Glossary 🖋️

Overview

This glossary explains common freight forwarding, customs, shipping, and international moving terms in plain language.

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The definitions are general explanations only. They are not legal, customs, tax, insurance, immigration, or compliance advice.

Freight forwarder

A company that organises international transport and related steps such as shipping coordination, documentation support, carrier coordination, agent coordination, and shipment tracking.

Customs clearance

The process of meeting import or export requirements so goods can legally move across borders.

Consignor / Shipper

The party sending the goods.

Consignee

The party receiving the goods.

Bill of Lading

A core sea freight transport document used by carriers to evidence shipment details and terms.

Air Waybill

The main air freight transport document.

Commercial Invoice

A seller’s invoice used for customs and trade documentation. It usually includes details such as buyer, seller, goods description, value, currency, and quantities.

Packing List

A document showing package contents, weights, quantities, and packing details used in logistics and customs workflows.

Incoterms

Standard trade terms that help define responsibilities and risk transfer between buyer and seller in commercial trade.

HS Code

A harmonised product classification code used globally. Classification can be complex and shipment-specific.

This glossary does not provide tariff classification advice.

Import VAT

A tax that may apply on imported goods under South African rules. Calculation can vary by scenario.

This glossary does not provide tax advice.

Demurrage

A charge linked to container use beyond allowed time at a terminal.

Detention

A charge linked to container use beyond allowed time outside the terminal.

Storage charges

Charges for storing goods or containers at a facility, warehouse, depot, or terminal beyond allowed or planned time.

LCL

Less than Container Load. Sea freight where cargo shares container space with cargo from other shippers.

FCL

Full Container Load. Sea freight where one shipper uses the full container, subject to the booking and service arrangement.

ETA / ETD

Estimated Time of Arrival and Estimated Time of Departure.

These are estimates and can change.

POL / POD

Port of Loading and Port of Discharge.

Customs inspection or hold

When authorities stop a shipment for checks, inspection, or documentation review.

Personal effects

Household goods or personal belongings belonging to an individual or family in an international moving context.

Prohibited or restricted goods

Items that cannot be shipped, or that require permits, approvals, or special handling depending on the route, country, and commodity.

Exchange rate / ROE

Currency conversion rules that can affect landed cost and invoicing outcomes.

Last updated

June 2026

Version

v1.0 — Initial public Knowledge Base foundation.