Terminology - Terms and Definitions

• FCL/LCL

  FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) refer to how goods are shipped based on volume.
  FCL means the shipper books and uses an entire container. It offers better control over schedules and reduces the risk of contamination or damage from other cargo.
  LCL shipments share container space with other cargo, making it more economical for smaller volumes but with less control over timing and higher risk of exposure to other goods.

• CY/CFS

  CY (Container Yard) and CFS (Container Freight Station) describe cargo delivery and receipt points in containerized shipping.
  CY: A full container is received from or delivered to the shipper’s or consignee’s designated yard or premises.
  CFS: Loose cargo is received or delivered at the carrier’s freight station for consolidation or deconsolidation.
  

• ETD/ETA

  ETD (Estimated Time of Departure): The planned date and time a vessel or aircraft is scheduled to depart its origin port.
  ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): The projected date and time a vessel or aircraft is expected to arrive at its destination port.
  

• POL/POD

  POL (Port of Loading): The port where goods are loaded onto a vessel for export.
  POD (Port of Discharge): The port where goods are unloaded from the vessel at the destination.
  

• Bill of Lading (B/L)

  A Bill of Lading is a legal contract between the shipper and the carrier that specifies the type, quantity, and destination of the cargo. It serves as:
  1.A contract of carriage;
  2.A receipt for goods once shipped; and
  3.In many cases, a document of ownership to the goods.
  There are multiple types of Bills of Lading, each with specific conditions and purposes.
  

• Sea Waybill

  Sea Waybill: is a transport contract similar to a Bill of Lading but does not serve as a document of title. It functions as a receipt for the cargo and enables delivery without the need to present the original document.

• Automated Export System (AES)

  Automated Export System (AES): is the U.S. government’s electronic system for filing Electronic Export Information (EEI). U.S. exporters are required to submit EEI through AES for export declarations, which are used by multiple government agencies for trade statistics, compliance, and enforcement.

• Export Power of Attorney (POA)

  Export Power of Attorney (POA): is a written authorization from a shipper granting a freight forwarder or agent the authority to act on its behalf. It allows the agent to prepare and file export documentation, including AES filings and shipping instructions.

International Trade Terms

• EXW - ExWorks

  Ex Works (EXW): the seller’s obligation is minimal—limited to making goods available at their premises. The buyer bears all costs and responsibilities from that point forward, including transportation, export/import clearance, insurance, and duties.

• FCA - Free Carrier

  Under Free Carrier (FCA): the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a carrier or location designated by the buyer. Once the goods are handed over, responsibility transfers to the buyer. If the delivery occurs at the seller’s site, the seller must load the goods onto the buyer’s transport.

• FOB - Free On Board

  Under Free On Board (FOB): the seller delivers goods—cleared for export—onto the buyer’s designated vessel at the named port. Once the goods are loaded, risk transfers to the buyer, who assumes all subsequent costs. FOB is used exclusively for ocean shipments where the seller has direct access to the vessel.

• CIF - Cost, Insurance, Freight

  Under Cost, Insurance: and Freight (CIF), the seller covers the cost of transportation and insurance to the destination port. The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel and bears the cost of freight and minimum insurance coverage until the goods arrive. Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded onto the ship.

• DDU - Delivered Duty Unpaid

  Under Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): the seller delivers goods to a named destination without clearing them for import. The seller bears all costs and risks of transportation up to that point, while the buyer is responsible for customs clearance, duties, and taxes in the destination country.

• DDP - Delivered Duty Paid

  Under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): the seller assumes maximum responsibility. The seller handles all transportation, export and import clearances, and pays all duties and taxes. The buyer only needs to receive the goods at the named destination. DDP should not be used if the seller cannot secure necessary import permits.

• Calculation

  Calculate Kilograms to Pounds
  kgs x 2.2= pounds 
  Calculate Pounds to Kilograms
  Pounds/2.2= kgs
  Dimensional weight
  L"xW"xH"/366= kgs
  L"xW"xH"/166= pounds