubic Meter
A unit used to express cargo volume. One cubic meter equals one meter × one meter × one meter.
CBM is commonly used when planning LCL cargo and container utilization.
Use CBM Calculator →
DOCUMENT
DO — Delivery Order
A document or instruction used in cargo-release and delivery processes, depending on the carrier, forwarder and destination arrangement.
The exact process and issuing party vary by shipment and destination.
SCHEDULE
ETA — Estimated Time of Arrival
The estimated time or date when a vessel, aircraft, truck or shipment is expected to reach a specified location.
ETA is an estimate and can change because of operational or transportation conditions.
Shipment Tracking →
OCEAN
FCL — Full Container Load
An ocean shipment using a dedicated container for the cargo rather than sharing container space with unrelated shipments.
Container selection, dimensions, payload and loading arrangement remain important even when the shipment is FCL.
Ocean Freight Guide →
WEIGHT
Gross Weight
The total weight of cargo together with applicable packaging and other components included under the relevant declaration or transport context.
The exact meaning should be checked against the document, customs declaration or transport process involved.
DOCUMENT
HBL — House Bill of Lading
A bill of lading issued within a freight-forwarding arrangement, commonly representing the forwarder's contractual relationship with its customer.
It should be distinguished from the Master Bill of Lading issued by the ocean carrier or NVOCC arrangement.
DG
IMDG Code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code governing packaged dangerous goods transported by sea.
Requirements include classification, packing, marking, labelling, documentation, segregation and stowage.
Cargo Guide →
OCEAN
LCL — Less than Container Load
An ocean shipment where cargo shares container capacity with other shipments.
Cargo volume, package dimensions, consolidation and CFS handling are important LCL planning considerations.
Calculate CBM →
AIR
MAWB — Master Air Waybill
The master air waybill associated with the principal air-carriage arrangement in a consolidated air-freight movement.
The MAWB should be distinguished from the HAWB used within the forwarding arrangement.
OCEAN
NVOCC
Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier. An entity that provides ocean transportation services without operating the vessels itself.
NVOCC arrangements can involve their own house documentation and carrier relationships.
SPECIAL CARGO
OOG — Out of Gauge
Cargo that exceeds one or more standard dimensional limits of the equipment or container arrangement.
OOG planning can require open-top, flat-rack, platform or other specialized equipment.
Container Guide →
INDONESIA
PEB — Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang
The Indonesian export customs declaration used within the applicable export-customs process.
Export procedures and supporting requirements depend on the commodity and applicable Indonesian regulations.
Customs Guide →
TRADE
RCEP
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a regional trade agreement involving participating economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Preferential treatment depends on the agreement, product classification, origin rules and eligibility requirements.
International Trade →
MARITIME
SOLAS
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, one of the major international maritime safety conventions.
SOLAS includes maritime cargo and container-related requirements, including verified gross mass requirements for packed containers.
CHARGE
THC — Terminal Handling Charge
A charge associated with handling cargo or containers at a terminal, according to the applicable carrier or local charging arrangement.
Actual scope and amount vary according to location, carrier, contract and shipment type.
AIR
ULD — Unit Load Device
An aircraft-compatible container or pallet system used to consolidate and handle air cargo.
ULD suitability depends on aircraft type, unit dimensions and cargo requirements.
CONTAINER
VGM — Verified Gross Mass
The verified gross mass of a packed container used in maritime transportation.
VGM is an important part of the SOLAS container-weight framework.
Container Guide →
WAREHOUSE
WMS — Warehouse Management System
Software used to support warehouse activities such as receiving, inventory, picking, storage and dispatch.
Actual WMS functions vary by system and warehouse operation.
Warehousing →
03 · Freight Forwarding
Freight Forwarding Terms
FORWARDING
Freight Forwarder
A company that coordinates transportation and related logistics services on behalf of customers.
3PL
Third-Party Logistics
A logistics service model where an external provider performs selected transportation, warehousing or supply-chain functions.
4PL
Fourth-Party Logistics
A broader coordination model in which a provider may manage multiple logistics resources and providers across a supply chain.
BOOKING
Booking
The process of requesting and confirming transportation space with a carrier or logistics provider.
SI
Shipping Instruction
Information supplied for preparation of transport and shipping documentation.
SHIPPER
Shipper
The party identified as the shipper in the applicable transportation documentation.
CONSIGNEE
Consignee
The party identified as the consignee in the relevant transport or shipping documentation.
NOTIFY
Notify Party
A party designated to receive applicable shipment or arrival notifications.
04 · Ocean Freight
Ocean Freight Glossary
FCL
FCL — Full Container Load
Dedicated container transportation for the shipment.
LCL
LCL — Less than Container Load
Consolidated ocean transportation where cargo shares container space.
CFS
CFS — Container Freight Station
A facility used for activities such as LCL consolidation, deconsolidation and cargo handling.
CY
CY — Container Yard
A location where containers may be received, stored or handled within a container-terminal or carrier arrangement.
CONSOLIDATION
Consolidation
Combining cargo from multiple shipments into a consolidated transportation unit.
DECONSOLIDATION
Deconsolidation
Separating consolidated cargo after arrival for individual delivery or onward handling.
TRANSSHIPMENT
Transshipment
Movement of cargo from one vessel or transportation service to another during the journey.
CUT-OFF
Cut-Off
A carrier, terminal or operational deadline for cargo, documents or other shipment requirements.
FREE TIME
Free Time
An agreed period during which certain specified charges may not yet apply, depending on the service arrangement.
DEMURRAGE
Demurrage
Charges commonly associated with retaining a carrier's container in a terminal beyond the applicable free time.
DETENTION
Detention
Charges commonly associated with retaining a carrier's container outside the terminal beyond the applicable free time.
VESSEL
Vessel Schedule
Planned information about vessel movements, ports, dates and voyage details.
05 · Container Equipment
Container & Equipment Terms
20GP
20GP
20-foot General Purpose container, commonly used for general cargo.
40GP
40GP
40-foot General Purpose container with more internal length and volume than a 20GP.
40HC
40HC
40-foot High Cube container with greater internal height.
45HC
45HC
45-foot High Cube equipment used where available and appropriate for the trade lane.
REEFER
Reefer
A refrigerated container designed for temperature-controlled cargo.
OPEN TOP
Open Top
Container equipment allowing top-loading access for suitable cargo.
FLAT RACK
Flat Rack
Specialized equipment for certain oversized or heavy cargo.
ISO TANK
ISO Tank
A standardized tank-container arrangement used for compatible liquid or bulk products.
TARE
Tare Weight
The empty equipment weight.
PAYLOAD
Payload
The cargo weight that can be carried within applicable equipment and operational limits.
OOG
OOG — Out of Gauge
Cargo that exceeds applicable standard equipment dimensional limits.
VGM
VGM — Verified Gross Mass
Verified gross mass of a packed container under the applicable maritime container-weight requirements.
06 · Cargo & Handling
Cargo & Handling Terms
General Cargo
Cargo that does not require specialized temperature, dangerous-goods or abnormal-dimension handling.
Breakbulk
Cargo handled as individual units rather than as loose bulk cargo or a standard containerized shipment.
Bulk Cargo
Cargo transported in larger quantities without conventional individual packaging, subject to the applicable equipment and transport method.
Project Cargo
Large, heavy, complex or specialized cargo requiring detailed logistics planning.
Perishable Cargo
Cargo whose condition or commercial value can deteriorate with time or unsuitable environmental conditions.
Stuffing
The process of loading cargo into a container.
Stripping
The process of removing cargo from a container.
Lashing
Securing cargo using appropriate restraint methods to reduce movement during transportation.
Dunnage
Material used to protect, support or secure cargo.
Blocking & Bracing
Methods used to restrain cargo and prevent unwanted movement inside transport equipment.
07 · Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods Glossary
DG
Dangerous Goods
Articles or substances that present hazards during transportation and therefore require specific classification, packaging, documentation, handling or transport controls.
IMDG
IMDG Code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code applicable to packaged dangerous goods transported by sea.
IATA DGR
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
Regulations used in the air-transport framework for dangerous goods, subject to the applicable edition and requirements.
UN
UN Number
A four-digit identification number associated with a dangerous substance, article or group of substances/articles.
PSN
Proper Shipping Name
The standardized name used to identify dangerous goods for transport documentation and related processes.
PG
Packing Group
A classification used for certain dangerous goods to indicate the degree of hazard relevant to packing requirements.
SDS
SDS / Safety Data Sheet
A document containing safety and hazard information about a chemical or product.
LQ
Limited Quantity
A dangerous-goods transport concept allowing specified products in specified quantities to use particular regulatory provisions.
Important: Dangerous-goods requirements should never be determined from a glossary definition alone. Actual classification, packing, labelling, documentation, carrier acceptance and regulatory requirements depend on the specific commodity and transport mode.
08 · Air Freight
Air Freight Glossary
AWB
Air Waybill
A principal transport document associated with air cargo.
HAWB
HAWB — House Air Waybill
House-level air-freight documentation used within a forwarding or consolidation arrangement.
MAWB
MAWB — Master Air Waybill
Master air waybill associated with the main air-carriage arrangement.
CWT
Chargeable Weight
The weight used for air-freight rating after comparing the applicable actual and volumetric/dimensional weight basis.
Use Air CWT Calculator →ACTUAL
Actual Weight
The physical weight measured for the shipment according to the applicable weighing process.
VOLUMETRIC
Volumetric Weight
A calculated weight based on cargo dimensions using the applicable airline or service divisor.
ULD
ULD — Unit Load Device
An aircraft-compatible pallet or container system used to consolidate and handle air cargo.
IATA
IATA
International Air Transport Association, a major industry organization representing airlines and supporting aviation standards and industry programs.
09 · Customs & Trade
Customs & International Trade Glossary
CUSTOMS
Customs Clearance
The process of completing applicable customs formalities so cargo can be imported, exported or otherwise released according to the relevant rules.
Customs Guide →HS
HS Code
A Harmonized System classification code used to classify goods for customs and trade purposes.
HS Identifier →PIB
PIB
Pemberitahuan Impor Barang, the Indonesian import customs declaration used in the applicable import process.
PEB
PEB
Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang, the Indonesian export customs declaration used in the applicable export process.
LARTAS
LARTAS
Indonesian terminology commonly used for goods subject to restrictions or regulatory controls in import/export processes.
MFN
MFN — Most Favoured Nation
A general tariff-treatment concept used in the multilateral trade framework, subject to applicable tariff schedules and rules.
COO
Certificate of Origin
A document used to establish or support the origin of goods for relevant commercial, customs or preferential-treatment purposes.
RULES OF ORIGIN
Rules of Origin
Rules used to determine the origin of goods for particular trade, customs or preferential-treatment purposes.
10 · Incoterms
Incoterms® 2020 Terms
Incoterms® rules are standardized trade terms used in contracts for the sale and purchase of goods. They help clarify defined delivery responsibilities, allocation of certain costs and risk between seller and buyer.
ANY MODE
EXW — Ex Works
Seller makes the goods available at the named place, with relatively limited seller delivery responsibility under the rule.
ANY MODE
FCA — Free Carrier
Seller delivers the goods to the carrier or another party nominated by the buyer at the named place.
ANY MODE
CPT — Carriage Paid To
Seller arranges and pays for carriage to the named destination, while risk transfers at the delivery point specified by the rule.
ANY MODE
CIP — Carriage and Insurance Paid To
CPT-style carriage arrangement with an insurance obligation for the seller under the rule.
ANY MODE
DAP — Delivered at Place
Seller delivers the goods at the named destination ready for unloading.
ANY MODE
DPU — Delivered at Place Unloaded
Seller delivers at the named destination after unloading the goods.
ANY MODE
DDP — Delivered Duty Paid
Seller assumes broad delivery responsibility including the import-clearance and duty obligations specified by the rule.
SEA / INLAND WATERWAY
FAS — Free Alongside Ship
Seller delivers goods alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment.
SEA / INLAND WATERWAY
FOB — Free On Board
Seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment.
SEA / INLAND WATERWAY
CFR — Cost and Freight
Seller pays cost and freight to the named destination port, while risk transfers according to the delivery point specified in the rule.
SEA / INLAND WATERWAY
CIF — Cost Insurance and Freight
CFR-style arrangement with the seller's insurance obligation under the applicable rule.
11 · Documents
Shipping & Logistics Documents
Bill of Lading — B/L
A key ocean-transport document associated with the carriage of goods by sea and related contractual or documentary functions.
HBL — House Bill of Lading
House-level bill of lading commonly issued within a forwarding or consolidation arrangement.
MBL — Master Bill of Lading
Master-level bill of lading associated with the principal ocean-carriage arrangement.
AWB — Air Waybill
Principal transport documentation for an air-cargo shipment.
Commercial Invoice
A commercial document containing transaction information such as parties, goods, quantities and value.
Packing List
A document describing package quantities, contents, dimensions, weights and packing information as applicable.
Certificate of Origin
Documentation supporting the origin of goods for relevant commercial, customs or preferential purposes.
Shipping Instruction
Shipment information provided for preparation of applicable shipping documentation.
Arrival Notice
A notification containing applicable information concerning an expected cargo or vessel arrival.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
Required dangerous-goods documentation containing applicable shipment and hazard information.
12 · Inland Logistics
Trucking & Inland Logistics Terms
Drayage
Short-distance movement of containerized cargo, commonly connecting a port or terminal with another nearby logistics location.
Inland Transportation
Movement of cargo by road or rail between inland locations, ports, airports or final delivery points.
Empty Return
Returning an empty carrier container to the designated depot or location after cargo delivery or unloading.
Container Pickup
The process of collecting an empty or loaded container according to the applicable transport arrangement.
Trailer
Road equipment used to transport cargo, containers or other loads.
Proof of Delivery — POD
Document or electronic confirmation that cargo has been delivered to the relevant receiving party.
Waiting Time
Time during which a truck or driver is waiting beyond the expected operational period, potentially affecting applicable charges.
Route Planning
Planning the road movement based on cargo dimensions, vehicle, restrictions, distance, access and delivery requirements.
13 · Warehousing
Warehousing & CFS Terms
Warehouse
A facility used for storing, receiving, handling or distributing goods.
CFS — Container Freight Station
A facility commonly associated with LCL consolidation, deconsolidation and related cargo-handling activities.
Receiving
The process of accepting inbound cargo into a warehouse or logistics facility.
Put-Away
Moving received inventory into its assigned storage location.
Picking
Selecting inventory from storage for an order or dispatch.
Cross-Docking
Moving inbound cargo toward outbound delivery with limited or no long-term storage.
Palletization
Arranging goods onto pallets to support handling, storage and transportation.
SKU
Stock Keeping Unit, an inventory-identification reference used to distinguish individual items or product variants.
14 · Port & Vessel Operations
Ports, Vessels & Shipping Operations
Port of Loading — POL
The port where cargo is loaded for the relevant ocean transportation service.
Port of Discharge — POD
The port where cargo is discharged from the vessel. POD may also mean Proof of Delivery in another logistics context.
Vessel
A ship used to transport cargo, including container vessels operating on scheduled services.
Voyage
A particular planned vessel journey or service movement.
ETD
Estimated Time of Departure.
ATD
Actual Time of Departure.
ATA
Actual Time of Arrival.
Feeder Vessel
A vessel commonly used to connect smaller or regional ports with larger hub ports and mainline services.
Mother Vessel
A larger mainline vessel used for major ocean-service routes, particularly within hub-and-spoke networks.
Terminal
A port facility used for cargo and vessel operations, including container handling and interchange.
THC
Terminal Handling Charge associated with applicable terminal or container-handling activities.
Port Congestion
A condition where vessel, terminal or cargo volumes create operational delays or reduced port capacity.
15 · Pricing
Freight Charges & Logistics Cost Terms
Ocean Freight
The main transportation charge associated with moving cargo by ocean under the applicable service arrangement.
Air Freight
The main transportation charge associated with moving cargo by air.
Freight Rate
The applicable rate used to calculate transportation charges under a particular shipment or contract.
Origin Charges
Applicable costs incurred at or associated with the shipment origin.
Destination Charges
Applicable charges incurred at or associated with the destination.
Documentation Fee
A charge associated with applicable document preparation or processing.
Fuel Surcharge
A surcharge or pricing adjustment associated with fuel costs under the relevant transportation arrangement.
Peak Season Surcharge
A surcharge that may apply during periods of high seasonal transportation demand.
BAF
Bunker Adjustment Factor associated with fuel-cost adjustments in certain ocean freight arrangements.
CAF
Currency Adjustment Factor, a pricing mechanism used by some carriers or service arrangements to reflect currency movements.
Pricing caution: Logistics charges are not universal definitions of fixed prices. Amounts and scope can vary by carrier, trade lane, contract, location, cargo type, season and shipment arrangement.
16 · Indonesia
Indonesia Logistics & Customs Terms
International logistics through Indonesia uses terminology from customs, trade, transportation and local operational processes. These terms are particularly relevant to businesses importing or exporting through Indonesia.
PIB
Pemberitahuan Impor Barang
The Indonesian import customs declaration used in the applicable import process.
PEB
Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang
The Indonesian export customs declaration used in the applicable export process.
LARTAS
Larangan & Pembatasan
A commonly used Indonesian customs term for goods subject to prohibitions, restrictions or regulatory controls.
SPPB
SPPB
A customs-related cargo-release document used in the Indonesian import process when the relevant conditions for release have been satisfied.
NIK
Nomor Identitas Kepabeanan
A customs identity concept associated with parties involved in Indonesian customs activities.
INSW
Indonesia National Single Window
An Indonesian national trade and customs information platform connecting relevant government and trade processes.
BEA MASUK
Import Duty
A customs duty that may apply to imported goods according to the relevant classification, customs valuation and tariff treatment.
RED / GREEN
Red Lane / Green Lane
Customs processing channels involving different examination and release processes under the applicable Indonesian customs framework.
Important: Indonesian customs terminology and procedures should be interpreted using the current applicable regulations and official systems. This glossary is intended as educational logistics guidance, not as a substitute for official customs rules or regulatory advice.
17 · Abbreviations
Common Logistics Abbreviations
AWB — Air Waybill
BAF — Bunker Adjustment Factor
CBM — Cubic Meter
CFS — Container Freight Station
CY — Container Yard
DAP — Delivered at Place
DDP — Delivered Duty Paid
DG — Dangerous Goods
DO — Delivery Order
ETA — Estimated Time of Arrival
ETD — Estimated Time of Departure
FAS — Free Alongside Ship
FCA — Free Carrier
FCL — Full Container Load
FOB — Free On Board
HAWB — House Air Waybill
HBL — House Bill of Lading
HS — Harmonized System
IMDG — International Maritime Dangerous Goods
LCL — Less than Container Load
MAWB — Master Air Waybill
MBL — Master Bill of Lading
NVOCC
OOG — Out of Gauge
PEB
PIB
POD — Port of Discharge / Proof of Delivery
POL — Port of Loading
RCEP
SI — Shipping Instruction
SDS — Safety Data Sheet
SOLAS
THC — Terminal Handling Charge
ULD — Unit Load Device
VGM — Verified Gross Mass
WMS — Warehouse Management System
18 · Commonly Confused
Commonly Confused Logistics Terms
Freight Type
FCL vs LCL
FCL generally uses a dedicated container for the shipment. LCL shares container capacity with other shipments. The practical choice depends on cargo volume, rates, route and operational requirements.
Container Time
Demurrage vs Detention
Both relate to container time, but they generally apply in different locations or stages. Demurrage is commonly associated with terminal dwell beyond free time, while detention commonly relates to keeping the carrier's container outside the terminal beyond free time.
Schedule
ETA vs ETD
ETA means Estimated Time of Arrival. ETD means Estimated Time of Departure.
Abbreviation
POD — Port of Discharge vs Proof of Delivery
POD can mean Port of Discharge in ocean shipping or Proof of Delivery in inland delivery. Always interpret the term from context.
Document
HBL vs MBL
An HBL is house-level documentation within a forwarding arrangement. An MBL is master-level documentation associated with the principal ocean-carriage arrangement.
Air Document
HAWB vs MAWB
The HAWB represents the house-level forwarding arrangement, while the MAWB represents the master air-carriage arrangement.
Trade Term
FOB vs FCA
FOB and FCA have different delivery points and transport-mode applications. FCA can be used across modes, while FOB is a sea/inland-waterway Incoterms® rule.
Incoterms Guide → Delivery
DAP vs DDP
The key distinction is that DDP includes broader seller responsibility for import clearance and applicable import duties/taxes under the rule, while DAP does not.
Weight
CBM vs Chargeable Weight
CBM measures cargo volume. Air-freight chargeable weight compares actual and volumetric/dimensional weight according to the applicable rating rules.
CBM Calculator → Weight
Gross Weight vs Net Weight
Net weight generally refers to the goods themselves, while gross weight may include packaging and other components according to the relevant document or declaration context.
Warehouse
Storage vs Warehousing
Storage refers primarily to keeping goods, while logistics warehousing can include receiving, inventory control, handling, picking, packing, consolidation and distribution.
Warehousing → Service Providers
Freight Forwarder vs NVOCC
A freight forwarder coordinates logistics services for customers, while an NVOCC provides ocean transportation services without operating vessels. Commercial structures can vary depending on the arrangement.
19 · Real Shipment Context
See How Logistics Terms Connect in a Real Shipment
Consider an Indonesian manufacturer exporting one 40HC container to an overseas buyer under an agreed trade term.
40HC
→
FCL
→
Booking
→
Shipping Instruction
→
Trucking
→
PEB
Port of Loading
→
VGM
→
Bill of Lading
→
Ocean Freight
→
Port of Discharge
Import Clearance
→
Trucking
→
Warehouse / Factory
→
Delivery
This example demonstrates why logistics terminology is interconnected. A term such as FCL is not an isolated definition; it connects to the container, booking, trucking, customs, VGM, vessel movement, documentation and final delivery.
20 · NS Continent Tools
NS Continent Tools & Guides
Use the glossary as a starting point, then move directly to the relevant NS Continent service, knowledge page or logistics tool.
Air CWT Calculator
Compare actual and volumetric weight considerations for air cargo.
Open CWT Calculator →Import Tax Calculator
Estimate duty and import-tax components for Indonesia planning.
Open Import Tax Calculator →Container Guide
Understand container types, dimensions, capacity and cargo suitability.
Open Container Guide →International Trade
Understand the wider commercial relationship between trade and logistics.
International Trade Guide →Shipping Methods
Compare ocean, air, road and multimodal transportation options.
Compare Shipping Methods →Customs Guide
Learn about Indonesian customs, HS classification, LARTAS, duties and cargo release.
Open Customs Guide → 21 · FAQ
Logistics Glossary FAQ
A logistics glossary explains terminology used in freight forwarding, transportation, cargo handling, customs, trade, warehousing and related logistics activities.
FCL means Full Container Load. It generally refers to an ocean shipment using a dedicated container for the shipment.
LCL means Less than Container Load. Cargo shares container capacity with other shipments and is commonly handled through consolidation and deconsolidation operations.
CBM means cubic meter and is used to express cargo volume. It is particularly useful when planning LCL cargo and container utilization.
Chargeable weight is the applicable weight basis used for air-freight rating after comparing actual and volumetric or dimensional weight according to the relevant carrier or service rules.
A Bill of Lading is an important document associated with ocean transportation and may serve several contractual, documentary and cargo-handling functions depending on the arrangement.
An Air Waybill is a principal transport document used in air cargo transportation.
HBL means House Bill of Lading and generally represents the house-level forwarding relationship. MBL means Master Bill of Lading and relates to the master ocean-carriage arrangement.
ETA means Estimated Time of Arrival. It is the estimated arrival time or date and can change because of transportation or operational conditions.
Demurrage commonly refers to charges associated with retaining a carrier's container at a terminal beyond the applicable free time.
Detention commonly refers to charges associated with retaining a carrier's container outside the terminal beyond the applicable free time.
VGM means Verified Gross Mass. It refers to the verified gross mass of a packed container in the maritime transportation context.
An HS Code is a Harmonized System classification code used to classify goods for customs and trade purposes.
LARTAS is Indonesian terminology commonly used for goods subject to prohibitions, restrictions or regulatory controls in customs processes.
An Incoterms® rule is a standardized trade term used in a sale of goods to define specified delivery responsibilities, allocation of certain costs and risk between seller and buyer.
There are 11 Incoterms® 2020 rules.
CFS means Container Freight Station. It is commonly associated with activities such as LCL consolidation, deconsolidation and cargo handling.
A reefer is a refrigerated container designed for cargo requiring controlled temperature conditions.
An Open Top is specialized container equipment designed to facilitate top loading and handling of cargo that may be difficult to load through standard container doors.
A Flat Rack is specialized equipment used for certain heavy or oversized cargo that cannot be accommodated inside a conventional enclosed container.
22 · Logistics Guidance
Logistics Terms Are Easier to Understand in Context
A logistics term can mean something slightly different depending on the transportation mode, country, document, contract or operational stage. The glossary is designed to provide the practical context behind the terminology.
Can't Find a Logistics Term?
Share the term, cargo or transaction context with NS Continent. Our logistics team can help connect the terminology with the appropriate shipping, customs, freight or supply-chain process.