Ad Valorem
A Latin term meaning 'according to value,' used for duties, taxes, or charges calculated as a percentage of the declared value of goods in customs, insurance, or freight contracts.
View termCategories
Incoterms 2020
Browse Incoterms 2020 terms for logistics professionals.
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Affrètement au Voyage
A shipping contract where a vessel is hired for a single voyage between specified ports, with payment based on cargo quantity or lumpsum.
View termAffrètement de Slot
An agreement by which a shipping line or operator charters a specified number of container slots on a vessel operated by another carrier, allowing flexible space allocation without full vessel charter.
View termAjustement bunker
A surcharge applied by carriers to account for fluctuations in marine fuel (bunker) prices.
View termAmendement au Manifeste
An official alteration or correction to the details in a cargo manifest, made to reflect changes in cargo, consignee, or other shipment data before customs clearance.
View termAvis au destinataire
A formal alert sent by carrier or freight forwarder to the named consignee informing them that the cargo has arrived or is ready for pickup at a specified location.
View termAvis d'arrivée
A formal notice sent by carrier or agent to consignee informing them that cargo or vessel has arrived at destination.
View termBulletin de mer
A non-negotiable transport document evidencing carriage by sea without title transfer, issued by carrier.
View termCalage perdu
The unused space in a ship's hold or container that results from the irregular shape of cargo or inefficient packing.
View termCalcul du Laytime
The computation of the total time allowed for loading and discharging a vessel as agreed in the charter party, with contractual consequences for exceeding or saving time (demurrage or dispatch).
View termCalcul d’Arrimage
The technical assessment of the type, quantity, and placement of securing materials (lashings) needed to stabilize cargo inside a container or on a vessel, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
View termCarnet ATA
An international customs document permitting the temporary admission of goods (e.g., exhibition samples, professional equipment) without duties or taxes.
View termCertificat de Préférence
A formal document certifying that goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under specific trade agreements, typically issued by a competent authority.
View termCertificat de Vannage
An official document issued by a surveyor or authority certifying that cargo has been properly stuffed, secured, and inspected inside a container prior to shipment.
View termCertificat d’Origine
An official document confirming the country of origin of goods, used for customs clearance and trade compliance.
View termCertificat Sanitaire
An official document issued by health authorities certifying that products, especially foodstuffs or animals, comply with sanitary regulations for export or import.
View termChargement Flexitank
The process of filling a flexitank—a flexible bulk liquid container—inside a standard dry container for the transport of non-hazardous liquids, such as edible oils or wines.
View termCode tarifaire
A standardized numerical code used to classify traded goods for customs purposes, based on the Harmonized System (HS) managed by the World Customs Organization.
View termConditions de Ligne Régulière
Standard contract terms for ocean freight shipments specifying that loading and discharging costs at the port are included in the carrier’s freight rate, under regular scheduled service.
View termConnaissement Direct
A single transport document covering the movement of goods across multiple carriers and modes from origin to final destination, simplifying transshipment and customs procedures.
View termConnaissement House
A Bill of Lading issued by a freight forwarder to a shipper, covering cargo consolidated in a master consignment.
View termConnaissement Master
A Bill of Lading issued by the carrier to the freight forwarder, covering entire cargo under one shipment.
View termConteneur Frigorifique
A refrigerated shipping container designed for the transport of perishable goods under controlled temperature, commonly used for food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals in global trade.
View termContrat de Manutention
A formal agreement between a shipping company or terminal operator and a stevedoring firm for the loading, unloading, and handling of cargo at a port.
View termContrat d’Affrètement
A formal contract between a shipowner and a charterer specifying terms for the hire and use of a vessel, including freight, laytime, demurrage, and responsibilities.
View termContrôle par l’État du Port
An inspection regime by national maritime authorities at ports to verify that foreign ships comply with international safety, security, and environmental standards (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPS, MLC).
View termContrôle Phytosanitaire
The mandatory inspection and certification procedures required by national or international plant protection authorities to prevent the introduction and spread of pests or diseases via traded agricultural commodities or packaging.
View termCourtier en douane
A licensed agent authorised to prepare import/export entries, handle duties, and ensure regulatory compliance on behalf of importer/exporter.
View termCoût rendu
Total cost of a product once it has arrived at buyer’s doorstep, including purchase price, freight, insurance, duties, taxes, and handling fees.
View termCréneau de départ
A specific period during which a vessel is scheduled to depart from a port, allowing shippers to plan cargo delivery accordingly.
View termDroit de quai
A fee charged by port authorities for the use of wharf or quay facilities during the loading or unloading of cargo.
View termDéclaration de Sécurité
An advance electronic submission of shipment and cargo information to customs or border authorities for security screening prior to vessel loading or entry.
View termDéclaration de transit
A formal customs document used to declare goods in transit across international borders, ensuring duties and security compliance during movement.
View termEntrepôt Sous Douane
A secured facility authorized by customs authorities where imported goods can be stored, manipulated, or undergo manufacturing operations without payment of duties and taxes until they are released for local consumption or re-export.
View termExpédition au Comptant
A one-time cargo movement arranged at current market rates without any long-term contract or commitment, typically used for urgent or irregular transport needs.
View termFrais de détention
A fee charged by the carrier for use of containers or equipment outside the terminal or depot beyond the free time allowed for pick-up or return.
View termFrais de Quai
A port charge levied for the use of wharf or quay facilities in the loading or unloading of cargo, commonly included in port tariffs and paid by shipowners, agents, or cargo owners.
View termFrais de surestarie
A fee levied by carrier or terminal for detention of container or cargo beyond the free time allowed.
View termFranco transporteur
An Incoterm where the seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place.
View termFret payé d'avance
A shipping instruction indicating that the seller has paid freight charges to carrier, but risk transfers per agreed Incoterm.
View termGabarit de Pont
The vertical distance from the waterline or road surface to the lowest part of a bridge, restricting the maximum height of vessels, vehicles, or cargo passing beneath.
View termGrue de Quai
A large crane located on a port quay, used for loading and unloading containers or cargo from vessels to the dock, essential in container terminal operations.
View termHautage marchand
Inland transport of containers arranged and contracted by the merchant (shipper/consignee), not the shipping line.
View termHautage transporteur
Transport of containers by the shipping line’s own contracted inland carrier, covering inland moves under the ocean bill of lading.
View termHoraire des navires
A published timetable showing the planned arrival and departure times of vessels at specific ports.
View termInspection de Quarantaine
A regulatory examination of cargo, vessel, or crew by authorities to prevent the introduction and spread of pests, diseases, or contaminants at borders and ports.
View termItinéraire Terrestre
A transport route that crosses land (by truck or rail), used for freight moving between inland points or to avoid sea/air legs.
View termListe de Colisage
A detailed document prepared by the exporter or shipper, listing each item, quantity, and packaging details in a shipment. Essential for customs clearance, insurance, and logistics planning.
View termLivraison à l’Hinterland
Transport of goods from a port, airport, or border to inland destinations, often covering the final leg of international trade.
View termManifeste de cargaison
A detailed list of all cargo on board, required by customs and port authorities for clearance and security controls.
View termManutention sur Quai
The process of loading or unloading cargo at a pier or dock, involving material handling equipment, stevedores, and compliance with port operational standards.
View termManutention sur Rampe
The operational process of loading or unloading vehicles, containers, or cargo using a ramp at a terminal, port, or warehouse, often involving Ro-Ro vessels or trailers.
View termManutention terminale
A charge levied by terminal operators for the movement, storage, and handling of containers at the port or terminal.
View termMarchandises dangereuses
Substances or articles classified by UN Model Regulations as posing risks to health, safety, property, or environment during transport.
View termMatériel de Calage
Materials used to protect, brace, and separate cargo during transportation, such as wood, inflatable bags, or foam, preventing movement, moisture, and damage.
View termNavire Vraquier
A merchant vessel designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo, such as grains, coal, ore, or cement, in its cargo holds. Classified by IMO for dry bulk shipping.
View termNomination de Quai
The formal assignment or request for a specific berth at a port, usually made by the vessel’s agent or shipping line, required for scheduling arrival, mooring, and cargo operations.
View termOpération de Cross-docking
A logistics process where incoming goods are unloaded and directly reloaded onto outbound vehicles with minimal or no storage time in between.
View termOpération de Cross-docking
The logistics practice of directly transferring goods from inbound to outbound vehicles, reducing or eliminating storage time.
View termOrdre de livraison
A document issued by carrier or agent instructing terminal or warehouse to release cargo to the consignee or their agent.
View termPerfectionnement actif
A customs procedure allowing imported goods to be processed and re-exported with suspension of import duties and taxes.
View termPerfectionnement passif
A customs procedure allowing domestic goods to be temporarily exported for processing or repair abroad and then re-imported, usually with duty relief.
View termPermis d'exportation
An official authorization issued by a government agency allowing the export of certain controlled or regulated goods, subject to compliance with export regulations.
View termPermis d'importation
An official authorization issued by a government agency allowing the importation of certain goods, subject to regulatory compliance.
View termPlan de chargement
A detailed plan showing the placement of cargo on board a vessel to ensure safe, efficient, and balanced loading.
View termPoids Facturable
The weight used by carriers to calculate freight charges, usually the greater of actual or volumetric (dimensional) weight, per tariff rules.
View termPoids à Vide
The weight of an empty container, vehicle, or packaging material, excluding the weight of its contents or cargo, as specified in transport and customs documentation. Used to determine net and gross weight in shipping, warehousing, and compliance.
View termPort de chargement
The designated port where cargo is loaded onto a vessel or means of transport for export or onward shipment.
View termPort en Lourd
The maximum weight a vessel can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, crew, supplies, and provisions, measured in metric tons (DWT).
View termPoste d’Accostage Sûr
A mooring location or dock within a port that is free from navigational hazards, suitable for a vessel’s size, and provides safe loading, unloading, and shelter from risks.
View termPoste à Quai
A designated location alongside a jetty—a structure projecting into water—where a vessel is moored for loading or unloading cargo or passengers at a port.
View termPrime de Dépêchage
A financial incentive paid by the shipowner to the charterer if loading/unloading is completed faster than the time allowed (laytime) in the charter party.
View termPériode de Laycan
The agreed window of dates between shipowner and charterer during which a vessel must arrive at the loading port and be ready to load. If the vessel arrives before or after this period, contractual penalties or cancellation rights may apply.
View termPétrolier Aframax
A medium-sized crude oil or product tanker with a deadweight between 80,000 and 120,000 metric tons, optimized for maximum capacity within AFRA freight scale. Common in global seaborne oil trade.
View termRapport de Chargement
An official document confirming the loading of cargo into a shipping container, including details of cargo, seal, time, and loading supervision.
View termRapport de Déchargement
A document verifying the unloading of goods from a container, indicating the cargo status, seal check, and any discrepancies or damages.
View termRapport d’Outturn
An official document recording the quantity and condition of goods discharged from a vessel or container at the port of arrival, used for claims, insurance, and operational performance tracking.
View termRelevé de Tirant d'Eau
A method of determining the weight of bulk cargo loaded or discharged from a vessel by measuring changes in the vessel’s draught before and after loading, in accordance with maritime standards.
View termRestitution de droits
A refund of customs duties, taxes, and fees paid on imported materials that are subsequently exported or used in the manufacture of exported goods, as authorized by customs regulations.
View termRestriction de Cabotage
A legal limitation or prohibition imposed by a country on the transport of goods or passengers between domestic ports by foreign-flagged vessels or carriers.
View termRisque de Surtransport
The possibility that cargo is not discharged at its intended port and is instead transported beyond its destination, leading to additional costs, delays, or claims.
View termRègle Incoterms
A standard international commercial term, defined by the ICC, governing the allocation of risks, costs, and responsibilities between buyer and seller in trade.
View termRécépissé de Second
A document signed by the chief officer (mate) of a vessel acknowledging the receipt and apparent order of goods loaded on board, often used to issue the bill of lading.
View termRécépissé d’Entrepôt
A legal document issued by a warehouse operator confirming receipt and storage of specified goods. Serves as evidence of title, storage, and may be negotiable for trade finance or collateral.
View termService de Groupage
A freight service that combines multiple shipments from different shippers into a single container or truckload to optimize costs and logistics.
View termService de Pilotage
A compulsory port or channel navigation service provided by licensed marine pilots to guide vessels safely into, within, or out of ports and through hazardous waters.
View termService feeder
A short-sea or coastal shipping service that transfers cargo between smaller regional ports and larger hub ports.
View termSurcharge pour matières dangereuses
An extra charge applied by carriers or terminals for the handling, transport, or storage of dangerous or hazardous goods as defined by regulations.
View termTerminal Nommé
A specific port terminal appointed by the carrier, shipper, or contract terms for loading or unloading cargo, subject to operational planning and contractual designation.
View termTirant d’Eau du Chenal
The maximum depth of water that ships can safely navigate within a specific channel, affecting vessel size and cargo load limits for port entry.
View termTonnage Brut
The total internal volume of a vessel measured in tons, as defined by the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (1969), used for registration, port fees, and safety regulations.
View termTonnage Net
The volume of a ship’s cargo spaces, measured in tons according to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (1969), used to determine port fees and canal tolls.
View termTransfert de risque
The contractual point at which responsibility for cargo risk passes from seller to buyer, defined by Incoterms.
View termTransport Intérieur
The transportation of goods between an inland location and a port or terminal by road, rail, or barge, as part of a multimodal logistics chain before or after the main ocean or air leg.
View termTransport Multimodal
A transport operation involving at least two different modes of carriage (e.g., sea, road, rail, air) under a single contract and responsibility.
View termTransport Multimodal
A freight movement under a single contract involving at least two different transport modes (e.g., sea, rail, truck, air), typically with one responsible carrier.
View termTransport Régulier
Scheduled ocean transport service provided by shipping lines with fixed routes, regular timetables, and published tariffs for containerized or general cargo.
View termUnité de charge
A single item or assembly of goods, secured together so it can be handled as a single unit during storage and transportation.
View termVérification du poids
The certified process of confirming and documenting the gross weight of a packed container, as required by SOLAS and port authorities.
View termÀ l'usine
An Incoterm indicating that the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer bears all costs and risks involved in transporting the goods to the destination.
View termÉchange de Palettes
A logistics practice where shippers and consignees swap pallets at the point of delivery to avoid loss and maintain pallet pool balances.
View termÉtape de Post-Acheminement
The final stage of a multimodal or through transport chain, moving cargo from the main arrival terminal to the consignee’s premises.
View termÉtape de Préacheminement
The initial stage of transport that moves cargo from the shipper’s premises to the main point of international departure, typically by inland or feeder transport under multimodal contracts.
View termÉtat du Pavillon
The country in which a vessel is registered and whose laws, regulations, and international obligations the vessel must comply with, especially regarding safety and environmental standards.
View term