LCL – LESS THAN CONTAINER LOAD
Describes a shipment that does not fill the shipping container capacity. Cost savings can be achieved through consolidation with your 3PL, filling the remaining capacity
LTL – LESS THAN TRUCKLOAD
Describes a ground shipment that does not fill the shipping container or trailer’s capacity. Cost savings can be achieved through consolidation with your 3PL, filling the remaining capacity.
CFS – CONTAINER FREIGHT STATION
A port facility for loading and unloading containerized cargo to and from ships or planes.
CY – CONTAINER YARD
Where containers are staged before they are loaded onto vessels.
FCL – FULL CONTAINER LOAD
Describes a shipment that fills the shipping container capacity.
AWB – AIR WAY BILL
A receipt issued by an international airline for transportation of goods.
HBL – HOUSE BILL OF LADING
Transportation contract which takes place between a customer and a forwarder for goods to be shipped or transported in a group.
MBL – MASTER BILL OF LADING
Transportation contract which takes place between a customer and a forwarder for goods to be shipped or transported in a group. However, unlike the HBL, the master bill of lading is issued by the shipping company or carriers. The document summarizes the different quantities of cargo that is to be hauled for transport by the vessels or other modes of transport.
SLI – SHIPPERS LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS
Issued by the exporter to the forwarding agent and includes shipping instructions for air or ocean shipment.
ETD – ESTIMATED TIME OF DEPARTURE
Issued by the exporter to the forwarding agent and includes shipping instructions for air or ocean shipment.
ATD – ACTUAL TIME OF DEPARTURE
Exact time the shipment left its origin.
ETA – ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL
Approximate time a shipment will reach its destination.
ATA – ACTUAL TIME OF ARRIVAL
Exact time the shipment arrives at destination.
NVOCC – NON-VESSEL OPERATING COMMON CARRIER
A.K.A a freight forwarder or consolidator who does not own any vessel but functions as a carrier issuing its own bills of lading or air way bills and assume responsibility for the shipment.