Freight Glossary

ABANDONMENT
The act of refusing delivery of a shipment so badly damaged in transit that it is worthless; OR damage to a vessel that is so severe that it is considered a constructive total loss.

ACCELERATED TARIFF ELIMINATION
The gradual reduction of import duties over time.

ACCEPTANCE LETTER OF CREDIT
A Letter of Credit which, in addition to other required documents, requires presentation of a term draft drawn on the bank nominated as the accepting bank under the Letter of Credit.

ACCESSIONS
Goods that are affixed to and become part of other goods; or, countries that are accepted as members of an international agreement.

ACCESSORIAL CHARGES
Charges that are applied to the base tariff rate or base contract rate, e.g., bunkers, container, currency, destination/delivery.

ACCESSORIAL SERVICES
Services performed by a shipping line or airline in addition to the normal transportation service.

ADVANCE
To move cargo up-line to a vessel leaving sooner than the one booked.

ADVANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The shipment of certain classes of commodities that require arrangements in advance with carriers.

AFFREIGHTMENT
The hiring or chartering of all or part of a vessel for the transport of goods.

AFLOAT
Refers to a shipment of cargo which, is currently on board a vessel between ports.

AGENCY TARIFF
A tariff published by an agent on behalf of several carriers.

AGENT
A person authorized to transact business for and in the name of another person or company. Types of agent are (1) brokers, (2) commission merchants, (3) resident buyers, (4) sales agents, 5) manufacturer's representatives.

AGENT BANK
A bank acting on behalf of a foreign bank.

AGGREGATE SHIPMENT
Numerous shipments from different shippers to one consignee that are consolidated and treated as a single consignment.

AIR WAYBILL
An AWB is a bill of lading which covers both domestic and international flights transporting goods to a specified destination.

ALL CARGO AIRCRAFT
Any aircraft that is used for the sole purpose of transporting cargo.

ALL RISKS COVERAGE
A type of marine insurance, is the broadest kind of standard coverage, but excludes damage caused by war, strikes, and riots.

ALL-IN
The total price to move a container from origin to destination, inclusive of all charges.

ALTERNATIVE TARIFF
A tariff with two or more rates for the same goods, to and from the same points, with the discretion to use the lowest of the charges.

ANTIDUMPING
Are duties assessed on imported merchandise of a class of kind that is sold to purchasers in the U.S. at a price less than fair market value.

ISF 10+2 Instructions

ISF Filing Definitions


Buyer Info:
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone and fax #, and email address of the person or company that is importing the cargo into the United States.

Buyer Tax I.D. :
ISF Filer needs to provide the Tax I.D. Number, such as: IRS Number / Employer Identification Number / Social Security Number / Custom Assign Number, of the person or company that is importing the cargo into the United States.

Important: ISF Filer needs to provide the Federal Tax Identification Number… not the state or local number…. Must be the Federal Tax I.D. Number.

Buyer Import Bond # :
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone and fax #, and email address of the person or company that will Custom Clear the imported cargo that will be arriving into the United States. This means this person or company will be responsible for the payment of all US imported duties and taxes to the U.S. Custom Department.
Important: If the person or company that will be responsible for the payment of import duties and taxes is the Buyer. If so, then ISF Filer would put “Same Buyer” Highly Recommend: We strongly recommend that all importer(s) purchase an annual / yearly Continuous Import Bond (CTB – Activity 1 Bond)


Ship To / Receiver:
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone and fax number of the first person or company that will be receiving the imported cargo that will be arriving into the United States.

Important: The person or company that will be receiving the imported cargo maybe the same as the Buyer. If so, then ISF Filer would put “Same Buyer”

Important: If more than one company will be receiving this cargo or container. Please provide the first company that will receive the cargo or container. We need the complete company name, address, city, state and zip code of this company receiving the cargo or container.

Buying From ( Oversea Seller ):
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state or province, postal code, telephone and fax number of the person or company that sold the product or commodity that is being imported into the United States.

Manufacturer:
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state or province, postal code, telephone and fax number of the person or factory that made or produce the product or commodity that is being imported into the United States. Important: For textiles we need the factory that manufactured the fabrics. The complete name, address, city, state or province, postal code, telephone and fax number of that person or factory.

Important: The person or factory that made or produced the product or commodity maybe the same person or factory as the oversea seller. If so, then ISF Filer would put “Same As Buying From ( Oversea Seller )”

Country of Origin:
ISF Filer needs to provide the country where the imported cargo / commodity are being imported from.

Tariff Code / HTS / HTC:
ISF Filer needs to provide the HTC (Harmonized Tariff Code) or HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) for the product / commodity that is being imported into the United States.

Absolutely Important:
The US Custom needs the “Ten- (10)- Digits” of the Tariff Code (HTS / HTC) for the imported cargo.

Important: Here is a direct link to the complete list of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Code & Schedule
Important: If ISF Filer does not know where to locate or what the Harmonized Tariff Code of the commodity / good that is being imported but it is the same commodity that was previously imported. Then, ISF Filer can go to their previous US entry fling document (CBP 7501 – Entry Summary) to locate the Harmonized Tariff Code.
The Tariff Code (HTC/HTS) are sequenced in 4-digits.2-digits.4-digits (1234.56.7890) Here is a link to the Customs Border and Protections CBP 7501 Entry Summary form ( http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_7501.pdf )

Container Stuffing Location:
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state or province, postal code, telephone and fax number of the person or company that loaded the imported cargo into the container.

Important: If the person or company that loaded the container can and maybe the same person or company as the manufacturer or oversea seller. If so, the ISF Filer would put “Same Manufacturer”

Consolidator / Stuffer:
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state or province, postal code, telephone and fax number of the person or company that loaded the imported cargo into the container.
Important: If the person or company that loaded the container can and maybe the same person or company as the manufacturer. If so, the ISF Filer would put “Same Manufacturer”

Bill of Lading:
ISF Filer needs to provide the Bill of Lading (MBL / HBL / BOL / BL / Lading) number for the shipment that is about to depart or leave the origin port. The bill of lading is considered vital and crucial information in filing the ISF since this will become the linked number when the ISF is submitted and filed with US Custom. The Bill of Lading number will only be issued by the vessel operators / shipping-line / steamship / freight carriers when the cargo(s) or container(s) is officially in the control, possession, or hands of the vessel operators and/or steamship line.
With the Bill of Lading number in hand the ISF Filer, importer or consignee can at least be assured that the cargo(s) or container(s) has been delivered by the vendor, supplier, or oversea seller to the freight carrier for departure.
Important: ISF Filer must ask, request, and/or demand this Bill of Lading number from there vendor, supplier, or oversea seller.

Important: The Bill of Lading number can either be the Master Bill of Lading (MBL) number or House Bill of Lading (HBL) number, either B/L number is acceptable for ISF filing.

Is This Full Container:
ISF Filer needs to answer whether this shipment is a Full Container Load or not. Full Container load can be standard container or reefer container (refrigerated) load, here are types of containers size: 40ft Container, 20ft Container, 40ft High Cube (HC/HQ) Container, or a 45ft Container Load.

Important: The reason ISF Filer needs to provide this information is because US Custom needs to know in the ISF Filing what type of Mode of Ocean Transportation (MOT) the imported cargo is coming into the United States ports.

Quantity Cartons:
ISF Filer needs to provide the total quantity of the products, commodities, or goods that are being imported in this shipped.

Contact Info:
ISF Filer needs to provide the complete name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone and fax number, and email address of themselves since the ISF Filer inputted the data.

Incoterms 2010-common shipping terms

EXW (Ex Works)
The buyer bears all costs and risks involved in taking the goods from the seller’s premises to the desired destination. The seller’s obligation is to make the goods available at his premises (works, factory, warehouse). This term represents minimum obligation for the seller. This term can be used across all modes of transport.
FCA (Free Carrier)
The seller’s obligation is to hand over the goods, cleared for export, into the charge of the carrier named by the buyer at the named place or point. If no precise point is indicated by the buyer, the seller may choose within the place or range stipulated where the carrier shall take the goods into his charge. When the seller’s assistance is required in making the contract with the carrier the seller may act at the buyers risk and expense. This term can be used across all modes of transport.
CPT (Carriage Paid To)
The seller pays the freight for the carriage of goods to the named destination. The risk of loss or damage to the goods occurring after the delivery has been made to the carrier is transferred from the seller to the buyer. This term requires the seller to clear the goods for export and can be used across all modes of transport.
CIP (Carriage & insurance Paid to)
The seller has the same obligations as under CPT but has the responsibility of obtaining insurance against the buyer’s risk of loss or damage of goods during the carriage. The seller is required to clear the goods for export however is only required to obtain insurance on minimum coverage. This term requires the seller to clear the goods for export and can be used across all modes of transport.
DAT (Delivered At Terminal)
New Term – May be used for all transport modes Seller delivers when the goods, once unloaded from the arriving means of transport, are placed at the disposal of the buyer at a named terminal at the named port or place of destination. “Terminal” includes quay, warehouse, container yard or road, rail or air terminal. Both parties should agree the terminal and if possible a point within the terminal at which point the risks will transfer from the seller to the buyer of the goods. If it is intended that the seller is to bear all the costs and responsibilities from the terminal to another point, DAP or DDP may apply.
Responsibilities
Seller is responsible for the costs and risks to bring the goods to the point specified in the contract Seller should ensure that their forwarding contract mirrors the contract of sale Seller is responsible for the export clearance procedures Importer is responsible to clear the goods for import, arrange import customs formalities, and pay import duty If the parties intend the seller to bear the risks and costs of taking the goods from the terminal to another place then the DAP term may apply
DAP (Delivered At Place)
New Term – May be used for all transport modes Seller delivers the goods when they are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport ready for unloading at the named place of destination. Parties are advised to specify as clearly as possible the point within the agreed place of destination, because risks transfer at this point from seller to buyer. If the seller is responsible for clearing the goods, paying duties etc., consideration should be given to using the DDP term.
Responsibilities
Seller bears the responsibility and risks to deliver the goods to the named place Seller is advised to obtain contracts of carriage that match the contract of sale Seller is required to clear the goods for export If the seller incurs unloading costs at place of destination, unless previously agreed they are not entitled to recover any such costs Importer is responsible for effecting customs clearance, and paying any customs duties
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the named place in the country of importation, including all costs and risks in bringing the goods to import destination. This includes duties, taxes and customs formalities. This term may be used irrespective of the mode of transport.
FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
The seller has fulfilled his obligation when goods have been placed alongside the vessel at the port of shipment. The buyer is responsible for all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that moment. The buyer is also required to clear the goods for export. This term should only be used for sea or inland waterway transport.
FOB (Free On Board)
Once the goods have passed over the ship’s rail at the port of export the buyer is responsible for all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that point. The seller is required to clear the goods for export. This term should only be used for sea or inland waterway transport.
CFR (Cost and Freight)
The seller must pay the costs and freight required in bringing the goods to the named port of destination. The risk of loss or damage is transferred from seller to buyer when the goods pass over the ship’s rail in the port of shipment. The seller is required to clear the goods for export. This term should only be used for sea or inland waterway transport.
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)
The seller has the same obligations as under CFR however he is also required to provide insurance against the buyer’s risk of loss or damage to the goods during transit. The seller is required to clear the goods for export. This term should only be used for sea or inland waterway transport.

Ocean Freight Containers

Dry Freight Containers Interior Dimensions Door Opening Max. Gross Weight Tare Weight Payload Cubic Capacity
20′ x 8′ x 8’6″
Aluminium Container
L: 5,919 mm W:2,340 mm H: 2,380 mm W:2,286 mm H: 2,278 mm 24,000 kg 1,900 kg 22,100 kg 33.0 cbm
L: 19’5″ W:7’8″ H: 7’9 1/2″ W:7’6″ H: 7’5 1/2″ 52,910 lbs 4,189 lbs 48,721 lbs 1,165 cu.ft
20′ Dry Freight Containers 20′ x 8′ x 8’6″
Steel Container
L: 5,900 mm W:2,350 mm H: 2,384 mm W:2,340 mm H: 2,274 mm 27,000 kg 2,200 kg 24,800 kg 33.1 cbm
L: 19’4 1/4″ W:7’8 1/2″ H: 7’9 3/4″ W:7’8″ H: 7’5 1/4″ 52,524 lbs 4,850 lbs 54,674 lbs 1,169 cu.ft
40′ Dry Freight Containers
40′ x 8′ x 8’6″
Aluminium Container
L: 12,045 mm W:2,309 mm H: 2,379 mm W:2,289 mm H: 2,278 mm 30,480 kg 3,084 kg 27,396 kg 67.3 cbm
L: 39’6 1/4″ W:7’7″ H: 7’9 1/2″ W:7’6″ H: 7’5 1/2″ 67,196 lbs 6,799 lbs 60,397 lbs 2,377 cu.ft
40′ Dry Freight Containers
40′ x 8′ x 8’6″
Steel Container
L: 12,040 mm W:2,350 mm H: 2,390 mm W:2,340 mm H: 2,274 mm 32,500 kg 3,700 kg 28,800 kg 67.6 cbm
L: 39’6″ W:7’8 1/2″ H: 7’10″ W:7’8″ H: 7’5 1/2″ 71,650 lbs 8,157 lbs 63,492 lbs 2,387 cu.ft
40′ High cube dry Containers
40′ x 8′ x 9’6″
Aluminium Container
L: 12,056 mm W:2,347 mm H: 2,684 mm W:2,340 mm H: 2,585 mm 32,500 kg 2,900 kg 29,600 kg 76.0 cbm
L: 39’6 1/2″ W:7’8 1/4″ H: 8’9 1/2″ W:7’8″ H: 8’5 3/4″ 71,650 lbs 6,393 lbs 65,256 lbs 2,684 cu.ft
40′ High cube dry Containers
40′ x 8′ x 9’6″
Steel Container
L: 12,032 mm W:2,350 mm H: 2,695 mm W:2,340 mm H: 2,595 mm 32,500 kg 3,820 kg 28,680 kg 76.2 cbm
L: 39’5 3/4″ W:7’8 1/2″ H: 8’10″ W:7’8″ H: 8’6″ 71,650 lbs 8,421 lbs 63,226 lbs 2,691 cu.ft
40′ High cube dry Containers
40′ x 8′ x 9’6″
Aluminium Container
L: 13,582 mm W:2,347 mm H: 2,690 mm W:2,340 mm H: 2,585 mm 32,500 kg 3,900 kg 28,680 kg 85.7 cbm
L: 44’6 1/2″ W:7’8 1/4″ H: 8’10″ W:7’8″ H: 8’5 3/4″ 71,650 lbs 8,598 lbs 63,052 lbs 3,026 cu.ft

Incoterms Chart