Freight services glossary used in the shipping industry that may be unfamiliar to those who are new to international trade. Here are a few common shipping terms that you may encounter:

1. Bill of lading: A document that serves as a contract of carriage and a receipt for goods. It lists the details of the shipment, including the sender, recipient, and type of goods being shipped.
2. Container: A standardized structure that is used to transport goods by ship, truck, or train. Containers come in various sizes and types, such as dry containers, reefer containers, and flat rack containers.
3. Customs clearance: The process of obtaining permission to import or export goods across international borders. This involves declaring the goods to customs authorities and paying any applicable duties or taxes.
4. Freight forwarder: A company that helps businesses and individuals coordinate the transportation of goods internationally. Freight forwarders handle tasks such as booking shipments, preparing documentation, and arranging customs clearance.
5. Incoterms: A set of standardized terms that define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in international trade. Incoterms specify who is responsible for tasks such as transport, insurance, and customs clearance.
6. Letter of credit: A payment guarantee issued by a bank on behalf of a buyer, assuring the seller that the buyer will pay for the goods being shipped.
7. Shipping lane: A route that is regularly used by ships to transport goods between two or more ports.
8. Order sheet: An order sheet is a document that lists the details of a purchase order, including the items being ordered, the quantities, and the prices. It is typically issued by the buyer and sent to the seller to confirm the details of the order.
9. Proforma invoice: A proforma invoice is a preliminary invoice that is issued by the seller to the buyer before the goods are shipped. It includes an estimate of the total cost of the goods, including any applicable taxes or duties.
10. Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice is a formal document that lists the details of a transaction, including the goods being sold, the quantities, the prices, and the terms of sale. It is typically used for customs purposes and must be presented to customs authorities when importing or exporting goods.
11. Packing list: A packing list is a document that lists the details of the items that are included in a shipment, including the quantities, descriptions, and weights. It is used to ensure that the correct items are being shipped and to facilitate customs clearance.
12. Certificate of origin: A certificate of origin is a document that verifies the place of origin of a product. It is often required for customs purposes and may be needed to determine the applicable tariffs or quotas for a particular product.
13. Phytosanitary certificate: A phytosanitary certificate is a document issued by a government agency that certifies that a plant or plant product has been inspected and found to be free from pests and diseases. Phytosanitary certificates are required for the international trade of plants and plant products in order to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that could harm local plant populations. To obtain a phytosanitary certificate, a plant or plant product must undergo a thorough inspection by a government-approved inspector. The inspector will check the plants for any signs of pests or diseases and will ensure that they are properly packaged and labeled. If the plants meet the necessary requirements, the inspector will issue a phytosanitary certificate. These certificates are typically required for the import and export of plants and plant products such as seeds, trees, fruits, and vegetables. They are an important tool for protecting plant health and preventing the spread of pests and diseases around the world.
14. Delivery Order(D/O): A delivery order is a document that authorizes the release of goods from a warehouse or storage facility. It is typically issued by the consignee (the person or company who is receiving the goods) or their agent, and it is presented to the carrier (the person or company responsible for transporting the goods) or the warehouse operator as proof that the goods are ready to be shipped. A delivery order usually includes the following information: The name and contact information of the consignee. The name and contact information of the carrier or warehouse operator. The date and time of the delivery. The details of the goods being shipped, including the quantities, descriptions, and values. Any special instructions or requirements for the delivery. Delivery orders are often used in conjunction with other documents such as bills of lading, packing lists, and invoices to facilitate the shipping process. They are an important tool for ensuring that the correct goods are delivered to the right place at the right time.
15. Sales Order(S/O): A sales order is a document that is issued by a seller to a buyer, confirming the details of a sale. It typically includes the following information: The name and contact information of the seller. The name and contact information of the buyer The date of the order. The details of the goods or services being sold, including the quantities, descriptions, and prices. The terms of sale, including the payment terms and delivery date.
16. Purchase Order(P/O): A purchase order is a document that is issued by a buyer to a seller, requesting the purchase of goods or services. It typically includes the following information: The name and contact information of the buyer. The name and contact information of the seller. The date of the order. The details of the goods or services being purchased, including the quantities, descriptions, and prices. The terms of purchase, including the payment terms and delivery date.
17. Loadout: Loadout refers to the process of loading goods onto a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft    for transportation. It typically involves the following steps: Preparation: The goods are prepared for shipping by packing them in the appropriate containers or packaging materials and labeling them with the necessary information such as the destination and the shipper’s contact details. Loading: The goods are loaded onto the transportation vehicle using various methods such as forklifts, cranes, or conveyor belts. Special care must be taken to ensure that the goods are loaded safely and securely. Documentation: The necessary shipping documents, such as bills of lading or air waybills, are prepared and signed. Departure: The transportation vehicle is inspected and cleared for departure. Loadout is an important step in the shipping process, as it ensures that the goods are properly prepared and loaded for transportation. It is essential to follow proper procedures to avoid delays and damage to the goods.
18. Plant quarantine certificate: A plant quarantine certificate is a document issued by a government agency that certifies that a plant or plant product has undergone a quarantine period and has been found to be free from pests and diseases. Quarantine is the process of isolating plants or plant products to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Plant quarantine certificates are often required for the international trade of plants and plant products in order to protect local plant populations from pests and diseases that may be present in the imported plants. To obtain a plant quarantine certificate, the plants must undergo a thorough inspection by a government-approved inspector and meet certain requirements. The specific requirements for plant quarantine may vary by country and may depend on the type of plant or plant product being imported. In some cases, imported plants may need to undergo a quarantine period before they can be released into the local environment.
19. Food Quarantine Certificate: A food quarantine certificate is a document issued by a government agency that certifies that a food product has undergone a quarantine period and has been found to be free from pests, diseases, and other contaminants. Quarantine is the process of isolating a food product to prevent the spread of pests, diseases, and other contaminants that may be present in the food. Food quarantine certificates are often required for the international trade of food products in order to protect local food supplies from pests, diseases, and other contaminants that may be present in the imported food. To obtain a food quarantine certificate, the food product must undergo a thorough inspection by a government-approved inspector and meet certain requirements. The specific requirements for food quarantine may vary by country and may depend on the type of food product being imported. In some cases, imported food products may need to undergo a quarantine period before they can be released into the local market.
20. Fumigation certificate: A fumigation certificate is a document issued by a government agency or a certified fumigator that certifies that a specific area or product has undergone fumigation and has been found to be free from pests. Fumigation is the process of using gases or chemicals to kill pests such as insects, rodents, or nematodes. Fumigation certificates are often required for the international trade of goods that are prone to pest infestation, such as agricultural products or wood products. They are also sometimes required for the import or export of used goods, such as used clothing or used furniture. To obtain a fumigation certificate, the area or product must undergo a thorough fumigation process by a certified fumigator. The fumigator will use specialized equipment to apply the gas or chemicals and will follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of the process. Once the fumigation is complete, the fumigator will issue a certificate indicating that the area or product has been successfully treated.
21. Air Way Bill (AWB): An air waybill (also known as an air consignment note or an airbill) is a document that serves as a contract of carriage for the transportation of goods by air. It is issued by the carrier (the airline or shipping company) and is used to identify the shipment and to track its movement through the shipping process. An air waybill typically includes the following information: The name and contact information of the shipper (the sender of the goods) and the consignee (the recipient of the goods. The origin and destination of the shipment. The details of the goods being shipped, including the quantities, descriptions, and values. The terms of carriage, including the payment terms and any special instructions or requirements. A space for the carrier to indicate the acceptance of the goods for transportation. An air waybill is an important document for the transportation of goods by air, as it serves as a record of the shipment and helps to ensure that the goods are delivered to the correct destination. It is often used in conjunction with other documents such as commercial invoices or packing lists to facilitate the shipping process.
22. Manifest: A manifest is a document that lists the details of the goods that are being transported on a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft. It typically includes the following information. The name and contact information of the shipper and consignee. The origin and destination of the shipment. The details of the goods being shipped, including the quantities, descriptions, and values. The mode of transportation (e.g. truck, ship, plane) and the transportation company. The date and time of the shipment. Manifests are used to track the movement of goods and to ensure that the correct goods are being transported to the correct destination. They are also used for customs and security purposes, as they help to identify the contents of the shipment and to ensure that all necessary documentation is in order. Manifests are typically prepared by the carrier or the freight forwarder and are provided to the shipper, the consignee, and any other relevant parties such as customs authorities. They may be presented in electronic or paper form, depending on the regulations of the country of origin and destination.
23. Form A (i.e. GSP): Form A, also known as the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) certificate of origin, is a document that is used to certify the origin of goods being exported to certain countries. It is issued by the exporter or their agent and is typically required for the import of goods into countries that are party to the GSP agreement. The GSP is a trade program that allows developing countries to export certain goods to developed countries at reduced tariffs or duty-free. The GSP certificate of origin is used to verify that the goods being exported are eligible for GSP treatment and that they meet the requirements for GSP origin. To obtain a Form A, the exporter must provide evidence that the goods being exported meet the requirements for GSP origin, such as being produced in a developing country or using a certain percentage of materials from a developing country. The Form A must be signed and stamped by the competent authorities in the exporting country, such as the chamber of commerce or the customs authorities. Form A is an important document for exporters seeking to take advantage of the GSP program, as it helps to ensure that their goods are eligible for reduced tariffs or duty-free treatment when imported into GSP countries.
24. AHECC codes: The Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification (AHECC) codes are used to classify and identify goods that are exported from Australia. The codes are based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) used by many countries around the world, and are used to standardize the classification of goods for export and import purposes. AHECC codes are used to provide information about the type, quality, and value of goods being exported, and are used to determine duties and taxes, as well as to track trade statistics. AHECC codes are used by businesses, customs authorities, and other government agencies involved in the export and import of goods.
25. Harmonized System (HS) Codes: The Harmonized System (HS) is a standardized system of nomenclature used to classify and identify goods being traded internationally. The HS is used by many countries around the world to standardize the classification of goods for export and import purposes, and is based on a set of internationally agreed upon codes and descriptions. The HS codes are used to provide information about the type, quality, and value of goods being traded, and are used to determine duties and taxes, as well as to track trade statistics. The HS codes are used by businesses, customs authorities, and other government agencies involved in the export and import of goods.
26. Health Certificate: A health certificate is a document that is issued by a government agency or a veterinarian and is used to certify the health status of a shipment of goods, such as animals, plants, or food products. A health certificate is often required for the export of certain types of goods, especially if they are being shipped to countries with specific health or safety requirements. The health certificate may include information about the type and quantity of goods being shipped, their origin and destination, and any relevant health or safety measures that have been taken. It may also include test results or other documentation to verify the health and safety of the goods. Health certificates are an important tool for ensuring that goods are safe and meet the standards of the importing country.
27. Request for Proposal (RFP): A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a document that is used by businesses, organizations, or government agencies to solicit proposals from potential suppliers or contractors. An RFP typically outlines the requirements and specifications for a product or service, and outlines the process for submitting a proposal. RFPs are commonly used in the procurement process, and may be used to solicit proposals for a wide range of products and services, including consulting services, technology solutions, construction projects, and more. RFPs may include information about the scope of work, deadlines, budget, and other key details, and are typically used to compare proposals from multiple suppliers or contractors in order to select the best fit.
28. Forwarding instructions (FI) or shipping instructions:  Forwarding instructions (FI) or shipping instructions are documents that are used to provide detailed information about the movement of goods from one location to another. Forwarding instructions are typically used by freight forwarders or logistics companies to coordinate the transportation and handling of goods, and may include information about the type and quantity of goods, the origin and destination, the mode of transportation, and any special handling or storage requirements. Forwarding instructions may also include information about customs clearance, insurance, and other relevant details. Shipping instructions are similar to forwarding instructions, but may be used by the sender of the goods rather than a third party logistics provider. Both forwarding instructions and shipping instructions are important tools for ensuring that goods are transported and handled properly, and are an important part of the supply chain process.
29. Carnet: A carnet is a special type of document that is used to temporarily import goods into a country without paying duties or taxes. A carnet is typically issued by a chamber of commerce or other authorized organization, and is often used for the temporary import of goods for trade shows, exhibitions, or other short-term events. A carnet includes detailed information about the goods being imported, including the type and quantity of goods, their value, and the purpose for which they will be used. Carnets are valid for a specific period of time, and may be used in multiple countries. They are an important tool for businesses that need to temporarily import goods for a specific purpose, as they can help to avoid the costs and paperwork associated with traditional customs procedures.
30. Customs Transit Declaration (CTD): A Customs Transit Declaration (CTD) is a document that is used to declare goods that are being transported across international borders, either by land, sea, or air. A CTD is typically required when goods are being transported through one country and are destined for another country. The CTD includes information about the type and quantity of goods, their origin and destination, and the mode of transportation. It also includes details about the customs duties and taxes that are applicable to the goods, and may be required for the transit of goods through certain countries or regions. A CTD is an important tool for ensuring that goods are properly declared and are able to move smoothly through customs procedures.
31. Dangerous Goods form (DG Form): A Dangerous Goods form, also known as a DG form, is a document that is used to declare the presence of hazardous or dangerous goods in a shipment. A DG form is typically required when shipping goods that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment, and includes detailed information about the type and quantity of goods being shipped, as well as the risks and hazards associated with them. DG forms may be required for the transport of goods by land, sea, or air, and are used by transportation companies, customs authorities, and other government agencies to ensure that the transport of dangerous goods is properly regulated and controlled. DG forms are an important tool for ensuring the safety of people and the environment, and are used to prevent accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials.