Glossary

Navigate ocean supply chain terms with ease using our alphabetical listing of terms and expressions connected with logistics, supply chains, ports, and cargo transportation

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Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU)

Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU) is an Incoterm indicating that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified destination and unloading them at the buyer's premises.

Dwell Time

Dwell Time is the duration that cargo spends at a specific location, such as a port or terminal, impacting overall supply chain efficiency.

Cut-off Time

Cut-off Time is the deadline for submitting cargo for a specific shipment, affecting the timing of loading and departure.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is an Incoterm indicating that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer's premises, including all costs and duties.

Consolidated Cargo

Consolidated Cargo involves combining multiple smaller shipments into a single container for transportation, optimizing efficiency and reducing costs.

Containerization

Containerization is a shipping method where goods are packed into standardized containers for efficient handling, transportation, and intermodal transfers between different modes of transport.

Chassis Pool

A Chassis Pool is a shared fleet of chassis available for multiple shippers, optimizing container transport efficiency by reducing equipment shortages and idle time.

Carrier Performance

Carrier Performance assesses the efficiency, reliability, and service quality of a transportation provider, influencing decisions in cargo shipment selection.

Customs Broker

A Customs Broker is a professional intermediary who assists in clearing goods through customs, ensuring compliance with regulations and facilitating the smooth movement of cargo across borders.

Certificate of Origin

A Certificate of Origin is a document confirming the country where goods originated, often required for customs purposes and trade agreements.

Carrier

A Carrier is a company or individual responsible for transporting goods, passengers, or cargo by sea, air, land, or a combination of these modes.

Container Number

A Container Number is a unique identifier assigned to a shipping container, facilitating tracking and management throughout transportation.

Chassis

A Chassis is a wheeled frame or undercarriage used to support and transport shipping containers over land.

Container Size

Container Size specifies the dimensions and capacity of shipping containers, with standard sizes such as 20 feet and 40 feet being widely used in global trade.

Breakbulk

Breakbulk refers to the transportation of goods that are not containerized, typically loaded individually or on pallets, often requiring special handling and stowage.

Booking Number

A Booking Number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific shipment reservation, enabling tracking and management of cargo from the time it is booked until it reaches its destination.

AIS Automatic Identification Systems

AIS is a maritime communication system that uses transponders on ships for real-time ship tracking, providing information such as vessel position, speed, and course to enhance navigation safety and avoid collisions.

Carbon Emissions Intensity

Carbon Emissions Intensity measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted per unit of cargo transported, reflecting the environmental impact of shipping activities.

Agile Supply Chains

Agile Supply Chains are flexible and responsive supply chain systems that quickly adapt to changes in demand, allowing for efficient adjustments in production, distribution, and logistics to meet customer needs.

BCO (Beneficial Cargo Owner)

Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO) refers to the party that owns or holds the rights to the cargo being transported, often the buyer or receiver of the goods, influencing decisions related to shipping and logistics.

AIS Ship Tracking

AIS Ship Tracking involves monitoring and recording the movements of ships using the Automatic Identification System, providing real-time information on a vessel's location, course, and speed for navigation, safety, and logistical purposes.

Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)

An ASN is a notification sent by a supplier to a recipient, providing detailed information about a shipment, including contents, quantity, and expected delivery, to facilitate efficient cargo handling and supply chain planning.

Blank Sailing

Blank Sailing occurs when a scheduled voyage is cancelled by a shipping line, often due to low demand or operational reasons, leading to adjustments in the shipping schedule.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

A BOL is a legal document issued by the carrier to the shipper, acknowledging receipt of cargo for shipment, specifying the terms and conditions of transport, and serving as a title of ownership for the goods.

Berth

A Berth is a designated location at a port where a ship docks or anchors for loading, unloading, or other port activities.

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Glossary

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Delivered at Place Unloaded (DPU)

Dwell Time

Cut-off Time

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

Consolidated Cargo

Containerization

Chassis Pool

Carrier Performance

Customs Broker

Certificate of Origin

Carrier

Container Number

Chassis

Container Size

Breakbulk

Booking Number

AIS Automatic Identification Systems

Carbon Emissions Intensity

Agile Supply Chains

BCO (Beneficial Cargo Owner)

AIS Ship Tracking

Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)

Blank Sailing

Bill of Lading (BOL)

Berth

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