An Overview of Bills of Lading: Ensuring Precision in Shipping

Why is it crucial to verify Bill of Lading details?
The Bill of Lading meticulously captures the smallest shipment details, providing an exact representation of your cargo. This document is pivotal for identifying your shipment and becomes invaluable in dispute scenarios, especially when handling liability claims for damaged, lost, or delayed shipments.

When is the Bill of Lading Issued?
As a specialist in international shipping and freight, CargoMaster places utmost importance on accuracy in shipping dates, marks, and cargo descriptions when issuing the Bill of Lading. Adhering to maritime regulations, CargoMaster ensures precise details, recognising the significance of the date on the Bill of Lading, marking the enforcement of the shipment contract.

How is the Bill of Lading Compiled?
The compilation of a Bill of Lading involves several checks within the export documentation flow. Freight Forwarders like CargoMaster play a crucial role, ensuring accurate details such as container and bolt seal numbers, vessel information, weights, pieces loaded, and voyage numbers. While Bills of Lading are typically issued after the vessel sails, special requests may lead to earlier issuances.

A Contract in Documentation: The Bill of Lading
Functioning as a contract between the International Shipping Company and the cargo shipper, the Bill of Lading mirrors other contractual agreements, like a residential tenancy agreement. To meet international standards, Bills of Lading must align with conventions such as The Hague Rule, Hague-Visby Rule, Hamburg Rule, and The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act Australia 1991.

Insight into the Documentation Timeline
Disputes regarding Bill of Lading issues primarily emerge in cargo exportation. The export documentation flow involves meticulous coordination, ensuring the timely gathering of information from various sources. CargoMaster, handling machinery and out-of-gauge cargo, faces additional documentation requirements for compliance with international regulations.

International Freight Certificates: Navigating Export Documentation

Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
A crucial document confirming the approval to sell goods in Australia, essential for customs clearance and import processes in certain overseas markets.

When exporting to certain countries you will require a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS), also called an export certificate or certificate of export. An Export Certificate confirms in writing that you can sell your goods in the Australian market and that there are no restrictions. The Certificate of Free Sale certifies that you have the approval of relevant authorities to sell your goods in Australia.

The overseas purchaser of your products may have problems with customs clearance and registration process’s if you do not provide a CFS when required, your buyer may not be able to import your product into their country. You may need to present this certificate as part of the customs clearance or registration process.

A CFS is often requested for products such as:

• food-based products
• medical parts, devices and products
• certain complementary, prescription, and over the counter medicines.

Not all countries require a CFS, the need for a Certificate of Free Sale will depend on your product and your export market. Speak with your buyer to find out if you need a CFS.

Where can I get a Certificate of Free Sale?

To find out more and apply for a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) visit:

• Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration
• Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)

ATA Carnet (Admission Temporary Admission) 
Facilitates the temporary entry of goods into foreign countries, providing exemptions for import duties and taxes. Commonly used for high-value goods at exhibitions, trade shows, motorsports, and audiovisual production.

An ATA Carnet is an international document that permits temporary the temporary entry of commodities into overseas countries. Carnets are used for goods that are intended to be imported for a short period of time, then exported back to the country of origin. It provides exemptions for import duties and taxes. It is most often used for high-value goods imported for specific uses.

Typical goods that may be transported under a Carnet:

• cars, bikes, boats, caravans or trailers for exhibitions and trade shows
• es or cars and other vehicles used for motorsports
• equipment, trucks, and machinery for mining or farming
• cameras and other equipment used for filming and audiovisual production.

To apply for a Carnet contact The Australian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry    www.australianchamber.com.au/international/certificates-of-origin   (ACCI).

Phytosanitary Certificate
Required for regulated commodities like plants and plant products, certifying compliance with quarantine regulations and the absence of pests.
Phytosanitary Certificates available from the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

Certificate of Origin (CoO)
Government-certified or authorised entity-issued document confirming the origin of commodities, essential for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and customs clearance.

Note: Always check specific product and market requirements for accurate documentation needs.

Certificates of Origin are needed when Origin when

• exporting to countries where Australia has a current Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
• it is requested by the importer for customs clearance
• it is specified in a Documentary Letter of Credit.

Some agreements will allow for a self-certification, while others require a certificate from an authorised body. Self-certification carries a high level of risk and is not recommended for new exporters.

There are 2 types of Certificates of Origin

1. Preferential certificates

A Preferential certificate will assist customs authorities to confirm your compliance with trade agreements made, tariffs and  and Rules of Origin. Rules of Origin (ROO) are an agreed set of rules between countries that share a preferential trade agreement, such as a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). ROO set out the criteria for which goods are eligible for free or preferential import tariffs. Typically, they require a product to be entirely produced in a one of the participating countries or have a minimum percentage of the value produced there. They can be complex to understand so speak with your customs broker or freight forwarder or visit the DFAT Free Trade Agreement Portal.

Note: If Australia has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the country you are exporting to you can apply for a Preferential certificate

2. Non-preferential certificates 

Local governments of most countries issue non-preferential certificates to collect statistical data and ensure you are meeting:

• government sanctions
• anti-dumping rules
• quotas
• general tariffs.

Where can I get a Certificate of Origin?

To find out more and apply for a Certificate of Origin (COO) visit:

• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)
• Australian Industry Group (AI Group)
• International Export Certification Services (IECS)

For information about the documents needed for specific products check out.

CargoMaster ensures a seamless freight experience, combining expertise, accuracy, and compliance for precise cargo transport. Call us at 1300 767 136 for tailored shipping solutions and competitive rates.

Hazard Labels for
Dangerous Goods (DG)

The international community has established a classification system for easy identification of dangerous goods. These goods fall into nine primary classes, and some classes are further divided to address specific risks. Each class/division has a corresponding label that accurately represents the nature of the hazard. These labels must be attached to the package during transport and remain intact throughout the journey. Take a look at the illustrated examples below to understand how these labels effectively communicate the potential dangers.

Under regulations, labels must be clearly visible on the outside of the package and must stay on the package while in transit.

You can often find labels printed on most inner packages such as:

• aerosol cans
• bottles of bleach
• containers of thinners
• tins of paint
• many other products which are available at supermarkets and hardware stores.

Below are the 9 hazard labels for the 9 classes of dangerous goods.

Class 1 Explosives

This includes items such as:

• explosive substances
• pyrotechnic devices
• ammunition
• fireworks
• detonators.

Class 2 Gases

These can be transported as:

• compressed
• liquefied
• refrigerated liquefied
• gas in solution.

This includes aerosols. Class 2 has 3 divisions:

• Division 2.1 - flammable gases such as:
  • butane
  • propane
• Division 2.2 - non-flammable, non-toxic gases such as:
  • oxygen
  • liquid nitrogen
  • compressed air
• Division 2.3 - toxic gases such as:
  • chlorine
  • hydrogen sulphide.

Class 3 Flammable liquids

This includes liquids with a boiling point of 35⁰ C or less, or a flash point of 60⁰ C or less such as:

• petrol
• alcohol
• perfumes
• essential oils
• hand sanitiser
• paints.

Class 4 Flammable solids

These are substances that can spontaneously combust and substances, that when they come into contact with water or emit flammable gases. Class 4 has 3 divisions:

• Division 4.1 - flammable solids such as:
  • hexamine solid fuel tablets for camping stoves
  • self-reactive substances
  • desensitised explosives
• Division 4.2 - substances that can spontaneously combust under normal air transport conditions include:
  • camphor
  • sulphur
  • matches
• Division 4.3 - substances that emit flammable gases when they come into contact with water include:
  • sodium
  • zinc particles
  • activated carbon.

Class 5 Oxidising substances and organic peroxides

These substances are not necessarily combustible on their own but can react dangerously with other substances. Class 5 has 2 divisions:

• Division 5.1 - oxidising substances that may not be necessarily combustible, but they may readily yield oxygen and cause other materials to combust, such as:
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • ammonium nitrate
  • potassium chlorate
  • sodium nitrate
• Division 5.2 - organic peroxides are thermally unstable and can emit heat and give off harmful or flammable vapours. They can also be liable to explosive decomposition and react dangerously with other substances. Examples are:
  • acetyl acetone peroxide
  • benzoyl peroxide
  • peracetic acid.

Class 6 Toxic and infectious substances

These substances can cause sickness, injury or death if consumed. Class 6 has 2 divisions:

• Division 6.1 - toxic substances that can cause death, injury or to harm human health if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact, such as:
  • chloroform
  • arsenics
  • cyanides
  • cytotoxic waste
  • barium compounds
  • pesticides
• Division 6.2 - infectious substances that contain or are expected to contain pathogens that can cause disease in humans or animals, including:
  • medical or clinical waste
  • patient specimens
  • genetically modified organisms
  • infectious substances
  • infected animals.

Class 7 Radioactive materials

These are substances that emit invisible ionising radiation that can be harmful to humans and animals. It can cause objects such as aircraft and equipment to become contaminated if not packaged and handled correctly, such as:

• uranium
• radioactive ores
• isotypes
• radium
• cesium
• x-ray equipment
• medical equipment or parts.

Class 8 Corrosives

These substances can cause irreversible damage if they come into contact with skin and could destroy other freight, or materially damage containers or aircraft. This includes:

• acids
• corrosive cleaners
• battery fluid
• formaldehyde
• hydrofluoric acid.

Class 9 Miscellaneous

These are substances and articles which, during air transport, present a danger not covered by other classes. There are 2 types of handling labels – 1 for lithium battery shipments, and another for all other miscellaneous dangerous goods. This class includes:

• lithium batteries
• battery powered vehicles
• battery powered equipment
• first aid kids
• environmentally hazardous substances
• dry ice
• magnetised materials
• asbestos.

Handling labels

In addition to hazard labels, trained staff must attach handling labels where needed. Staff must use these 4 handling labels with the appropriate hazard labels:

Cargo aircraft only

This label is used to show that the load cannot be carried on a passenger aircraft.

Cyrogenics

This label is used on liquefied gases, such as the ones in Class 2.

This way up

This label ensures a load is placed the correct way up and can be used for non-dangerous goods.

Magnetised material

This label ensures that the load is kept away from the aircraft compass detector unit while being loaded and unloaded.

INCOTERMS are standard trade terms most commonly used in international freight contracts for sale of goods. It is essential that you are aware of your terms of trade prior to shipment.

EXW – EX WORKS (… named place of delivery)
The Seller’s only responsibility is to make the goods available at the Seller’s premises. The Buyer bears full costs and risks of moving the goods from there to destination.

FCA – FREE CARRIER (… named place of delivery)
The Seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to the carrier selected by the Buyer. The Seller loads the goods if the carrier pickup is at the Seller’s premises. From that point, the Buyer bears the costs and risks of moving the goods to destination.

CPT – CARRIAGE PAID TO (… named place of destination)
The Seller pays for moving the goods to destination. From the time the goods are transferred to the first carrier, the Buyer bears the risks of loss or damage.

CIP– CARRIAGE AND INSURANCE PAID TO (… named place of destination)
The Seller pays for moving the goods to destination. From the time the goods are transferred to the first carrier, the Buyer bears the risks of loss or damage. The Seller, however, purchases the cargo insurance.

DAT – DELIVERED AT TERMINAL (… named terminal at port or place of destination)
The Seller delivers when the goods, once unloaded from the arriving means of transport, are placed at the Buyer’s disposal at a named terminal at the named port or place of destination. “Terminal” includes any place, whether covered or not, such as a quay, warehouse, container yard or road, rail or air cargo terminal. The Seller bears all risks involved in bringing the goods to and unloading them at the terminal at the named port or place of destination.

DAP – DELIVERED AT PLACE (… named place of destination)
The Seller delivers when the goods are placed at the Buyer’s disposal on the arriving means of transport ready for unloading at the names place of destination. The Seller bears all risks involved in bringing the goods to the named place.

DDP – DELIVERED DUTY PAID (… named place)
The Seller delivers the goods -cleared for import – to the Buyer at destination. The Seller bears all costs and risks of moving the goods to destination, including the payment of Customs duties and taxes.

MARITIME TERMS

FAS – FREE ALONGSIDE SHIP (… named port of shipment)
The Seller delivers the goods to the origin port. From that point, the Buyer bears all costs and risks of loss or damage.

FOB– FREE ON BOARD (… named port of shipment)
The Seller delivers the goods on board the ship and clears the goods for export. From that point, the Buyer bears all costs and risks of loss or damage.

CFR– COST AND FREIGHT (… named port of destination)
The Seller clears the goods for export and pays the costs of moving the goods to destination. The Buyer bears all risks of loss or damage.

CIF – COST INSURANCE AND FREIGHT (… named port of destination)
The Seller clears the goods for export and pays the costs of moving the goods to the port of destination. The Buyer bears all risks of loss or damage. The Seller, however, purchases the cargo insurance.

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A2A	Airport-to-airport
A2D	Airport-to-door
ADV	Advise, Advised, Advising
AEA	Association of European Airlines (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
Airline	Company operating aircraft between steady origin and destination airports
Airmail	Mail travelling by air
Air Operator	Company operating aircraft
Airport-to-airport	Transport from an airport of origin to an airport of destination
Allotment	Assigned volume on board of a flight / day
AOG	Aircraft On Ground; materials expedited for repair of a grounded aircraft
AP	Airport
ARR	Arrive, Arrived, Arrival
ARR	Also, a C2K milestone: ARR = cargo and documents arrived at airport of destination
ATA	Air Transport Association (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
ATA	Actual Time of Arrival
ATD	Actual Time of Departure
Authorisation	The commission to a certain person or body to act on behalf of another person or body; the person or body can be authorised e.g., to issue air waybills or to collect freight
AVI	Live Animal(s)
AWB	Air Waybill
Backlog	Amount of goods still to be delivered or received and for which the planned or agreed date has expired
BAG	Baggage
Belly	Lower-deck cargo hold of an aircraft
BIG	Outsized cargo
Blocked-space agreement	A continuous reservation (allotment) for space at one or more flight / date combinations with an airline
Bonded Goods	Goods on which the customs duty has not yet been paid, and which therefore, are under the control of customs; usually in a Bonded warehouse.
Bonded warehouse	A depository for goods on which the customs duty has not been paid; the warehouse proprietor must provide a bond (often in the form of a bank warranty or a mortgage) to the customs authorities as a security for any duties which may not be paid by the customer
Booking	Request for reservation of space on a flight/day, (to be) confirmed by the airline
Break Bulk Agent	A forwarder breaking the bulk: taking care of the unpacking and sorting of goods after the flight
Breakdown List	List of shipments carried in one consolidation (see also: Consolidation Manifest)
Broker	Person who acts as an agent or intermediary in negotiating contracts; sometimes refers to a forwarder role
Bulk Cargo	Loose cargo not loaded on an ULD
C2K	Cargo 2000 (see the “Cargo 2000” page of this website)
Cargo Aircraft	Aircraft built with the purpose of carrying nothing else than cargo
Cargo assembly	The separate reception of parcels or packages and the holding of them for later dispatch as one consignment; consolidator role
Cargo Disassembly	The separation of one or more of the parcels or packages that are part of a consignment for further distribution; break bulk role
Carriage	Transport; the process of conveying cargo from one point to another
Carrier	The party responsible for transport of goods from one point to another, this can be for example an airline or a forwarder (as a NVOCC)
CASS	Cargo Accounts Settlement System
CAO	Cargo Aircraft Only
CC	Charges Collect; pay at moment of collection of the goods
CCS	Cargo Community System; information system integrating the communication between air cargo parties at an airport
Certificate of Origin	A certificate proving the country of original production of goods; used for customs declaration purposes
Charges collect	Charges as stated on the air waybill to be collected from the consignee
Charges prepaid	Charges as stated on the air waybill to be collected from the shipper
Claim	A written complaint about the execution of a contract of transportation by a carrier, combined with a demand for financial compensation
Classifying	Assigning the right import classification number to goods as part of the customs declaration process
CLR	Clear
CNEE	Consignee
COLL	Collect, Collected, Collecting
COMAT	Company Material (non-revenue cargo)
Combi	Combi Aircraft, combining transport of passengers and cargo on the main-deck
Commodity	Indication of the type of goods; commodities are coded according to the harmonised system.
Commodity code	Code used in the Harmonised System for the classification of goods, which are most commonly produced and traded
Complaint	An official statement from a customer to a carrier about his unhappiness with the service or operation of the service provider
Consignee	The person or company that is physically and administratively responsible for accepting the goods at final delivery
Consolidation	A collection of shipments belonging to different shippers travelling to one destination or area to be distributed to several consignees
Consolidation Manifest	List of shipments carried in one consolidation
Consolidation Rates	Rates as given by a consolidator / forwarder
Consolidator	A forwarder consolidating shipments before a flight; these shipments belonging to different shippers and travelling to one destination or area in order to be distributed to several consignees after the flight
Courier	Company that carries envelopes and parcels up to 75 kg from door to door; air transport is generally outsourced to airlines
Courier Rates	Rates as given by a courier
CPTY	Capacity
CRN	Customs Release Note
Customs Agent/Broker (Certified)	Party certified to handle the customs clearance on account of importers / exporters
Customs invoice	(Pro forma) Invoice for import declaration (customs and statistics) purposes, stating the commercial price, added with the costs for freight, insurance and packing etc., terms of delivery and payment
Customs value	Value of goods to be imported for import declaration (customs and statistics) purposes
D2A	Door-to-airport
D2D	Door-to-door
Dangerous Goods	Goods that can be hazardous for health, flight-safety or materials
DAP	A C2K key performance indicator: DAP = Delivered as Promised (NFD in full- and on-time statuses are achieved)
DEP	A C2K milestone: DEP = cargo and documents departed at airport of origin
DEPT	Department
DG	Dangerous Goods
DGR	Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA)
Dimensional Weight (Conversion)	Concept adopted by the transportation industry worldwide as a uniform means of establishing a minimum charge for the cubic space a package occupies; the volume is converted into a (higher) weight / price class
DIMS	Dimensions
DIP	Diplomatic mail
DLV	Deliver, Delivered, Delivering
DLV	Also, a C2K milestone: DLV = cargo and documents delivered to customer (forwarder)
DOCS	Document(s), Documentation
Domestic transport	Transport within a country
Door-to-door	Transport from an initial shipper’s house address to a final consignee’s house address
Duty	Tax imposed on goods imported from another country
EDI	Electronic Data Interchange
EDIFACT	Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport; a specific EDI protocol
e-Freight	Electronic freight documents project from IATA; e-Freight aims to take the paper out of the air cargo supply chain and -processes and replace it with cheaper, more accurate and more reliable electronic messaging; facilitated by IATA, the project is an industry-wide initiative involving carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers and customs authorities
Electronic Data Interchange	The interchange of electronic data, structured following an agreed protocol, between the automated information system of different parties
Embargo	An embargo on a certain kind of goods means these goods will not be transported by the airline, often for flight-safety reasons
Equipment	Materials needed to handle or transport goods
ESC	European Shippers’ Council (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
ETA	Estimated Time of Arrival
ETD	Estimated Time of Departure
Expediting	Forwarding goods (in less than the normal lead time)
Expeditor	Forwarder
FAK	Freight All Kinds
FAK-Rates	Rates for Freight All Kinds
FAP	A C2K key performance indicator: FAP = Flown as Planned (the complete shipment has flown at or before the last planned flight with a maximum 12-hour delay)
FCL	Full Container Load
FDCA	Found Cargo
FFM	Freight Forwarding Message (electronic)
FIATA	International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
FLT	Flight
Forwarder	Company specialized in providing door-to-airport transport, arranging connecting air transport and/or airport-to-door transport for parcels and consolidations > 75 kg or up to anything that fits in an aircraft; the air transport is generally outsourced to airlines and sometimes aircraft operators or air charter companies
Forwarder network	A network existing of different smaller to medium sized forwarding companies all over the world working together
Freighter	Aircraft built with the purpose of carrying nothing else than cargo
FSU	Freight Status Update
Fuel Surcharge	Surcharge added to the cargo rate to cover the additional costs of increasing fuel-prices; these will generally follow a certain index
Full charter	Chartering the full available volume of an aircraft or flight/day
Full Container Load	Container fully loaded, generally with goods belonging to one party
Full freighter	Aircraft built with the purpose of carrying nothing else than cargo
FWB	Electronic air waybill message
FWB	Also a C2K milestone: FWB = the shipment is booked at the airline, next an electronic air waybill is generated by agent (forwarder) ; this creates the so-called route map in C2K in which all the steps are followed
FYI	or Your Information
General Cargo Rates	Rates for all different kinds of cargo, not falling into a specific handling and/or rate category
GSA	General Sales Agent
GSF	Global Shippers Forum (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
Handling Agent	Agent handling the ramp and/or warehouse cargo operation for an airline
Harmonised System	A numeric multi-purpose system for the classification of goods with its six digits covering about 5000 descriptions of the products or groups of products most commonly produced and traded, designed for customs purposes, but can also be used for statistics, transport purposes, export, import and manufacturing; the international convention on the HS was established under auspices of the World Customs Organisation in 1983
Haulage	Inland transport of cargo
Haulier	Road carrier
HEA	Heavy Cargo
HAWB	House Air Waybill
House Air Waybill	The shipment contract between the end-customer and the forwarder (see the page “Forwarding Out” of this website for further purposes and explanation)
Hub	Central point in a transport system or network
HUM	Human remains
HWB	House Waybill
IATA	International Air Transport Association (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
IATA-Agent	An IATA certified agent
ICAL	Inbound Cargo Action List
ICAO	International Civil Aviation Organisation (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
ICE	Dry Ice Shipment
IN	Inches
Inco terms	Internationally agreed set of standard delivery terms
Integrator	Carrier integrating different modes of transport to form a door-to-door transport or supply chain; this term mostly refers to the large international express companies whose core business is to carry envelopes and parcels up to 75 kg, often overnight or even same day
Intermodal Transport	The movement of cargo in a supply chain by more than one mode of transport; for example, road/air or sea/air transport
INV	Invoice
ISA	If Space Available
KG	Kilos
L/C	Letter of Credit
LCL	Less than Container Load
Less than Container Load	Container partly filled with goods from one party, or an amount of goods that is not sufficient to fill one container and will therefore likely be consolidated
LHO	Living Human Organs / Blood
License, import/export	Governmental permit to import / export certain goods under certain conditions
Line item	Order line, each line on a packing list or invoice to be declared for customs
Load factor	The extent to which the aircraft (weight-, volume-, ULD-) capacity is efficiently utilized (to generate profit)
LOC	Location
Loose cargo/shipments	Cargo / shipments not loaded on an ULD
Lower Deck	The (cargo) deck below the main deck or upper deck of an aircraft
LT	Local Time
Main deck	Upper deck; the (cargo) deck above the lower deck of an aircraft
Manifest, flight	Document listing the air waybills and a specification of the related goods carried on a flight
Master Air Waybill	The shipment contract between the forwarder and the airline (see the page “Forwarding Out” of this website for further purposes and explanation)
MAWB	Master Air Waybill
MFST	Manifest
Minimum Rate	Rate to cover the basic costs of carrying a shipment
MSG	Message(s)
Network Forwarder	A large forwarding company with worldwide branches
NFD	A C2K milestone: NFD = cargo and documents ready for pick-up at airline (handler), the customer (forwarder) is notified
NND	Notice of Non-Delivery
NON-IATA	Airline or agent that is not a member of IATA
Nose loading	Loading cargo through the cargo door in the nose of an aircraft
Notify address	Address of a party other than the consignee to be notified of arrival of the goods
Notify party	Party other than the consignee to be notified of arrival of the goods
NOTOC	Notification To Captain; list for the captain of the aircraft with goods carried on board
N-Rates	Rates for shipments with weights up to 45 kg
NVOCC	Non-Vessel Operating/Owning Cargo Carrier; in case of Air Cargo a Carrier (e.g., a Forwarder or Consolidator) who issues Air Waybills for the carriage of cargo on aircraft which he does not operate or own
OAG	Official Airlines Guide
OB	On Board
Oversized Cargo	Cargo that exceeds the dimensions of an ULD
Package	Packed piece of cargo
Packing list	A list for customs declaration and consignment purposes stating number and kinds of packages being shipped, totals of gross, legal, and net weights of the packages, marks and numbers on the packages, contents and part-/serial numbers
Pallet	A (standardized) platform on which goods can be stacked for transport or warehouse handling purposes
Pallet, aircraft	A (standardized) platform on which goods can be stacked for air transport purposes
Pallet net	A net used to secure the cargo on the aircraft pallet
Parcel	Package
Part charter	Chartering of a part of the available volume on an aircraft or flight/day
Part shipment	Part of a shipment that travels on a different flight and/or day than the rest of the shipment due to available capacity with the airline
PAX	Passenger(s)
Payload	The (cargo) load that can be carried by an aircraft (to generate revenue)
PC	Piece(s)
PER	Perishable Cargo
PFI	Pro Forma Invoice
POA	Proof Of Acceptance; legal proof a shipment has been accepted by a party
POD	Proof Of Delivery; legal proof a shipment has been delivered by a party
POD	Place Of Delivery
PP	Charges Prepaid
PPD	Prepaid
Pre-alert	Message stating the current and or expected status of the goods
Principal	The customer ordering the transport or related services
PSH	Part Shipment
QNTY	Quantity
Q-Rates	Rates with a quantity discount
RCF	A C2K milestone: RCF = cargo has arrived in the cargo bay at final destination; cargo and airwaybill are administratively received in the system
RCPT	Receipt, Reception
RCS	A C2K milestone: RCS = cargo and documents are received ‘Ready for Carriage’ and accepted by airline (handler)
Ready For Carriage	(By Air) The goods are correctly packed and labelled, and customs cleared, with the right documents attached
Ready For Transport	(By Road) The goods are correctly packed and labelled, with the right documents attached
RFC	Ready For Carriage
RFT	Ready For Transport
Routing	The path that is (to be) followed by the goods from shipper to consignee
RUSHR	Rush Reply
SASPO	As Soon As Possible
SAWB	Substitute Air Waybill
Security Surcharge	Surcharge added to the cargo rate to cover the additional costs of the increasing number of security checks and related administration that are legally required by the authorities
Shipper	The person or company that is physically and administratively responsible for shipping the goods; for an airline in most cases a forwarder will be the shipper, for a forwarder the shipper is a third party, for example a trading company, a manufacturer, etc.
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction	Document issued by the shipper to instruct and authorize the forwarder to forward and declare goods on his behalf; contains all shipment details needed to facilitate these services
SHPMNT	Shipment
Side loading	Loading cargo through a cargo door in the side of an aircraft
Skid	Pallet
S/L	Short Loaded
SLI	Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
SSPD	Short Shipped; stayed behind
TACT	The Air Cargo Tariff; publication of official airline tariffs
TBA	Time Before Arrival
TBD	Time Before Departure
TEMP	Temperature
TIACA	The International Air Cargo Association (see the page “Interest Organisations” of this website also)
TILNA	Tilting Not Allowed
TILTA	Tilting Allowed
Time Slot	The agreed time to collect or deliver goods
Tonne Kilometre	One tonne (1000 kg or 2204.6 lb) metric flown one kilometre; productivity indicator
TRA	Transit
Tracing	Retrieving (information on) the status of goods and documents
Tracking	Regular checking on the status of goods and documents
Track & Trace	Automated regular retrieval of (information on) the status of goods and documents and checking these against the agreed norms
Transfer cargo	Transfer of cargo from one flight to another
Transition / Transit cargo	Transfer of cargo from one flight to another
TRM	Transfer Manifest
TTL	Total
ULD	Unit Load Device
ULD, contoured	Unit Load Device shaped to exactly fit in an aircraft
UNACC	Unaccompanied
Unit Load Device	Standardized air cargo loading equipment (pallet, container)
Upper deck	Main deck; the (cargo) deck above the lower deck of an aircraft
VAL	Valuable cargo
VAT	Value Added Tax
VOL	Volume
Volume charge	Air transport charge based on the volume of goods instead of the actual weight (see “Dimensional Weight” and “Weight charge” also)
VUN	Vulnerable cargo
Weight charge	Air transport charge based on the actual weight of the goods (see “Dimensional Weight” and “Volume charge” also)
Weight & Balance	Management of the weight and allocation of cargo, passengers and fuel for a flight
W/H	Warehouse
XPS	Priority Small Package
XS	In Excess
Yield management	The process of maximising the contribution (revenue) of the (transport & handling) network, equipment, infrastructure and resources

20 ft Standard Dry (8'6" x 8' x 20')
Weight: 4500lbs
Max Gross Weight: 66,139lbs
Interior Dimensions:
Length: 19′ 5″
Width: 7′ 8-⅛”
Height: 7′ 9-⅝”
Door Opening:
Width: 7’ 8-½”, Height: 7’ 5-¾”

40 ft Standard Dry (8'6" x 8' x 40')
Weight: 8500lbs
Max Gross Weight: 66,139lbs
Interior Dimensions:
Length: 39′ ⅜”
Width: 7′ 8-⅛”
Height: 7′ 9-⅝”
Door Opening:
Width: 7’ 8-½”, Height: 7’ 5-¾”

40 ft High Cube (9'6" x 8' x 40')
Weight: 8750 lbs
Max Gross Weight: 68,008lb
Interior Dimensions:
Length: 39′ 4”
Width: 7′ 7”
Height: 8′ 9″
Door Opening: Width:
7’ 8″‘, Height: 8’ 5”

 

Dimensions of 20ft Flat Rack Container
Internal length 5.94 m / 19.5 ft
Internal width 2.35 m / 7.7 ft
Internal height 2.35 m / 7.7 ft
Tare weight 2,360 kg / 5,203.8 lbs
Payload capacity: 30,140 kg / 66,458.7 lbs
Cubic capacity 32.7 m³ / 1,154.3 cu ft

Dimensions of 40ft Flat Rack Container
Internal length 12.13 m / 39.8 ft
Internal width 2.40 m / 7.9 ft
Internal height 2.14 m / 7 ft
Tare weight 5,000 kg / 11,025 lbs
Payload capacity: 40,000 kg / 88,200 lbs
Cubic capacity 62.2 m³ / 2,195.7 cu ft