Bill of Lading – Document issued by a transportation provider indicating weights, volumes, shipping costs, dates, and origin and destination contact information.

Cubic Foot – A Measurement of volume -12” High x 12” wide 12” long cube.  1 cubic meter = 35.3145 cubic feet.

Consignee – The person or party receiving a shipment at an overseas destination (importer)

Customs – A government authority regulating imports.

Customs Broker – An individual or company representing importers in dealings with customs authorities.

Demurrage – A storage charge imposed by the steamship line for detention on their equipment.

Freight Forwarder – A travel agent or general contractor for cargo transport.

Freight Tariff – A freight carrier’s price list.

Liftvan – A wooden shipping crate constructed of plywood with a skidded base for easy handling.  They range is size from 10 – 250 cubic feet and can be constructed to fit any size of goods shipped.

Marine Cargo Coverage – Valuation coverage used in foreign trade to cover goods while they are in transit from one country to another.

Metric Ton – 2205 pounds

Physical Inspection – Customs inspection when authorities open an individual shipment to conduct a thorough examination of goods being imported

Port of Disembarkation – The port where shipment arrives overseas

Port of Embarkation – The port from where the shipment leaves

Shipper – A person or party shipping items to an overseas destination (exporter)

Steamship Container – A large metal box, either 20 or 40 feet long and approx. 8 feet wide and high, used to ship all types of commodities to international destinations.

Stevedore – Also known as a longshoreman. An employee of the port (usually the ones who put containers on or take them off steamship vessels)

Transshipment – Hub and spoke method of transportation where a container is taken off of original steamship vessel at intermediary port in order to place it on another vessel going from this port to port of final destination (used only when direct service is not available)

(Un)stuffing/Stripping – The service of either loading or unloading liftvans in or out of steamship containers at port facilities.

Valuation Certificate – A document indicating that valuation coverage was placed on goods shipped.

Valuation Coverage – Valuation coverage for your shipment providing coverage for virtually all scenarios which can lead to loss and/or damage to your household goods.

Value Added Tax (VAT) – A tax on all services performed at the destination including customs clearance and delivery (VAT is only common in certain countries. Please contact your local consulate to find out if you maybe charged VAT)