A pattern of trade with more cargo flow in one direction than the other and results in empty containers being moved internationally.

An entry that allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be exported from the same port without the payment of duty.

Assurances that are not made specifically by an insurer but are implied by his application for insurance. These are - that the ship is seaworthy; that the venture is lawful; that the venture will be carried out in a lawful manner.

Allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be transported in bond to another port, where a superseding entry is filed.

Goods on which duty has not been paid are held "in bond"

A lower-than-usual tariff rate assessed because a shipper offers a greater volume than specified in the tariff. The incentive rate is assessed for that portion exceeding the normal volume

International Rules for the Interpretation of Trade Terms. A list (currently 13) of standard terms for foreign trade contracts compiled by ICC. Current edition is 1990. The recognized abbreviation for the International Chamber of Commerce Terms of Sale.

An agreement to hold a carrier harmless with regard to a liability.

Placing a port on a vessel's itinerary because the volume of cargo offered at that port justifies the cost of routing the vessel.

A certificate issued by an independent agent or firm attesting to the quality and/or quantity of the merchandise being shipped. Such a certificate is usually required in a letter of credit for commodity shipments.

Successive shipments are permitted under letters of credit. Usually they must take place within a given period of time.

Areas of navigable water that do not require additional insurance premium, i.e. are considered to be 'safe' areas, Great Lakes, Baltic, Arctic, etc. are all outside I.W.L. Insulated Containers:- Containers that rely on an external source for their refrigeration.

So far as marine insurance is concerned, insurable property is any ship, goods or other movables exposed to maritime perils.

Refrigerated container with own machinery.

A United Nations agency dealing solely with maritime affairs, the prime objective being improvement of maritime safety and the prevention of maritime pollution.

Freight moving from origin to destination over the Freight lines of two or more transportation carriers.

The ability to move between two or more different modes of transport with the smallest interruption to the speed of transit. Used to denote movements of cargo containers interchangeably between transport modes, i.e., motor, water, and air carriers, and where the equipment is compatible within the multiple systems.

B/L covering cargo moving via multimodal means. Also known as Combined Transport B/L, or Multimodal B/L.

To assist compliance with legal requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, regarding the carriage of dangerous goods by sea.

IMO - A United Nations agency dealing solely with maritime affairs, the primary objective being improvement of maritime safety and the prevention of maritime pollution.

The organisation through which containers' codes for containers of various types and sizes are internationally classified.

A complete listing of all cargo entering the country of discharge. Required at all world ports and is the primary source of cargo control, against which duty is assessed by the receiving country.