When you start importing or exporting, it’s normal to come across acronyms and terms that seem like a different language. FCL, LCL, AWB, ETA, demurrage, and Incoterms appear in quotes, shipping documents, and emails. Understanding these terms helps you compare proposals, anticipate costs, and make better decisions.
Basic Transportation Terms
- FCL (Full Container Load): modalidad en la que se reserva un contenedor completo para una carga.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): modalidad en la que tu mercancía comparte espacio con la carga de otros clientes.
- B/L (Bill of Lading): A document associated with ocean freight that serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and receipt of the goods.
- AWB (Air Waybill): An air transport document that records the shipment of cargo by aircraft.
- ETA / ETD: The estimated arrival or departure date and time. These are estimates and may change.
- TEU: A unit equivalent to a 20-foot container, used to measure container capacity.
- CBM: A unit of measurement used to calculate cargo volume.
Costs and Transit Times You Should Know
- Freight: The cost of transporting goods between specified locations.
- Spot Rate: A rate quoted for a specific shipment, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.
- Demurrage: A charge that may apply when a container remains at the terminal beyond the allotted free time, depending on the contract and applicable rules.
- Detention: A charge that may apply when a container is kept outside the terminal beyond the allotted free time.
- Free time: The period allowed before certain delay-related charges begin to apply.
- Transshipment: The transfer of cargo from one vessel or aircraft to another during transit.
- Last Mile Delivery: The final stage of transportation, when goods are delivered to the recipient.
Shipping Documents, Customs, and Safety
- Packing list o lista de embalaje: A document detailing the packages, weights, dimensions, and contents of a shipment.
- Commercial Invoice: A document describing the commercial transaction and the value of the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: A document certifying the origin of goods when required.
- Customs Declaration: A document or electronic record submitted to customs authorities, depending on the country and the shipment.
- Incoterms: International rules that allocate certain responsibilities, costs, and risks between the buyer and seller.
- Dangerous Goods / HAZMAT: Cargo subject to special classification, packaging, documentation, and transportation requirements.
- Agente de carga o freight forwarder: A company that coordinates transportation solutions and related logistics services.
Why Is It Useful to Know These Terms?
Logistics terminology is more than technical jargon. It helps you ask better questions: What does the quoted rate include? When does free time begin? Which documents are missing? Who is responsible for each cost? If a quotation does not clearly explain these points, ask for clarification in writing before confirming your shipment.
Before Confirming Your Shipment
- Confirm the applicable Incoterm and the named place specified in the contract.
- Ask which surcharges are included and which may vary.
- Verify the cargo weight, dimensions, type of goods, and required documents.
- Request an estimated route and ask which events could affect the planned transit time.
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