When it comes to ocean transportation, there are a lot of abbreviations that can be encountered, which may cause confusion for people who are not familiar with the industry. In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly used abbreviations and their meanings.
IMO - International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating the safety and security of shipping and preventing marine pollution by ships. It was established in 1948 and currently has 174 member states. IMO is responsible for developing and maintaining various conventions and codes related to maritime safety and environmental protection. Some of the most important IMO conventions include SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea), MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), and STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).
FCL/LCL - Full Container Load/Less than Container Load
FCL and LCL are two terms used to describe the quantity of goods being shipped. FCL refers to a full container load, which means the entire container (usually 20ft or 40ft) is being used to transport one consignment of goods. LCL, on the other hand, means less than container load, which means the goods being shipped do not fill up an entire container and are consolidated with other shipments to fill up the container.
TEU - Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit
TEU is a unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to describe the capacity of a container ship or the number of containers being shipped. One TEU is equal to a container with a length of 20 feet. For example, a container ship with a capacity of 10,000 TEUs can carry 10,000 containers that are 20 feet long.
BL - Bill of Lading
A bill of lading is a legal document issued by a carrier (usually a shipping company) that acknowledges receipt of goods for shipment. It serves as a contract between the carrier and the shipper and contains important information such as the details of the consignment, the names of the consignor and consignee, and the terms and conditions of the shipment.
ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival
ETA is an abbreviation used in the shipping industry to describe the estimated time of arrival of a vessel at a particular port. This information is important for shippers, consignees, and other parties involved in the shipment to plan their operations accordingly.
ETD - Estimated Time of Departure
ETD is an abbreviation used in the shipping industry to describe the estimated time of departure of a vessel from a particular port. This information is important for shippers, consignees, and other parties involved in the shipment to plan their operations accordingly.
THC - Terminal Handling Charge
THC is a fee charged by the terminal operator for handling containers at the port. It includes services such as loading and unloading containers, stacking them in the yard, and providing other facilities such as power supply and security.
ICD - Inland Container Depot
An Inland Container Depot (ICD) is a dry port located away from the seaport that provides facilities for container handling and storage. It is connected to the seaport by rail or road and serves as a transit point for containers being transported to inland locations.
CFS - Container Freight Station
A Container Freight Station (CFS) is a facility at the port where containers are consolidated and deconsolidated. It provides services such as stuffing and stripping containers, consolidating and deconsolidating cargo, and providing storage facilities.
In conclusion, these are just some of the most commonly used abbreviations in the ocean transportation industry. Understanding these terms can help you communicate more effectively with shippers, consignees, and other parties involved in the shipment process. It is important to note that these terms may vary depending on the country or region, so it is always a good idea to confirm their meanings with the relevant parties.