Essential Terms and Meanings
Key Transport Acronyms: Essential Terms and Meanings
Freight transport is a crucial part of the global economy. For those unfamiliar with the industry’s specifics, the acronyms and terms can seem complex and confusing. However, they are essential for effective logistics management and communication among the various stakeholders. In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly used transport acronyms and their meanings.
1.ANF – Arrival Notification
A message sent by the consignee or responsible parties to notify about the arrival of the cargo. It plays a crucial role in planning and coordinating subsequent actions.
2.B/L – Bill of Lading
A document that certifies the contract of carriage and the receipt of goods by the carrier. It serves as proof of ownership of the cargo and is an integral part of international trade.
3.COO – Certificate of Origin
This document confirms the country of origin of the goods. It is important for customs procedures and can affect duties and taxes.
4.DO – Delivery Order
A document used for the receipt of imported cargo. It provides the necessary information to organize the delivery to the final destination.
5.ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
The estimated time when the ship or cargo unit will arrive at the specified location. ETA helps logistics managers plan resources effectively.
6.ETD – Estimated Time of Departure
Similar to ETA, this is the estimated time when the cargo unit will depart from the port. ETD is critical for planning and coordinating transportation.
7.FAK – Freight All Kinds
A transport contract covering the carriage of various types of cargo, simplifying the process for customers.
8.IMO – International Maritime Organisation
An organization established by the United Nations to coordinate international maritime procedures and practices. It works to improve the safety and security of maritime transport.
9.INCO Term
International commercial terms widely accepted and used by businesses to regulate the rights and obligations of sellers and buyers.
10.L/C – Letter of Credit
A document issued between banks, freight forwarders, and consignees, guaranteeing payment upon fulfillment of contract conditions.
11.FCL – Full Container Load
Indicates that the container is loaded with cargo from a single customer, typically reducing costs and handling time.
12.LCL – Less than Container Load
When the container is shared among several customers with smaller volumes of cargo.
13.FTL – Full Truck Load
Indicates that the truck is fully loaded with cargo from a single customer, usually speeding up delivery and reducing damage risk.
14.LTT – Less Than Truck Load
Similar to LCL, this is when the truck is shared among several customers with smaller volumes of cargo.
15.M.V – Motor Vessel
A term used to denote motor ships used for transporting cargo by sea.
16.OBL – Original Bill of Lading
The original document certifying the receipt and transportation of goods.
17.POD – Port of Discharge
The place where the cargo is unloaded from the transport vehicle.
18.POL – Port of Loading
The place where the cargo is loaded onto the transport vehicle.
19.SOB – Shipped on Board date
The date when the container was loaded onto the ship.
20.UN No. – UN Number
A unique number given by the United Nations to denote hazardous cargo in the cargo unit.
21.DV – Declared Value
The value of the cargo declared by the shipper for insurance and customs purposes.
22.POD – Proof of Delivery
A document used as proof that the goods have been delivered to the consignee and signed by the driver.
23.CMR – Convention Relative au Contrat de Transport International de Marchandises par la Route
A standardized document for cross-border road transport based on UN recommendations.
Conclusion
Familiarity with these acronyms and terminologies is essential for anyone involved in logistics and transport. They facilitate communication and coordination among the various stakeholders, ensuring that goods reach their final destinations in the most efficient and safe manner possible.
