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C&F Terms of Sale, or INCOTERMS
Obsolete, although heavily used, term of sale meaning “cargo and freight” whereby Seller pays for cost of goods and freight charges up to destination port. In July, 1990 the International Chamber of Commerce replaced C&F with CFR.
Cabotage
Water transportation term applicable to shipments between ports of a nation; commonly refers to coastwise or intercoastal navigation or trade. Many nations, including the United States, have cabotage laws which require national flag vessels to provide domestic interport service.
CAF
Abbreviation for “Currency Adjustment Factor.” A charge, expressed as a percentage of a base rate, that is applied to compensate ocean carriers of currency fluctuations.
Capesize Vessel
A dry bulk vessel above 80,000dwt or whose beam precludes passage via the Panama Canal and thus forces them to pass around Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope.
Captain’s Protest
A document prepared by the captain of a vessel on arriving at port; shows conditions encountered during voyage, generally for the purpose of relieving ship owner of any loss to cargo and shifting responsibility for reimbursement to the insurance company.
Car Pooling
Use of individual carrier/rail equipment through a central agency for the benefit of carriers and ship- pers.
Car Seal
Metal strip and lead fastener used for locking freight car or truck doors. Seals are numbered for record purposes.
Carfloat
A barge equipped with tracks on which up to approximately 12 railroad cars are moved in harbors or inland waterways.
Cargo
Freight loaded into a ship.
Cargo Manifest
A manifest that lists all cargo carried on a specific vessel voyage.
Cargo NOS
Cargo Not Otherwise Specified. Usually the rate entry in a tariff that can apply to commodities not covered under a specific item or sub– item in the applicable tariff.
Cargo Preference
Cargo reserved by a Nation’s laws for transportation only on vessels registered in that Nation.Typically the cargo is moving due to a direct or indirect support or activity of the Government.
Cargo Tonnage
Most ocean freight is billed on the basis of weight or measurement tons (W/M). Weight tons can be expressed in short tons of 2000 pounds, long tons of 2240 pounds or metric tons of 1000 kilos (2204.62 pounds). Measurement tons are usually expressed as cargo measurement of 40 cubic feet (1.12 meters) or cubic meters (35.3 cubic feet.)
Carload Rate
A rate applicable to a carload of goods.
Carnet
A customs document permitting the holder to temporarily carry or send merchandise into certain for- eign countries (for display, demonstration or similar purposes) without paying duties or posting bonds. Any of various Customs documents required for crossing some international borders.
Carrier
Any person or entity who, in a contract of carriage, undertakes to perform or to procure the perfor- mance of carriage by rail, road, sea, air, inland waterway or by a combination of such modes.
Carrier’s Certificate
A certificate required by U.S. Customs to release cargo properly to the correct party.
Cartage
Usually refers to intra–city hauling on drays or trucks. Same as drayage.
Cartment
Customs form permitting in–bond cargo to be moved from one location to another under Customs control, within the same Customs district. Usually in motor carrier’s possession while draying cargo.
Cash Against Documents (CAD)
Method of payment for goods in which documents transferring title are given the buyer upon pay- ment of cash to an intermediary acting for the seller, usually a commission house.
Cash in Advance (CIA)
A method of payment for goods in which the buyer pays the seller in advance of the shipment of goods. Usually employed when the goods, such as specialized machinery, are built to order.
Cash With Order (CWO)
A method of payment for goods in which cash is paid at the time of order and the transaction be- comes binding on both buyer and seller.
CBM (CM)
Abbreviation for “Cubic Meter.”
CE
Abbreviation for “Consumption Entry.” The process of declaring the importation of foreign–made goods for use in the United States.
Cells
The construction system employed in container vessels; permits ship containers to be stowed in a vertical line with each container supporting the one above it
Center of Gravity
The point of equilibrium of the total weight of a containership, truck, train or a piece of cargo.
Certificate of Inspection
– A document certifying that merchandise (such as perishable goods) was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment.
– The document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard certifying an American – Flag vessel’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Certificate of Origin
A certified document showing the origin of goods; used in international commerce.
CFS
Abbreviation for “Container Freight Station.” A shipping dock where cargo is loaded (“stuffed”) into or unloaded (“stripped”) from containers. Generally, this involves less than containerload shipments, although small shipments destined to same consignee are often consolidated. Container reloading from/to rail or motor carrier equipment is a typical activity. These facilities can be located in container yards, or off dock.
Charter Party
A written contract between the owner of a vessel and the person desiring to employ the vessel (char- terer); sets forth the terms of the arrangement, such as duration of agreement, freight rate and ports involved in the trip.
Chassis
A frame with wheels and container locking devices in order to secure the container for movement.
Chock
A piece of wood or other material placed at the side of cargo to prevent rolling or moving sideways.
CCC Mark
A mark or label indicating the cargo conforms to standards required by China for certain products.
CE Mark
A mark or label indicating the cargo conforms to standards required by the European Union for cer- tain products.
CI
Abbreviation for “Cost and Insurance.” A price that includes the cost of the goods, the marine insur- ance and all transportation charges except the ocean freight to the named point of destination.
CIF (Named Port)
Abbreviation for “Cost, Insurance, Freight.” (Named Port) Same as C&F or CFR except seller also provides insurance to named destination.
CIF&C
Price includes commission as well as CIF.
CIF&E
Abbreviation for “Cost, Insurance, Freight and Exchange.”
CIFCI
Abbreviation for “Cost, Insurance, Freight, Collection and Interest.”
CIFI&E
Abbreviation for “Cost, Insurance, Freight, Interest and Exchange.”
CKD
Abbreviation for “Completely Knocked Down.” Parts and subassemblies being transported to an as- sembly plant.
CL
Abbreviation for “Carload” and “Containerload”.
Claim
A demand made upon a transportation line for payment on account of a loss sustained through its alleged negligence.
Classification
A publication, such as Uniform Freight Classification (railroad) or the National Motor Freight Clas- sification (motor carrier), that assigns ratings to various articles and provides bill of lading descriptions and rules.
Classification Rating
The designation provided in a classification by which a class rate is determined.
Classification Society
An organization maintained for the surveying and classing of ships so that insurance underwriters and others may know the quality and condition of the vessels offered for insurance or employment. See also ABS, BV, DNV, LR and NK.
Classification Yard
A railroad yard with many tracks used for assembling freight trains.
Clayton Act
An anti–trust act of the U.S. Congress making price discrimination unlawful.
Clean Bill of Lading
A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an indication that the goods were received in “appar- ent good order and condition,” without damage or other irregularities.If no notation or exception is made, the B/L is assumed to be “cleaned.”
Cleaning in Transit
The stopping of articles, such as peanuts, etc., for cleaning at a point between the point of origin and destination.
Clearance Limits
The size beyond which cars or loads cannot use bridges, tunnels, etc.
Cleat
A strip of wood or metal used to afford additional strength, to prevent warping, or to hold in place.
Clip–On
Refrigeration equipment attachable to an insulated container that does not have its own refrigeration unit.
CM
Abbreviation for “Cubic Meter” (capital letters).
cm
Abbreviation for “centimeter.”
Coastwise
Water transportation along the coast.
COD
Abbreviation for: – Collect (cash) on Delivery. – Carried on Docket (pricing).
COFC
Abbreviation for the Railway Service “Container On Flat Car.”
COGSA
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. U.S. federal codification passed in 1936 which standardizes carrier’s liability under carrier’s bill of lading. U.S. enactment of The Hague Rules.
Collecting
A bank that acts as an agent to the seller’s bank (the presenting bank). The collecting bank assumes no responsibility for either the documents or the merchandise.
Collection
A draft drawn on the buyer, usually accompanied by documents, with complete instructions concern- ing processing for payment or acceptance.
Combination Export Mgr.
A firm that acts as an export sales agent for more than one non–competing manufacturer.
Combination Rate
A rate made up of two or more factors, separately published.
Commercial Invoice
Represents a complete record of the transaction between exporter and importer with regard to the goods sold. Also reports the content of the shipment and serves as the basis for all other documents relating to the shipment.
Commercial Transport Vessel
Any ship which is used primarily in commerce (1) For transporting persons or goods to or from any harbor(s) or port(s) or
between places within a harbor area; (2) In connection with the construction, change in construction, servicing, mainte-
nance, repair, loading, unloading, movement, piloting, or salvaging of any other ship or vessel.
Commodity
Article shipped. For dangerous and hazardous cargo, the correct commodity identification is critical.
Commodity Rate
A rate published to apply to a specific article or articles.
Common Carrier
A transportation company which provides service to the general public at published rates.
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Common Law
Law that derives its force and authority from precedent, custom and usage rather than from statutes, particularly with reference to the laws of England and the United States.
Company Security Officer
Is the person designated by the company for ensuring that a ship security assessment is carried out and that a ship security plan is developed, submitted for approval and thereafter implemented and maintained for liaison with port facility security officers and the ship security officer.
Compulsory Ship
Any ship which is required to be equipped with radiotelecommunication equipment in order to com- ply with the radio or radio-navigation provisions of a treaty or statute to which the vessel is subject.
Concealed Damage
Damage that is not evident from viewing the unopened package.
Conference
An association of ship owners operating in the same trade route who operate under collective condi- tions and agree on tariff rates.
Confirmed Letter of Credit
A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank, whose validity has been confirmed by a domestic bank. An exporter with a confirmed letter of credit is assured of payment even if the foreign buyer or the foreign bank defaults
Confirming Bank
The bank that adds its confirmation to another bank’s (the issuing bank’s) letter of credit and promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of documents specified in the letter of credit.
Connecting Carrier
A carrier which has a direct physical connection with, or forms a link between two or more carriers.
Consignee
A person or company to whom commodities are shipped.
Consignee Mark
A symbol placed on packages for identification purposes; generally a triangle, square, circle, etc. with letters and/or numbers and port of discharge.
Consignment
(1) A stock of merchandise advanced to a dealer and located at his place of busi- ness, but with title remaining in the source of supply.
(2) A shipment of goods to a consignee.
Consignor
A person or company shown on the bill of lading as the shipper.
Connecting Carrier Agreement
A connecting carrier agreement is a contract between the originating carrier and a second party, where the second party agrees to carry goods to a final destination on a through Billof Lading.
Consolidation
Cargo containing shipments of two or more shippers or suppliers. Containerload shipments may be consolidated for one or more consignees, often in containerload quantities.
Consolidator
A person or firm performing a consolidation service for others. The consolidator takes advantage of lower full carload (FCL) rates, and passes on the savings to shippers.
Construction Differential Subsidy
A program whereby the U.S. government attempted to offset the higher shipbuilding cost in the U.S. by paying up to 50% of the difference between cost of U.S. and non–U.S. construction. The differ- ence went to the U.S. shipyard. It is unfunded since 1982.
Consul
A government official residing in a foreign country who represents the interests of her or his country and its nationals.
Consular Declaration
A formal statement describing goods to be shipped; filed with and approved by the consul of the country of destination prior to shipment.
Consular Invoice
A document, certified by a consular official, is required by some countries to describe a shipment. Used by Customs of the foreign country, to verify the value, quantity and nature of the cargo.
Consular Visa
An official signature or seal affixed to certain documents by the consul of the country of destina- tion.
Consumption Entry (CE)
The process of declaring the importation of foreign–made goods into the United States for use in the United States.
Container
A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car or stacked in a container depot. Containers may be ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid or equipped with interior devices. A container may be 20 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, 48 feet or 53 feet in length, 8’0” or 8’6” in width, and 8’6” or 9’6” in height.
Container Booking
Arrangements with a steamship line to transport containerized cargo.
Container Freight Station
See CFS.
Container Manifest
Document showing contents and loading sequence, point of origin, and point of destination for a container. Vessels are required by law to carry such a document for each container carried.
Container Pool
An agreement between parties that allows the efficient use and supply of containers. A common sup- ply of containers available to the shipper as required.
Container Security Initiative (CSI)
A U.S. cargo security program whereby containerized cargoes destined for the United States may be inspected on a selective basis at many foreign ports before loading on a vessel. As of October 2007, there were 51 approved ports. A multinational program, aligned with the President’s “Strategy for Homeland Security”, that extends the United States’ zone of security by pre–screening containers that pose a potential security risk before they leave foreign ports for U.S. seaports.
Container Terminal
An area designated for the stowage of cargoes in container; usually accessible by truck, railroad and marine transportation. Here containers are picked up, dropped off, maintained and housed.
Container Yard (CY)
A materials–handling/storage facility used for completely unitized loads in containers and/or empty containers. Commonly referred to as CY.
Containerizable Cargo
Cargo that will fit into a container and result in an economical shipment.
Containerization
Stowage of general or special cargoes in a container for transport in the various modes.
Container Load
A load sufficient in size to fill a container either by cubic measurement or by weight.
Contraband
Cargo that is prohibited.
Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more persons/organizations to carry out reciprocal ob- ligations or value.
Contract Carrier
Any person not a common carrier who, under special and individual contracts or agreements, trans- ports passengers or property for compensation.
Controlled Atmosphere
Sophisticated, computer–controlled systems that manage the mixtures of gases within a container throughout an intermodal journey reducing decay.
Corner Posts
Vertical frame components fitted at the corners of the container, integral to the corner fittings and connecting the roof and floor structures. Containers are lifted and secured in a stack using the castings at the ends.
Correspondent Bank
A bank that, in its own country, handles the business of a foreign bank.
Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF)
Cost of goods, marine insurance and all transportation (freight) charges are paid to the foreign point of delivery by the seller.
Countervailing Duty
An additional duty imposed to offset export grants, bounties or subsidies paid to foreign suppliers in certain countries by the government of that country for the purpose of promoting export.
Cross Member
Transverse members fitted to the bottom side rails of a container, which support the floor.
C–TPAT (Customs–Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
A voluntary supply chain security partnership established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in November 2001. Meeting the C–TPAT standards allows cargo owners faster processing through cus- toms formalities and inspections.
Cu.
An abbreviation for “Cubic.” A unit of volume measurement.
Cube Out
When a container or vessel has reached its volumetric capacity before its permitted weight limit.
Cubic Foot
1,728 cubic inches.A volume contained in a space measuring one foot high, one foot wide and one foot long
Customhouse
A government office where duties are paid, import documents filed, etc., on foreign shipments.
Customhouse Broker
A person or firm, licensed by the treasury department of their country when required, engaged in entering and clearing goods through Customs for a client (importer).
Customs
Government agency charged with enforcing the rules passed to protect the country’s import and ex- port revenues.
Customs Bonded Warehouse
A warehouse authorized by Customs to receive duty–free merchandise.
Customs Entry
All countries require that the importer make a declaration on incoming foreign goods. The importer then normally pays a duty on the imported merchandise. The importer’s statement is compared against the carrier’s vessel manifest to ensure that all foreign goods are properly declared.
Customs Invoice
A form requiring all data in a commercial invoice along with a certificate of value and/or a certificate of origin. Required in a few countries (usually former British territories) and usually serves as a seller’s commercial invoice.
Customs of the Port (COP)
A phrase often included in charter parties and freight contracts referring to local rules and practices which may impact upon the costs borne by the various parties.
Customs–Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C–TPAT)
It is a voluntary supply chain security program, launched in November 2001 and led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) which focuses on improving the security of private companies’ supply chains with respect to terrorism. In exchange for companies participation CBP will provide reduced inspections at the port of arrival, expedited processing at the border and penalty mitigation.
Cut–Off Time
The latest time cargo may be delivered to a terminal for loading to a scheduled train or ship.
Cwt.
Hundred weight (United States, 100 pounds; U.K.,112)
CY
Abbreviation for: – Container Yard.
– The designation for full container receipt/delivery.
