• Shipping Glossary

    3PL / 4PL - Third or fourth party Logistics

    Companies that can be employed (hired) to assume tasks that were previously performed in-house by the client.

    AA

    Always Afloat.
    A contract term requiring that the vessel not rest on the ground. In some ports the ship is aground when approaching or at berth.

    AAR

    Abbreviation for:
    – Against All Risks (insurance clause).
    – Association of American Railroads.

    Abaft

    A point beyond the midpoint of a ship’s length, towards the rear or stern.

    Abandon

    A proceeding wherein a shipper/consignee seeks authority to abandon all or parts of their cargo.

    Abatement

    A discount allowed for damage or overcharge in the payment of a bill.

    ABI

    U.S. Customs’ “Automated Broker Interface,” by which brokers file importers’ entries electronically.

    Aboard

    Referring to cargo being put, or laden, onto a means of conveyance.

    Absorption

    One carrier assumes the charges of another without any increase in charges to the shipper.

    Acceptance

    – A time draft (or bill of exchange) that the drawee (payer) has accepted and is unconditionally obligated to pay at maturity.
    – Broadly speaking, any agreement to purchase goods under specified terms.

    Acceptance of Good

    The process of receiving a consignment from a consignor, usually against the issue of a receipt. As from this moment and on this place the carrier's responsibility for the consignment begins.

    Accessorial Charges

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