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REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ART GLOSSARY

paintings, drawings, vases, tapestries, limited-edition prints, fine art, statuary, sculpture, collectors’ items,
customized or personalized musical instruments, Film, photographic images, including photographic negatives,
photographic chromes and photographic slides.

Accession. The process of taking an item into the permanent collection.

Acid-Free. Materials labeled “acid free” or “archival” are safe for curators, collection managers and archivists to use
when storing artifacts.

Archivist. The staff member who handles works on paper including photographs, newspapers, letters and other
documents.

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Artist Resale Right (or Droit de Suite)
According to the European Union’s Artist’s Resale Right Directive, which has been adopted by the United
Kingdom, living artists and artists who died within 70 years prior to the date of the sale are entitled to
receive a resale royalty each time their art work is sold by an art market professional in the European Union
or United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions.

Audio Tours. Recorded information presented to a museum visitor through a push button and speaker, audio wand
or headset

Cataloguing
Factual information about a lot offered for sale, such as the name of the artist or maker, a detailed
description of the object, the year of its creation, its provenance (history of its ownership), major exhibitions
in which it has appeared and publications in which it has been documented.

Collection. A group of items assembled over time relating to a specific mission and housed in a museum.

Collection Manager. The staff member who oversees collections activities such as storage, conservation, artifact
research and donor relations.

Conservator. A trained professional who cleans and repairs artifacts. A conservator often has a background in
science, particularly chemistry. Conservation work is usually quite pricey because of the high level of expertise
required and the painstaking time needed to complete a project.

Curator. The staff member who takes care of the museum’s collection. In some museums this position also includes
overseeing the exhibitions program, minor conservation work and registrar duties.

Deaccession. The formal process of removing an item from the collection. A specific reason must be given, such as
the item lacks physical integrity or no longer fits within the museum’s mission.

Deed of Gift. The document that legally transfers ownership from the donor to the museum.

Digitization. The process of creating an electronic version of a work on paper in order to preserve the original piece
from unnecessary handling. With technology changing rapidly, there is a great deal of debate on the proper storage
method to ensure that the digital files will be readable in the future.

Docent. A volunteer tour guide at a museum.

EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RECOVERY PLAN

Exhibition. An organized presentation of historical or artistic information using written labels, photographs, artifacts
and/or artwork. An exhibition is not merely a “display.” The curator of an exhibition tries to convey a message
through the use of historical materials.

First Person Interpretation. An interpreter who takes on the character of a historic figure and speaks as though they
really are that person. They are usually in costume.

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Furnishing Plan. A document outlining the proper furnishings for the correct era of a historic home.

Gallery. A room where an exhibition is displayed.

Hygrothermograph. A monitoring device that records temperature and humidity conditions. They can be placed in
storage areas, exhibition galleries or inside cases or shipping crates.

OUTGOING LOANS

Interpreter. A paid tour guide at a museum. The name comes from the idea that this individual “interprets” and
shares information with the public.

Interpretative Plan. A document created by the museum’s education department outlining what material will be
included in public and school tours.

Label. The written information in an exhibition.

Mission Statement. A statement that provides guidelines for the museums collection, exhibition and education
activities.

Mounts. The support structure built to support an artifact on exhibition.


OUTGOING LOANS
Preservation. Work focused on preventing the destruction or deterioration of historic materials including houses,
artifacts and archival works.

COLLECTIONS CAREREVISED 2012RECORD KEEPING

STANDARDS OF CARE AND CONSERVATION

Registrar. The staff member who handles all of the paperwork in a museum, including Deeds of Gift, deaccession
forms, loan paperwork and other related duties.

Third Person Interpretation. An interpreter who presents information from the third person point of view.

Vitrine. A glassed in case used to protect and exhibit museum collections.

Glossary of Museum Terms *


A

Accessibility: Giving equitable access to everyone along the continuum of human ability and experience.
Accessibility encompasses the broader meanings of compliance and refers to how organizations make space
for the characteristics that each person brings.*

Advisory group: An advisory group is a collection of individuals who bring unique knowledge and skills
that complement the knowledge and skills of the formal governing authority. The advisory group does not
have authority to govern the museum; it cannot issue directives that must be followed. Rather, the advisory

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group serves to make recommendations or provide key information to the formal governing authority. The
advisory group can be standing (on-going) or ad hoc (one time) in nature.

Annual Pass Program: A purchased pass that allows unlimited visits during the year (or another set time
period). Pass Programs can also be set up as a local partnership program which allows purchasers free
admission to several participating venues in the area. Often coordinated through a Chamber of Commerce or
Welcome Wagon – type of organization, these can be set up to allow one visit to each venue, or unlimited
visits during a set time period.

Audience: Groups of people who use the museum’s services by attending or participating at an event,
exhibit, program or other presentation. Audiences can be defined by using categories, such as the types of
services they use and how they use them (e.g., visitors, members, researchers, program participants, Web
site users), or by their demographic characteristics (e.g., families, school groups, seniors, culturally specific
groups) or their interests and motivations for participating.

Audience, target: A sub-group of a community with shared demographics or interests that has been chosen
as a group to engage with or attract.

Audience survey/study: Collecting data from the museum’s actual and potential audiences to determine
their composition and receive feedback. Used to assess the effectiveness of the museum’s activities and
services

Best practices: Commendable actions and philosophies that successfully solve problems, can be replicated,
and demonstrate an awareness of standards.

Benchmark: A point of reference used in measuring and judging quality or value.

Code of Ethics: Professional standards of conduct for staff, governing authority members and volunteers
carrying out the mission of the museum. A code puts the interests of the public ahead of the interests of the
institution or of any individual and encourages conduct that merits public confidence. A code of ethics
acknowledges applicable laws and appropriate discipline-specific professional practices in order to help
museums meet or exceed them For more information see: AAM Standards regarding an Institutional Code
of Ethics

Collections Plan: A plan that guides the content of the collections and leads staff in a coordinated and
uniform direction over time to refine and expand the value of collections in a predetermined way. Plans are
time-limited and identify specific goals to be achieved. They also provide a rationale for those choices and
specify how they will be achieved, who will implement the plan, when it will happen and what it will cost.

Community: Each museum self-identifies the community or communities it serves. These may be
geographically defined, they may be communities of common interests, or communities formed around
identities or a combination of these types.

Community engagement: Engaging with and collaborating with diverse groups to jointly meet needs
articulated by the community and taking actions that truly benefit the community. (see Activity Eight for a
more detailed explanation and examples).

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Core Standards: The AAM Core Standards were developed in collaboration with other museum
organizations and are grouped into the following categories: Public Trust and Accountability, Mission &
Planning, Leadership and Organizational Structure, Collections Stewardship, Education and Interpretation,
Financial Stability, and Facilities and Risk Management.

Culture: A group of people with shared experiences, beliefs, values, practices and norms.

Curriculum Plan: A written plan containing the framework, goals, and policies that guide the development
and delivery of curriculum.

Decolonization: The long, slow, painful, and imperfect process of undoing some of the damage inflicted by
colonial practices that remain deeply embedded in our culture, politics, and economies.**

Diversity: All the ways that people are different and the same at the individual and group levels. Even
when people appear the same, they are different. Organizational diversity requires examining and
questioning the makeup of a group to ensure that multiple perspectives are represented. *

Docent/Guide: A volunteer or paid staff person who provides interpretation to visitors through a guided
tour, talk or presentation. The museum field appears to be transitioning from the more traditional model of
docents as volunteer tour guides, to an increasing number of institutions using paid guides. The National
Docent Symposium Council now uses the term docents/guides to be inclusive and refer to the education and
interpretation function or role, not to employment status.

Educational ecosystem: The formal and informal learning organizations within a community, the roles they
each play, who they serve, the dynamics between them, and areas of intersection or overlap in the
community.

Education master plan: A written plan that identifies education goals, audiences, content, delivery
methods, data gathering and evaluation methods for all education programs and services.

Equity: The fair and just treatment of all members of a community. Equity requires commitment to strategic
priorities, resources, respect, and civility, as well as ongoing action and assessment of progress toward
achieving specific goals.*

Evaluation: Obtaining valid and reliable information from visitors that helps in the planning of exhibitions,
activities, and programs and in determining the extent to which the activities are meeting their intended
objectives. Can include observation (tracking) studies, questionnaire, interviews, community meetings, and
focus groups. Visitor evaluation can be carried out before (front end), during (formative), and after
(summative) exhibition or program development.

Exhibit: The localized grouping of objects and interpretative materials that form a cohesive unit within a
gallery and relate a message or idea. +

Exhibition: Exhibitions use a combination of objects, text, graphics, interactives, and/or props to create a
physical space dedicated to the exploration of specific themes, messages, and ideas. An exhibition is a
comprehensive grouping of all elements (including exhibits and displays) that form a complete public
presentation of collections and information for public use. +

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Exhibit/exhibition plan or policy: A written plan that identifies exhibition schedules, goals, interpretive
guidelines, and policies and procedures as well as policies applying to any object loans, and care and
documentation of objects in temporary custody.

Financial resources: The income and expenses of the museum.

Focus group: Interview studies involving a carefully selected sample of eight to 10 individuals whose
demographic and psychographic characteristics are of special interest to the museum. A planned but
informal discussion carried out with the small group of visitors or community members to discuss a
predetermined topic in their own terms.

Forecasting: using data to identify trends and project the future state of a variable. Variables might include
broad topics such as the local economy or the demographics of a community, or more specific topics such as
available volunteers, school tours attendance, or wifi bandwidth needs.

Friends / Auxiliary Group: A support organization that is separately incorporated and whose primary
purpose is the support of the museum. This may involve financial support, volunteers, or expertise.

Full-time staff: Employees who work 35 hours or more per week.

Governing Authority: The entity that has legal and fiduciary responsibility for the museum (this body may
not necessarily own the collection or the physical facility) and may include not-for-profit boards, appointed
commissions, governmental bodies, and university regents.

Names of governing authority include advisory council, board of commissioners, board of directors, board
of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, city council, commission, or tribal council.

Head of governing authority: The elected or appointed head of the executive body to which the director
reports. For institutions that are part of a larger non-museum parent organization, the head of the governing
authority is considered to be the individual within the institution’s larger parent organization to whom the
director reports/is responsible (e.g., dean or provost of a university, director of parks and recreation for a city
government, military post commander, etc.).

Human resources: All of the people, paid and unpaid, who regularly work at the museum.

Immersive experience: Feeling deeply absorbed, involved and engaged.

Implicit Bias: Unconsciously held opinions, attitudes and expectations that shape decisions, actions and
understandings without full awareness of this influence, which limits the ability to be objective.

Inclusion: The intentional, ongoing effort to ensure that diverse individuals fully participate in all aspects of
organizational work, including decision-making processes. It also refers to the ways that diverse participants
are valued as respected members of an organization and/ or community. While a truly “inclusive” group is
necessarily diverse, a “diverse” group may or may not be “inclusive.”*
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Intern: A student or trainee who works to gain experience for a career or profession. Some internships are
paid, some are unpaid, some are done in exchange for school credit, housing or other compensation.

Inclusion: The intentional, ongoing effort to ensure that diverse individuals fully participate in all aspects of
organizational work, including decision-making processes. It also refers to the ways that diverse participants
are valued as respected members of an organization and/ or community. While a truly “inclusive” group is
necessarily diverse, a “diverse” group may or may not be “inclusive.”*

Institutional plan: See Strategic plan

Interpretation: The media/activities through which a museum carries out its mission and educational role:

 Interpretation is a dynamic process of communication between the museum and the audience.
 Interpretation is the means by which the museum delivers its content.
 Interpretation media/activities include but are not limited to exhibits, tours, Web sites, classes, school
programs, publications, and outreach.
 Interpretation methods and design is based upon museum and educational learning theories.
Knowledge of cognitive development, educational theory, and teaching practices are applied to the
types of voluntary, personal, and life-long learning that occurs in museums.

Interpretive plan: A document that outlines what stories and messages the museum wants to convey
through a variety of media, such as exhibits, programming, and publications. It may include the institution’s
interpretive philosophy, educational goals, and target audiences. A museum may develop an overall
institutional interpretive plan, or an interpretative plan for an individual component of its operation—for
example, for its permanent exhibits or for one of its historic sites.

Inquiry based learning: A pedagogical method that uses questions, problems and/or scenarios to trigger
curiosity and critical thinking.

Learning, Formal: Structured learning that typically focuses on teaching specific, predetermined skills
and/or knowledge. Learning outcomes are frequently measured or evaluated, usually through testing.

Learning, Informal: Learning environments or systems that offer self-directed opportunities that can lead
to unexpected or unplanned learning, impacts and outcomes.

Learning, Self-directed: Also known as independent learning. An individual takes ownership of their
learning process (with or without guidance). The free-choice environment of many museums can be a
foundation for creating self-directed learning opportunities through interpretive scaffolding and visitor
choices that offer multiple points of access.

Learning styles: Categorizations that differentiate the manner in which a person most effectively
comprehends and processes new information. Designing educational materials and approaches to either
match an individual’s learning style or to be inclusive of all learning styles is one educational strategy or
pedagogical approach.

Learning organizations: Organizations that value continuous knowledge and skills development and
actively support ongoing learning for all members as well has for the organization as a group.

Logic model: A model (usually depicted in the form of a table or diagram) used to plan the resources,
activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact for a program or event.
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M

Marketing: Marketing is the wide range of activities involved in making sure that you’re continuing to meet
the needs of your customers and getting value in return. These activities include market research to find out,
for example, what groups of potential customers exist, what their needs are, which of those needs you can
meet, how you should meet them. Marketing also includes analyzing the competition, positioning your new
product or service (finding your market niche), pricing your products and services, and promoting them
through continued advertising, promotions, public relations, and sales.

Material culture: Objects, materials and spaces created by people to sustain, perpetuate or enjoy life as
defined by their particular culture or society.

Membership program: A program that offers specific privileges, perks and discounts in exchange for
payment of dues or fees (usually annually) as a charitable contribution. A well thought-out membership
program can support fundraising and marketing, and can encourage member feelings of belonging,
stewardship and loyalty.

Memorandum of agreement/memorandum of understanding: A written agreement spelling out the terms


of the relationship between two entities, such as a museum and a support organization, or a museum and a
municipality. It is signed by the governing authorities of the organizations.

Mission: A statement approved by the museum’s governing authority that defines the purpose of a
museum—its reason for existence. The mission statement establishes the museum’s identity and purpose,
provides a distinct focus for the institution, and identifies its role and responsibilities to the public and its
collections.

Multiple Intelligences: A learning theory that suggests humans have eight possible different types of
intelligence that impact learning styles and capabilities.

Nonoperating income and expenditures: Income and expenditures related to temporarily or permanently
restricted funds, such as endowment contributions and pledges; capital campaign contributions and pledges;
all realized capital gains and losses that are rolled back into principal; income from capital campaigns; and
capital expenditures.

Open storage: Placing stored collections on public view without interpretative materials.

Operating income and expenditures: Income generated by or expenditures supporting the museum’s
general operations in a given fiscal year, including exhibitions, education, conservation, collections
management, acquisitions, research, training, development, and administration. It includes any portion of
income from the endowment that is applied to operating expenses in a given year. It does not include capital
expenditures. See also nonoperating income and expense.

Organizational capacity: The ability to effectively use resources to successfully fulfill its mission and
goals while honoring its values and maintaining positive social impact.

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Parent organization: The overseeing organization (such as a historical society or university) which is
responsible for the fiduciary control of the museum.

Part-time staff: Staff who work less than 35 hours per week.

Pedagogy: A method and practice of teaching.

Planning: The creation of policy and written plans. Thomas Wolf (Managing a Nonprofit Organization,
1990) lists two essential prerequisites of planning as, 1) an evaluation/assessment of the organization’s
current position, and 2) a clear vision of the organization’s future expressed through a statement of mission
and goals. These prerequisites apply to all types of planning, whether it is long-range, disaster, exhibition,
marketing, or program.

Professional Practices: A professional practice [aka best practice] is generally accepted in the field as a
reliable method or technique for achieving a desired result.

Public trust: The obligation and duty to serve the public interest rather than individual interest or
institutional interest.

Purpose: The museum’s broad guiding principle as stated in its governing documents.

Social media: Forms of electronic communication (like Web sites for social networking and microblogging)
through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other
content (such as videos).

Special events: Concerts, festivals, or special seasonal programs.

Special exhibitions: Usually short-term, temporary exhibitions.

Staff: Unless otherwise noted, refers to full- and part-time staff (paid or unpaid) of your organization.

Stakeholders: People who have influence on your institution or are impacted by your institution.

Standard: Generally accepted level of attainment that all museums are expected to achieve.

Strategic plan: Comprehensive plan that broadly delineates where the institution is going and provides
sufficient detail to guide implementation. Sets priorities and guides important decisions that are oriented
towards the future. Some museums split this into two parts:

 Multi-year plan: Big-picture plan that sets strategies, goals, and priorities. Sometimes referred to as a
strategic or long-range plan.
 Operational plan: Plan that provides the details needed to implement the decisions in the strategic or
long-range plan. Usually focuses on a short period of time and is typically geared to the museum’s
budget year. Sometimes referred to as an implementation plan. For more information see: AAM
Standards regarding an Institutional Plan.

Stereotype: An inaccurate generalization about a person or group based on oversimplified or limited


information.

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Sustainability: A way of operating that supports the organization’s current needs and can be continued
without reducing resources or opportunities for the future.

Tours: Any type of tour of the exhibitions, grounds, buildings or surrounding area. This includes school,
self-guided, audio, and guided tours.

Universal design: The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent
possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Values: The core belief system that provides a moral compass and framework for an organization’s goals,
priorities and decisions.

Vision statement: An aspirational declaration of a museum’s intentions that may include a description of
the ideal scenario or successful future.

Visitors: Groups and individuals who go to the museum’s physical facilities to use the museum services.

Visitor motivation: The reason why someone visits a museum, an exhibition or attends a program. A
visitor’s expectations and needs are part of a visitor’s motivation to attend or not attend.

Visitor experience: A visitor experience begins when a decision is made to visit, and continues through
the planning and research, the onsite experience at the museum, and then post-visit activities such as online
research or conversations with others about the visit. A visitor experience includes all interfaces or points
of contacts a visitor has with the museum and its facility, services and products.

Visitor services: Facilities or services that provide comfort to visitors, including assistive devices, baby
changing stations, checkrooms, dining area/food service, first aid stations, information desk, nursing areas,
restrooms, seating, signage, water fountains, wheelchairs, and WiFi access.

Visitor studies: The use of data collection, research and evaluation to better understand and improve the
visitor experience.

Visitor survey: A set of questions designed to gather information from visitor that will help a museum
improved its programs and services. Surveys may be done using different methods: verbally, online, on
paper, by email.

Visual literacy: The ability to observe, interpret, analyze and make meaning from a still or moving image.
A shared vocabulary used to describe and discuss an image is generally considered a foundation for literacy.

Visual thinking strategies: A pedagogical method that uses structured facilitation to help students observe
and engage with visual art.

Volunteer: An individual who offers time and service to the museum for no salary or wage.

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Wayfinding: How a visitor determines his or her location and the best route to take to get to a destination
within the museum. Maps and signage are some ways museums help visitors stay physically oriented and
aid in wayfinding.

INSURANCE GLOSSARY

A
accidental damage

Actual cash value (ACV)

The value of any property that is lost or damaged at the time of the loss, in contrast to Replacement Cost
(RC). See depreciation.

Additional coverage for sound, picture and data devices (auto)

Coverage for electronic equipment that receives or transmits audio, visual or data signals and is not designed
solely for the reproduction of sound, as well as any accessories used with such equipment. These devices do
not need to be permanently installed in the vehicle, but are attached to a component of the vehicle.

After-market parts

Parts made by a company other than the manufacturer of the auto. See original equipment manufacturer.

Agreed value policy

Coverage that will pay the full insured amount of the vehicle or other property in case of a covered total
loss, in contrast to stated amount.

.Air transit

Appraisal

An estimate of property value, or of the extent of property damage, provided by an authorized person.
Appraisals are performed to determine the value of property at the time of a loss.

Arson

Intentional and malicious burning of property.

art handling companies

B
bill of Lading

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Bodily injury liability coverage

Coverage for damages resulting in bodily injury or death sustained by others, including covered medical
costs, that you become legally responsible for because of a covered auto accident.

Building / additions / alterations coverage (tenant/condo only)

Pays for damages to additions, alterations, fixtures, improvements or installations that you make to your
rented residence or condo.

C
Cancellation

Terminating an insurance contract before the specified end-date listed in the policy.

Claim

Request by a policyholder or third party from an insurance company for compensation of losses covered by
insurance.

Claimant

A person requesting an amount for covered losses from the insurer.

Coastal area

A location near a body of water, including (but not limited to) an ocean, gulf, bay, harbor, inlet, sound,
bayou or water that surrounds a barrier island.

commercial air freight carriers

commodity

Conditions

Portion(s) of an insurance policy that explains duties and responsibilities of the insured and the insurer.

Condition Report
A written description of the condition of a work.

Construction type

Refers to the construction of a building, such as your residence. For example, frame or masonry.

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Continuous insurance

When a policyholder has been insured by one or more insurance companies, without any lapse in coverage,
for a specified period of time.

cost of the coverage

Credit based insurance score

A number representing the likelihood of loss, assigned to insurance applicants, based on credit history. Like
most insurers, Nationwide uses a credit-based insurance score to predict insurance losses. Studies show that
considering a person’s credit behavior can help in predicting potential losses more accurately. By taking this
into account, Nationwide can provide a more appropriate rate for each customer. About half of our existing
customers receive a rate decrease based on their good credit scores.

Credit card, forgery and counterfeit money coverage

Coverage that pays for the legal obligation of an insured to pay because of theft or unauthorized use of credit
cards (including Electronic Funds Transfer cards) issued to or registered in an insured's name. This coverage
also applies to forged checks and counterfeit money, but does not provide identity theft coverage.

Customization

Any after-market add-ons or accessories installed on a vehicle, such as chrome rims, ground effects body
kits and off-road lights. (Customization does not include engine performance accessories or modifications.)

customs forms

D
Declarations page

A page in your policy – usually the front page – with basic information that identifies the policyholder, the
property or vehicles covered, the coverages and the premium amounts. In informal conversation, you may
hear it referred to as the “dec[k]” page.

Deductible

The amount a policyholder agrees to pay before the insurance company covers a loss. In addition to the
standard deductible, there can be different deductibles for different types of losses such as wind, hail,
hurricane, earthquake, all-peril, collision and comprehensive.

Depreciation

A decrease in the value of property due to wear, age or other cause. Compare actual cash value.

Dwelling fire policy

Coverage offered for property that is, at least partially, rented out to others.

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Dwelling replacement cost plus/guarantee

An optional coverage that can provide additional protection above the amount a home is insured for. It is
designed to protect against unforeseen increases in the cost of repairs.

E
Endorsement

A statement added to an insurance policy that alters, deletes or adds coverage, terms or provisions of the
policy.

Exclusion

A provision in an insurance policy that excludes and/or limits certain coverages.

F
fine art policy

FR-44/SR-22

A legal document filed if you are convicted of certain traffic violations or driving under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. The state may require you to file an FR-44/SR-22 to verify that you maintain auto liability
coverage. Both forms are official documents showing proof of financial responsibility, but use different
titles based on your state of residence. If an FR-44/SR-22 should expire or be canceled, an insurance
company will issue an FR-46/SR-26 form, which certifies the cancellation of the policy.

fine art mover

G
Garaging location

The address where a vehicle is usually parked or garaged, which could differ from the policyholder's
primary residence or policy mailing address. Students attending school 100+ miles from home with a
vehicle should use their school address as their garaging address.

Gated community

A housing community with controlled entry access.

H
Hazard

A condition that creates or increases the chance that a loss will occur. For example, a wood-burning stove
may increase the chance of a loss from a fire.

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I
Identity theft coverage

Identity theft coverage pays for expenses as a direct result of any identity theft or fraud discovered during
the policy period.

improper handling

Indemnification

The act of compensating for a loss.

Insurable interest

A consideration of value that is insured under a policy. A person with insurable interest will suffer a genuine
hardship if a loss should occur to the person or property they've insured. For instance, people have an
insurable interest in their own lives and property, but generally do not have insurable interest in their
neighbor's life or property. Insurable interest must be present in order for an insurance contract to be legal
and valid.

Insured

The person(s) or parties who are insured or protected by an insurance policy.

Insurer

The company that provides insurance coverage and services on a policy.

insurance carriers

K
L
Lapse

A period of time when someone goes without insurance coverage.

Lease

A contract granting use or occupation of property during a specified period, in exchange for a specified rent.

Leaseholder

An individual who possesses or has use of property through a lease.

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Lessee

An individual to whom a lease is granted.

Liability coverage

Coverage for bodily injury or property damage to others for which you are held liable (as provided by your
policy and state law).

Lien

A creditor’s claim against an owner's assets to secure an unpaid debt.

Lien holder

Any party who has a claim on property until the satisfaction of some debt or duty. For example, a bank is the
lien holder of a car until the car loan is paid off by the owner.

Limits of insurance

The amount an insurance company will pay for a covered loss, as stated in the policy.

limitations on coverages

Loss

Direct and accidental damage to an insured property or automobile, which is the basis for filing a claim..

M
Malicious mischief

Deliberate damage or destruction of another person’s property. For insurance purposes, it is typically
covered under vandalism.

Market value

The value of property in terms of what it can be sold for in the open market.

maximum declared value

Misrepresentation

False or misleading statements.

Mitigation

Steps taken to prevent or reduce the amount or likelihood of loss.

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N
Named perils

Covered hazards that are listed in an insurance policy. Also known as specified or named perils.

O
off-site storage facility.

one-on-one consultation

Ordinance or law coverage

Coverage providing increased cost to a covered loss resulting from an ordinance or law.

P
Personal injury (Homeowners insurance)

Provides coverage for the personal injury to others, such as false arrest, libel (written), slander (verbal), or
invasion of privacy.

Personal injury protection (auto)

Coverage for medical expenses to or for an insured in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
May also pay for funeral costs, lost wages and costs for household services. Also known as no-fault.
Coverage varies from state to state.

Personal property

All other property not classified as real property, and which is easily moved. This includes furniture,
clothing and household goods.

Personal Umbrella Policy

An extra layer of liability protection for your assets if there's a serious auto accident or accident on your
property and damages exceed the limits of your auto or homeowners coverage limits.

Physical damage

Visual damage to a policyholder's residential property or vehicle.

Policy

A written contract of insurance.

Policyholder

The person or entity specifically identified as the named insured in an insurance policy. This person is also
referred to as the named insured.

p. 18
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Premium

The amount of money an insurance company charges in return for providing coverage.

professional packing

Property

Anything that has value. There are two types: real property and personal property.

Property damage liability coverage (auto)

Coverage for damage to someone else’s property as the result of a covered accident for which you are
responsible. It may help cover the expense of repairing or replacing a car, fence or other property damaged
during the covered incident.

Property fire wall

A physical wall with qualities of fire resistance and structural stability. It controls the spread of a fire.

Protective devices

Safety equipment designed to prevent, protect or notify you in the event of an emergency, such as fire
extinguishers, dead-bolt locks, fire alarms, smoke alarms and burglar alarms.

Provenance
An important part of the authentication process, provenance establishes the chain of ownership back (if
possible) to the date an item was created. Provenance can significantly impact the value of an object.

R
Real property

Land and the permanent things on it, such as buildings, outdoor fixtures, machinery and equipment.

Rental reimbursement (auto)

Coverage that helps pay for alternative transportation (such as bus, subway or another car) if your car cannot
be driven due to a covered loss. In your policy, this also may be referred to as Loss of Use, transportation
expense or rental car expense.

R
Replacement cost (RC)

The actual cost of replacing damaged or destroyed property with new property, in contrast to Actual Cash
Value (ACV).

p. 19
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Residence premises

The physical location of the property for which insurance protection is provided. This is also known as the
insured location.

Roadside Assistance

Optional coverage for when you need a tow, run out of gas or have a flat tire.

self-conveyance

shipments

tailor a policy

transit losses

U
Uninsured and/or underinsured bodily injury coverage

Coverage which may protect against drivers without insurance, and/or drivers with insufficient policy limits
to reimburse you for damages they caused. This coverage typically pays the difference between the amount
recovered from the other driver and the amount of the damages, up to the limit of the policy.

V
valuables

Valuables Plus®

Coverage available from Nationwide for property that is mobile in nature and may be of high value, such as
jewelry, sports equipment, fine arts, antiques, or coin or stamp collections.

Valuation
A detailed description and current value of property prepared by Sotheby’s staff. Valuations, which differ
from auction estimates, are used for a variety of needs, including charitable contribution, collateral loans,
estate taxes, estate planning and insurance.

W
Water backup of sewers or drains coverage

Optional coverage for loss due to water backup through sewers or drains.

p. 20
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Windstorm or hail coverage

Coverage for losses as a result of windstorm or hail. This coverage may be subject to special terms,
conditions and deductibles. On some policies, these perils may be excluded entirely.

Glossary of Transportation & Logistics Terms

p. 21
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Charges for supplementary services and privileges provided in connection with line-
Accessorial haul transportation of goods. These charges are not included in the freight charge
Charges and usually take the form of a flat fee. Some examples: inside delivery, lift gate and
fuel surcharges
Actual value of goods shown on bill of lading by shipper when rate to be applied
Actual Valuation
depends on value
Advice of Notice to local or foreign buyer that shipment has occurred, with packing and
routing details. A copy of invoice usually is enclosed, and sometimes a copy of the
Shipment bill of lading
A bill of lading that covers both domestic and international flights transporting
goods to a specified destination. This is a nonnegotiable instrument of air transport
Air Waybill that serves as a receipt for the shipper, indicating that the carrier has accepted the
goods listed and obligates itself to carry the consignment to the airport of destination
according to specified conditions
Point of delivery beside a vessel; statement designating where the title to goods
Alongside
passes from one party to another
On arrival of freight at destination, notice is sent promptly to the consignee showing
Arrival Notice
number of packages, description of articles, route, rate, weight, etc.
ASN Advanced Shipping Notice
Authority Operating rights granted a motor carrier by the DOT
1) Return transportation movement, usually at less revenue than the original move

2) Movement in the direction of lighter traffic flow when traffic generally is heavier
Backhaul
in the opposite direction

3) To move shipment back over part of a route already traveled


A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a
transportation company under which freight is to be moved between specified points
Bill of Lading
for a specified charge. Usually prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the
carrier, it serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods
Bonded A warehouse for storage or manufacture of goods on which payment of duties is
deferred until the goods enter the Customs Territory. The goods are not subject to
Warehouse duties if reshipped to foreign points
1) To unload, sort, and reload some/all contents of a vehicle in transit
Breakbulk
2) To reduce a large shipment of a single commodity to many small shipments,
which then are dispersed to various buyers
1) Agent who arranges interstate movement of goods by other carriers

Broker 2) One who arranges the buying/selling of goods for commission

3) Person who leases owned equipment to a carrier


Vessel that carries bulk commodities such as petroleum, grain, or ore, which are not
Bulk Carrier
packaged, bundled, bottled, or otherwise packed
C&F (Cost and Ocean transportation term meaning price stated includes cost of goods and
Freight) transportation charges to point of destination. Insurance normally is not included

p. 22
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Carload (C/L or 1) Quantity of freight required to fill a railcar
CL) 2) Specified quantity necessary to qualify a shipment for a carload rate
Individual, partnership or company in the business of transporting goods or
Carrier
passengers for a fee
1) Charges for pickup/delivery of goods
Cartage
2) Act of moving goods, usually short distances
Certificate of A statement (often notarized) in which a producer of goods certifies that
manufacture has been completed and that the goods are now at the disposal of the
Manufacture buyer
Certificate of A document, required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes, certifying the
Origin country of origin of specified goods

CIF (Cost,
A pricing term indicating that the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight are
Insurance,
included in the quoted price
Freight)
1) Demand on transportation company for payment due to loss/damage of freight
during transit
Claim
2) Demand on transportation company for refund on overcharge

3) Demand by individual/company to recover for loss under insurance policy


Rate for commodities grouped according to similar shipping characteristics. Applies
Class Rate to numbered/lettered groups/classes of articles contained in the territorial rating
column in classification schedules
Clean Bill of A receipt for goods issued by a carrier that indicates that the goods were received in
Lading “apparent good order and condition,” without damages or other irregularities

COD (Collect on Buyer pays carrier the price of goods before they are delivered; seller assumes risk
Delivery) of purchaser refusing to accept goods

Collect Shipment where collection of freight charges/advances is made by delivering carrier


Shipment from the consignee/receiver

Commercial An itemized list of goods shipped, usually included among an exporter’s collection
Invoice papers
Any carrier engaged in the interstate transportation of person/property on a regular
Common Carrier schedule at published rates, and whose services are available to the general public on
a for-hire basis
Concealed When goods in an apparently undamaged container are damaged. Claims are hard to
Damage settle because neither shipper nor carrier wants responsibility
A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank, the validity of which has been confirmed
Confirmed by a domestic bank. An exporter whose payment terms are a confirmed letter of
Letter of Credit credit is assured of payment by the domestic bank even if the foreign buyer or the
foreign bank defaults

p. 23
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Consign Send goods to purchaser or agent to sell
Consignee Person who receives goods shipped from owner
Consignor Person or company that ships articles to customers
Combining less-than-carload or less-than-truckload shipments to make
Consolidation
carload/truckload movements
1) Using box-like device to store, protect and handle a number of packages as a unit
of transit
Containerization
2) Shipping system based on large cargo-carrying containers that can be
interchanged between trucks, trains, and ships without rehandling contents
Carrier engaged in interstate transportation of persons/property by motor vehicle on
Contract Carrier a for-hire basis, but under continuing contract with one or more customers to meet
specific needs of each customer
The government service that is responsible for the assessment of import and export
duties and taxes and administration of other laws and regulations that apply to the
importation, transit and exportation of goods

 This term is also used when referring to any part of the customs service or its main
Customs
or subsidiary offices
 This term is also used adjectivally in connection with customs officials, import or
export duties control on goods, or any other matter within the purview of customs
(customs officer, customs duties, customs office, customs declaration)

Specialist in customs procedures who acts for importers for a fee. Licensed by
Customs Broker
Treasury Department
A document that traditionally accompanies exported goods bearing such information
Customs as the nature of the goods, their value, the recipient and their ultimate destination.
Declaration Required for statistical purposes, it accompanies all controlled goods being exported
under the appropriate permit
A formal document used to clear goods through customs in the importing country by
Customs Invoice providing pertinent shipment information including but not limited to country of
origin, description and value
Customs Tariff Schedule of charges assessed by the government on imports/exports
Demand upon carrier for reimbursement for physical injury to shipment, or because
Damage Claim
shipment was not delivered within reasonable time
1) Assumed value of shipment unless shipper declares higher value
Declared Value
2) Stating lower value on a shipment to get a lower rate
While the term “Ex Works” signifies the seller’s minimum obligation, the term
“Delivered/Duty Paid,” when followed by words naming the buyer’s premises,
denotes the other extreme – the seller’s maximum obligation. The term may be used
Delivered/Duty irrespective of the mode of transport. If the parties wish that the seller should clear
Paid the goods for import but that some of the cost payable upon the import of the goods
should be excluded – such as value-added tax (VAT) and/or other similar taxes. This
should be made clear by adding words to this effect (e.g., “exclusive of VAT and/or
taxes”)

p. 24
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Also called Delivery Orders, these documents provide specific information to a
Delivery carrier regarding delivery to a specific port, pier, terminal, airport, or steamship line.
They show the shipping carrier, delivery deadlines, name and address of consignee,
Instructions and the contract name and telephone number of the shipper in case of delivery
problems
Document a consignee or its agent dates and signs at delivery, stating the condition
Delivery Receipt of the goods at delivery. The driver takes the signed delivery receipt to the terminal
for retention. The customer retains the remaining copy
Dimensional weight is a calculation of the shipment’s weight based on its volumetric
Dimensional standard instead of its actual weight. Dimensional weight is calculated by
multiplying the length by width by height of each package in inches or centimeters
Weight and dividing by a dimensional weight divisor. The dimensional weight divisor varies
by service offering and unit of measure (inches or centimeters)
A receipt issued by an ocean carrier to acknowledge receipt of a shipment at the
Dock Receipt
carrier’s dock or warehouse facilities
Articles manufactured or produced in the United States with the use of imported
components or raw materials and later exported are entitled to a refund of up to 99
Drawback
percent of the duty charged on the imported components. The refund of duty is
known as a drawback
Drayage Transporting freight by truck, primarily in local cartage
A tax imposed on imports by the customs authority of a country. Duties are
generally based on the value of the goods (ad valorem duties), some other factor
Duty
such as weight or quantity (specific duties), or a combination of value and other
factors (compound duties)
Electronic Data The electronic transmission of routine business documents, such as purchase orders,
Interchange invoices and bills of lading, between computers in a standard format. The data
(EDI) formats, or transaction sets, are usually sent between mainframe computers

Prefix meaning “out of” or “from”, used with noun of location. Means all
Ex transportation charges and risks of loss/damage are chargeable to buyer when goods
are delivered at “ex” location
An exception is any delivery in which the receiver or driver notes a problem on the
Exceptions delivery receipt before signing it. Typically, exceptions concern shortage and/or
damage
A shipper pays a premium rate for the sole use of a trailer. The trailer will be sealed
at loading, and the seal number is recorded on the manifest. The seal number is
Exclusive Use
verified before the trailer is unloaded at destination. When a shipper requests an
exclusive-use trailer, no other freight may be added to the unit even if space permits
Export A formal statement declaring full details about goods being exported made to the
Declaration collector of Customs at a port of exit

Export Letter of When importer has arranged with bank for letter-of-credit financing of purchases, he
applies for issuance of individual letters of credit to cover purchase contracts as
Credit made
A government document that permits the licensee to export designated goods to
Export License
certain destinations

p. 25
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
FAS (Free A pricing term indicating that the quoted price includes the cost of delivering the
Alongside Ship) goods alongside a designated vessel
Federal Register Government publication that prints rules/regulations of federal agencies daily
FIFO (First In,
Warehouse term meaning first items stored are the first used
First Out)
FOB (Free on At named port of export. A pricing term indicating that the quoted price covers all
Board) expenses up to and including delivery of goods by or for the buyer

FOB Destination Freight cost paid to destination point, title transfers at destination
FOB Factory Title to goods and transportation responsibility transfers from seller to factory
Title and risk pass to the buyer at the moment the seller delivers the goods to the
FOB Origin carrier. The parties may agree to have title and risk pass at a different time or to
allocate shipping charges by a written agreement
Title/transportation costs transfer after goods are delivered on vessel. All export
FOB Vessel
taxes/costs involved in overseas shipments are assessed to buyer
Food and Drug U.S. agency responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety,
Administration efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, the U.S.’s
(FDA) food supply, medical devices, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation

The title of a standard clause in contracts exempting the parties for non-fulfillment
Force Majeure of their obligations as a result of conditions beyond their control, such as
earthquakes, floods, or war
Foreign Trade Goods subject to duty may be brought into such zones duty-free for
transshipment/storage/minor manipulation/sorting. Duty must be paid when/if goods
Zones are brought from zone into any part of U.S
Forwarding Firm specializing in shipping goods abroad. Payments made for insurance and other
Agent expenses are charged to foreign buyer
Shipping document confirming shipment delivery and indicate payment terms
(prepaid or collect). The document describes the shipment, its weight, the amount of
Freight Bill charges and taxes and whether the bill is collect or prepaid. If the bill is prepaid, the
shipper pays the shipping charges. If the bill is collect, the consignee pays the
shipping charges
Freight An independent business that handles shipments for compensation (a freight
forwarder is among the best sources of information and assistance on regulations,
Forwarder documentation and shipping methods)
Gross Weight The full weight of a shipment, including goods and packaging
Harmonized
A universally accepted classification system for trade goods, used to classify
System Code
products and their corresponding tariff
(HS Code)

p. 26
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Hazardous materials are defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation in
accordance with the Federal Hazardous Material Law. A substance or material may
be designated as hazardous if the transportation of the material in a particular
Hazardous amount and form poses an unreasonable risk to health and safety or property.
Material Hazardous material may include: an explosive, radioactive material, etiologic agent,
flammable or combustible liquid or solid, poison, oxidizing or corrosive material,
and compressed gas. For more general information, go to the U.S. DOT website at
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat
A document required and issued by some national governments authorizing the
Import License
importation of goods into their individual countries
Importer of The owner or purchaser of the goods; or, when designated by the owner, purchaser,
Record (IOR) or consignee, a licensed customs broker
Storage of goods in custody of government/bonded warehouse or carrier from whom
In Bond goods can be taken only upon payment of taxes/duties to appropriate government
agency
A bill of lading used in transporting goods overland to the exporter’s international
Inland Bill of carrier. Although a through bill of lading can sometimes be used, it is usually
Lading necessary to prepare both an inland bill of lading and an ocean bill of lading for
export shipments
Interline Freight Freight moving from origin to destination over two or more transportation lines
Intermodal
Using more than one mode to deliver shipments
Transportation
Interstate
Exchanging goods between buyers and sellers in two or more states
Commerce
Intrastate
When all business between buyers/sellers is carried on within one state
Commerce
Irrevocable A letter of credit in which the specified payment is guaranteed by the bank if all
Letter of Credit terms and conditions are met by the drawee
Intermodal system of getting international cargo across intervening continent from
Landbridge
one seacoast to another by special through trains
Total expense of receiving goods at place of retail sale, including retail purchase
Landed Cost
price and transportation charges
Last In, First Out Accounting method of valuing inventory that assumes latest goods purchased are
(LIFO) first goods used during accounting period

LCL (Less-than-
Carload, Less- Loads weighing less than amount necessary to apply carload rate charged by
than-Container railroads, or container load charged by ocean carrier
Load)
Party or company with legal possession/control of vehicle (with/without driver), or
Lessee
other equipment owned by another under terms of lease agreement
Party or company granting legal use of vehicle (with/without driver), or other
Lessor
equipment to another party under terms of lease agreement
p. 27
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Letter of Credit Method of paying for goods where buyer establishes credit with local bank, clearly
describing goods to be purchased. Upon receipt of documentation, bank either is
(L/C) paid by buyer or takes title to goods and transfers funds to seller
A business arrangement in which the manufacturer of a product (or a firm with
proprietary rights over certain technology, trademarks, etc.) grants permission to
Licensing
some other group or individual to manufacture that product (or make use of that
proprietary material) in return for specified royalties or other payment
Movement of freight between cities, usually more than 1,000 miles, not including
Linehaul
pickup and delivery service
Long Ton Equivalent to 2,240 pounds or 20 long hundredweights. Also called gross ton
Longshoreman Person employed on wharves of port to load/unload vessels
Loss and
Damage (L&D) Usually applied when loss/damage is discovered when package is delivered
Claim
LTL (Less-than- Goods weighing less than 10,000 pounds from several shippers loaded onto one
Truckload) trailer

Marine Insurance that compensates the owners of goods transported overseas in the event of
Insurance loss that cannot be legally recovered from the carrier. Also covers air shipments

Marking (or Letters, numbers, and other symbols placed on cargo packages to facilitate
Marks) identification

Minimum The lowest charge for which a shipment will be handled after discount and/or
Charge adjustment

NAFTA A document provided for goods that qualify for reduced or duty-free entry as a
Certificate of product of one of the three participating member nations: Mexico, United States and
Origin Canada

National Motor Industry standard tariff published by motor carriers containing rules, descriptions
Freight and rating on all products moving in commerce; used to classify goods for the
Classification purpose of rating the freight bill. You can obtain more information about shipment
classes and the NMFC at www.nmfta.org
(NMFC)
1) Weight of article without packing and container
Net Weight
2) Weight of entire contents of vehicle
Non-Vessel
Operating Cargo consolidator of small shipments in ocean trade, generally soliciting business
Common Carrier and arranging for/performing containerization functions at the port
(NVOCC)

p. 28
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
North American
Free Trade A trade agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico that encourages free trade
Agreement between these countries
(NAFTA)
A bill of lading (B/L) indicating that the exporter consigns a shipment to an
international carrier for transportation to a specified foreign market. Unlike an inland
Ocean Bill of B/L, the ocean B/L also serves as a collection document. If it is a “straight” B/L, the
Lading foreign buyer can obtain the shipment from the carrier by simply showing proof of
identity. If a “negotiable” B/L is used, the buyer must first pay for the goods, post a
bond, or meet other conditions agreeable to the seller
On Board Bill of A bill of lading in which a carrier certifies that goods have been placed on board a
Lading certain vessel

Operating Routes, points, and types of traffic that may be served by carrier. Authority is
Authority granted by state or federal regulatory agencies
Comparison of carrier’s operating expenses with gross receipts, income divided by
Operating Ratio
expenses
OS&D (Over,
Report is issued at warehouse when goods are damaged. Used to file claim with
Short and
carrier
Damaged)
Freight in excess over quantity believed to have been shipped or more than quantity
Overage
shown on shipping document
Overcharge The payor of the shipping charges files an overcharge claim to dispute a discrepancy
Claims in charges that can stem from overpayment, weight or description corrections, etc.
When owner of goods remains responsible during shipping, relieving carrier of part
Owner’s Risk
of risk
Owner-
Drivers who own or operate their own trucks. May lease rig/driver to another carrier
Operators
A list showing the number and kinds of items being shipped, as well as other
Packing List
information needed for transportation purposes
System for shipping goods on lightweight, double-decked wooden platform called
Palletization
pallets. Permits shipment of multiple units as one large unit
Per Diem Latin term “by the day.” Daily charge for use of equipment or daily fees
Perishable Commodities subject to rapid deterioration or decay, which require special
Freight protective services such as refrigeration or heating
Authority granted to contract carriers and forwarders to operate in interstate
Permit
commerce
Point of Origin Station at which shipment is received from shipper by transportation line

Pro Forma An invoice provided by a supplier prior to the shipment of merchandise, informing
the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their value, and important
Invoice specifications (weight, size, etc.)

p. 29
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Any progressive or serial number applied for identification to freight bills, bills of
Pro Number
lading, etc.
Proof of
Copy of waybill signed by consignee at time of delivery as receipt
Delivery
Public
Storage place renting space to anyone desiring it
Warehouse
Purchase Order Form buyer uses when placing order for merchandise
The quantity of goods of a specific kind that a country permits to be imported
Quota
without restriction or imposition of additional duties
Rate Established shipping charge for movement of goods
Reefer Slang term for refrigerated trailer that hauls perishables

Reverse Return of a shipment or order from recipient back to shipper. Reasons can include
order inaccuracy, customer dissatisfaction, diagnostics and repair, damage, or return
Logistics of goods into inventory. Also called Returns Management
Revocable A letter of credit that can be canceled or altered by the drawee (buyer) after it has
Letter of Credit been issued by the drawee’s bank
1) Process of determining how shipment will move between origin and destination.
Routing information includes designation of carrier(s) involved, actual route of
carrier, and estimated time enroute
Routing
2) Right of shipper to determine carriers, routes and points for transfer on TL and
CL shipments
In marine insurance, loss sustained by necessary sale of goods at port prior to
Salvage Loss expected destination because of “perils of the sea.” Treated as total loss with amount
realized from sale of goods credited on amount payable under policy
Device applied to freight car/motor vehicle door fastening. Shows that door
Seal fastening where it’s applied has not been tampered with between time of application
and time of breaking seal
Slang term for semitrailer. Also used loosely in referring to tractor-trailer
Semi
combination
An instrument in writing, signed by the captain of a ship that lists the individual
Ship’s Manifest
shipments constituting the ship’s cargo
1) Lot of freight tendered to carrier by consignee at one place at one time for
delivery to one consignee at one place on one bill of lading
Shipment
2) Goods/merchandise in one or more containers, pieces, or parcels for
transportation from one shipper to single destination
Shipper’s Export A form required for all shipments by the U.S. Treasury Department and prepared by
Declaration a shipper, indicating the value, weight, destination, and other basic information
(SED) about an export shipment

p. 30
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Shipper’s Letter
of Instructions A document required by the carrier or freight forwarders as a prerequisite to obtain
(besides the data needed) authority to issue and sign the waybill in the shipper’s
for Issuing Air name
Waybill
SL&C Shipper’s load and count
Steamship A group of steamship operators that operate under mutually agreed-upon freight
Conference rates

Straight Bill of A nonnegotiable bill of lading in which the goods are consigned directly to a named
Lading consignee

Stripping Emptying truck of cargo, and arranging shipments by destination


Stuffing Slang term for loading cargo container
Amount of gross weight on freight shipment that can be deducted for packaging
Tare
weight
1) Weight of container and material used for packing
Tare Weight
2) In transportation terms, weight of car/truck, exclusive of contents
A Tariff is a document setting forth applicable rules, rates and charges to move
goods. A tariff sets forth a contract for the shipper, the consignee and the carrier.
Tariff
Since January 1, 1996, motor carriers are not required to publish tariffs. However, in
accordance with federal law, tariffs must be provided to a shipper on request
The point at which sellers have fulfilled their obligations so the goods are said to
Terms of sale have been delivered to the buyer. They are shorthand expressions that set out the
rights and obligations of each party when transporting the goods
A party other than the shipper or consignee that is ultimately responsible for paying
Third-Party
the shipment charges
A single bill of lading converting both the domestic and international carriage of an
export shipment. An air waybill, for instance, is essentially a through bill of lading
Through Bill of used for air shipments. Ocean shipments, on the other hand, usually require two
Lading separate documents – an inland bill of lading for domestic carriage and an ocean bill
of lading for international carriage. Through bills of lading are insufficient for ocean
shipments
Document that confers on holders right of ownership/possession/transfer of
Title
merchandise specified, e.g., bills of lading and warehouse receipts
Large-volume shipment from a single customer that weighs more than 10,000
Truckload (TL)
pounds or takes up all the trailer space so no other shipment can be loaded
U.S. Customs Until import duty (if required) is paid, federal government retains control of goods.
Imports awaiting collection of duty must be stored at importer’s expense in custody
Bonded
of warehouse willing/able to furnish bond that commodities will not be released until
Warehouse necessary duties are paid
UCC Uniform Commercial Code

Value Added Assessed on the value added to goods and services. The value added tax is imposed
throughout the European Community and European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Tax (VAT) countries and many other trading nations, but not the U.S.
p. 31
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Place for receiving/storing goods and merchandise for-hire. Warehouseman is bound
Warehouse
to use ordinary diligence in preserving goods
Warehouse
A receipt issued by a warehouse listing goods received for storage
Receipt
Permanent station equipped with scales at which motor vehicles transporting
property on public highways are required to stop for checking of gross vehicle
Weigh Station
and/or axle weights. Many states also use portable scales to comply with their
weight limits
In shipping, weight is qualified further as gross (weight of goods and container), net
Weight (weight of goods themselves without any container), and legal (similar to net,
determined in such manner as law of particular country/jurisdiction may direct)
Weight Usually issued by an official weigher on the dock, this certificate records the weight
(as well as measurements) being entered on the back of the second and third copies
Certificate of the dock receipt by clerk on the dock

Glossary of Tools
adze:a tool, like an ax, used for chipping or slicing away the surface of wood.
auger:a carpenter's tool for boring holes in wood.
bellows:an instrument fashioned to furnish a strong blast of air, used to blow a
fire.
benchhook:an iron hook by which a board may be gripped.
bevel square:a joiner's and mason's tool, used for setting off angles.
broad ax:chisel-edged ax used for hewing round logs into square beams.
chisel:a cutting edge with an oblique angle, the tool is worked by blows from a
hammer.
draw
knife:a blade between 2 handles, it cuts by being drawn towards the cutter's
body.
felling ax:large ax designed for cutting down trees.
firmer chisel:a thin all-purpose chisel (sometimes called a forming chisel).
froe:tool used for splitting out shakes (sometimes called a splitting froe).
p. 32
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
gouge:a chisel for cutting rounded holes in wood.hatchet:a small ax with a
short handle.
hoe:a tool used to break up the surface of the ground.
holdfast:something that holds, such as a hook, clamp or bolt.
mortise & tenon:a square hole (mortise) into which the shaped end (tenon) of
some other part of a framework is fitted so as to form a joint.
pickax:a digging tool with a chisel edge on one end and a point on the other.
plane:a tool used to smooth the surface of woodwork by paring shavings from
it.
ploughshare:the large pointed blade of a plow which cuts a slice of earth.
reap hook:a hook with a cutting edge used for cutting grain.
rule:a graduated strip of metal or wood used for measuring length.
saw:a cutting tool, one edge of which is a series of continuous teeth.
sickle:a hook with a serrated edge used for cutting grain.
spade:a digging tool, the handle is grasped and the foot used to push the
blade into the ground.
square:a tool used for determining right angles.
steelyard:a weighing instrument that uses balances and counterweights.
wedge:a piece of wood, thick at one end and tapering at the other, used as a
tool for splitting wood.
whipsaw:a long narrow 2-handed saw.

Glossary of Terms
Accessorial Charges
Fees that the transportation carriers charge in addition to regular transit charges. These are for additional
services provided, such as delivering to a residence, using a lift gate, doing an inside delivery, going up
multiple flights of stairs, etc.

p. 33
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Aggregated Shipments
Aggregated shipments consist of multiple shipments that are shipped as a single consignment, often as a
container load.

AI
All in or All Inclusive.

Air Freight
Transporting goods or products via airplane. Also known as air cargo.

Airport Code
A three letter code assigned to each airport location worldwide.

All Cargo Aircraft


An aircraft that is used for the sole purpose of transporting cargo or mail.

Backhaul
The process of a transportation vehicle (typically a truck) returning from the original destination to its point
of origin with a non-paying load (called backload) and/or paying load (called payload). A backhaul can be
with a full or partially loaded trailer.

Belly Cargo
Air freight carried in the belly of a cargo aircraft.

Bill of Lading (BOL)


The Bill of Lading is a document issued by a carrier, or its agent, to the shipper as a contract of carriage of
goods. It is also a receipt for cargo accepted for transportation, and must be presented for taking delivery at
the destination. Among other items of information, a B/L contains (1) consignor’s and consignee’s name, (2)
names of the ports of departure and destination, (3) name of the vessel, (4) dates of departure and arrival, (5)
itemized list of goods being transported with number of packages and kind of packaging, (6) marks and
numbers on the packages, (7) weight and/or volume of the cargo, (8) freight rate and amount. It serves as a
proof of ownership (title) of the cargo, and may be issued either in a negotiable or non-negotiable form. In
negotiable form, it is commonly used in letter of credit transactions, and may be bought, sold, or traded; or
used as security for borrowing money. A B/L is required in all claims for compensation for any damage,
delay, or loss; and for the resolution of disputes regarding ownership of the cargo.

Billed Weight (or Chargeable Weight)


The actual or designated weight of a shipment as shown on a waybill and/or (freight) bill of lading.

Block & Brace


Blocks are pieces of lumber used to help set items and keep them positioned within a container. The product
is “blocked” in place to prevent shifting from side to side or front to back during transportation.

Braces are also used to secure a product within the container. Typical blocking and bracing materials include
PE foam, bubble wrap and paper pads. Pak Mail Pittsburgh Crate & Ship uses blocking and bracing
materials to ensure safe arrival of shipments.

Box Weight
A lump sum charged to move cargo in various size containers from origin to destination.
Boxcar

A railroad freight car, enclosed from all sides that is typically 40 or more feet long.
p. 34
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Breakbulk Cargo
Cargo that is packaged but not containerized and is transported on pallets, sacks, drums, or bags. These
cargoes require labor-intensive loading and unloading processes. Examples of breakbulk cargo include
coffee beans, logs, or pulp.

Bulk Cargo
Loose, unpackaged cargo that is non-containerized. Examples of bulk cargo include coal, grain, and
petroleum products.

C & F (or CNF, CNR)


Cost and freight.

The Canada Customs Invoice is required on all export shipments passing through customs on its way to
Canada. Commercial shipments to Canada, which are valued at more than $1,600 (Canadian funds), may be
subject to duties and sales taxes and must be accompanied by a Canada Customs Invoice. The invoice can be
prepared either by the exporter/importer or their agents.

Cargo
All articles, goods, materials, merchandise, or wares carried onboard an aircraft, ship, train, or truck, and for
which an air waybill, or bill of lading, or other receipt is issued by the carrier.

Cargo Bay
A dock with doors in a warehouse where vehicles back up to load/unload cargo.

Cargo Insurance
Insurance against lost and loss by damage to or destruction of cargo covering risks to goods and means of
transportation involved in the transporting of goods overland or by inland waterways. Insurance on land only
shipments by truck or train to or from places in the US is usually considered to be inland marine insurance.

Cargo Manifest
An invoice of all cargo loaded on board a vessel. Listing of all cargo on board a vessel is required by the
relevant local authorities.

Cargo Ton
Ocean freight is billed either in weight tons or volume (measurement) tons, depending on the density of the
material or the manner in which it is shipped (containerized, break bulk, bulk). Weight ton equals (1) 2,000
pounds (short ton), (2) 2,240 pounds (long ton), or (3) 1,000 Kilo or 2,204.68 pounds (metric ton).
Measurement ton equals (1) 40 cubic feet (1.12 cubic meters), or (2) 1 cubic meter (35.3 cubic feet).

Carload
Quantity of freight (in tons) required to fill a railcar; amount normally required to qualify for a carload rate.

Carrier
A company that transports goods and/or people by land, sea or air.
Carrier Certificate and Release Order
A document used to advise Customs of the shipment’s details. The carrier certifies that the firm or individual
named in the certificate is the owner or consignee of the cargo.

CBM
Cubic Meter (35.314 cubic Feet = 1 CBM). 1 cubic metre = 35.314 cubic feet.
Certificate of Insurance
A document issued by the insurance company certifying an insurance policy has been purchased.
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REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Certificate of Origin
A document used to assure the buying country precisely which country produced the goods being shipped. A
Certificate of Origin is commonly issued by a trade promotion office, or a chamber of commerce in the
exporting country. A Certificate of Origin may be required by a foreign government for control purposes or
by the foreign importer to ensure that he receives U.S. goods. Specific C/Os are required for duty reductions
with Canada (U.S./Canada Free Trade Agreement) and Israel (U.S./Israel Free trade Area).

CFT (or CBF)


Cubic Feet.

Chargeable Weight
The gross weight of a shipment on which freight charges are computed.

Commodity
Any article or goods of commerce.

Commodity Control List


A list of commodities which are subject to U.S. Department of Commerce export controls.

Consignee
The person or company to whom goods are shipped. The receiver of a shipment or the company or place
where the goods are delivered.

Consignor
The person or company shipping the goods. The company or place from where the goods are shipped.

Consolidation
Combining several smaller shipments into a full container load to obtain a better per-unit cost for shipping.
Also called groupage.

Consular Invoice
An invoice covering a shipment of goods, usually required to be certified by the counsel/consulate of the
country for which the merchandise is destined. It may be required to be on a special form and be subject to
the payment of special fees.

Consularization
A document certified by the Consular of some foreign countries verifying the value, quantity and nature of a
shipment.

Container
A standard sized box, primarily designed for the shipment of freight, for products shipped by vessel, air,
truck or rail. International shipping containers are generally 20 or 40 feet long: (1) Twenty-footer (typical
capacity 33.2 cubic meter or 1172 cubic feet, maximum payload 28180 kilogram or 62130 pounds) and (2)
Forty-footer (typical capacity 67.7 cubic meter or 2392 cubic feet, maximum payload 28750 kilogram or
63380 pounds). The typical dimensions of a 20-foot container are: internal length 5.90 meter (19 feet 4
inches), internal width 2.35 meter (7 feet 9 inches), internal height 2.40 meter (7 feet 10 inches). Of a 40-
foot container they are: internal length 12.03 meter (39 feet 6 inches), internal width 2.35 meter (7 feet 9
inches), internal height 2.4 meter (7 feet 10 inches).They conform to International Standards Organization
(ISO) standards and are designed to fit in ships’ holds. Containers are transported on public roads atop a
container chassis towed by a tractor. Domestic containers, up to 53 feet long and of lighter construction, are
designed for rail and highway use only.

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REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Containerized Cargo
Cargo that is transported in standardized containers for efficient shipping and handling.

Corrugated Box
A corrugated box is made by gluing one or more sheets of paperboard to one or more sheets of linerboard. It
comes in four common types: 1) Single faced corrugated involves gluing the unlined corrugated paperboard
to a flat liner; 2) Single wall or double faced corrugated involves gluing flat liners to each side of the
corrugated media; 3) Double wall corrugated consist of three flat liners and two corrugated media to offer
greater strength and cushioning; and 4) Triple wall corrugated is made from four flat liners and three
corrugated media (total seven sheets).

Country of Transshipment
The country through which a shipment must pass and be re-sorted to reach its ultimate destination.

Country of Ultimate Destination


The final country, as known by an exporter, where goods are scheduled to arrive.

Cradle
U shaped in design, a cradle is used to support cylindrical objects. Two or more cradles are mounted to a
skid, pallet or load base. The base may or may not be covered with a sheathed enclosure.

Crate Wooden
A container, such as a slatted wooden case, used for storage or shipping.

Cross Docking
When merchandise is moved directly from the receiving dock to the shipping dock, eliminating the need to
place the merchandise in storage.

Curbside + Lift Gate


A type of delivery service where the driver transports the items to the curb and uses a lift gate to remove the
items from the truck to the curb. A lift gate should be used 1) if any single item in the shipment weighs more
than 70 pounds; 2) if any single item is particularly awkward or bulky; and 3) the customer lacks the
manpower to lift the item from the truck.

Curbside Delivery
A type of delivery service where the driver transports the items to the curb. The customer is responsible for
unloading the item from the back of the truck and carrying it into their home or office. When any single
piece in a shipment weighs over 70 pounds, a lift-gate is required.

Cushioning Systems
The quantity and density of cushioning materials such as polyethylene or polyurethane foams are determined
based on the item characteristics as applied to density, shock value, drop, vibration, and recovery.
Inadequate or improper use of cushioning products can damage or destroy the product during normal
transportation conditions.

Custom Crates
Pak Mail Pittsburgh Crate & Ship builds custom crates for items that are fragile, large, awkward or valuable.
Our crates are made with ½ inch plywood with 1 X 4 inch furring strips, or ¾ inch plywood bases for
heavier items. Crate clips and skid mates are added to meet international wood packaging requirements.
All items are cushioned, blocked and braced with either 2 inches of closed cell foam or foam-in-place as
needed.

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REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Customs Broker
A firm that represents importers in dealings with Customs. Normally responsible for obtaining and
submitting all documents for clearing merchandise through Customs, arranging inland transport, and paying
all charges related to these functions.

Customs Clearance
The process of declaring and clearing cargoes through customs to gain authorized entry of those goods into
or out of a country.

Customs Entry
Consumption Entry Form required by U.S. Customs for importing goods into the United States. The form
contains information as to the origin of the cargo, a Definition of the merchandise and estimated duties
applicable to the particular commodity. Estimated duties must be paid at the time the entry is filed.

Customs Invoice
Similar to a commercial invoice, a customs invoice is a special invoice in which the exporter states the
Definition, quantity and selling price, freight, insurance, and packaging costs, terms of delivery and
payment, weight and volume of the goods for the purpose of determining customs import value at the port of
destination. The Canadian Customs Invoice is the most popular of this type.

Customs Value
The value of a shipment as declared by the shipper or appraised by customs as the basis for determining the
amount of import duty and other taxes. The value may be determined in several ways, but the most-preferred
method is transaction-value which (in addition to the price paid by a buyer to a seller) includes other costs
incurred by the buyer, such as packing costs, license fee or royalty, and any other sum(s) that accrue to the
seller. It is the customs officer (and not the importer, exporter, or customs broker) who has the final say in
assigning this value.

CWT
Hundredweight or 100 pounds.
CY/CY Container Yard to Container Yard
A type of steamship line service in which freight is transported from origin container yard to destination
container yard.

DDP
INCOTerm for Delivery duty paid.

Dock
A platform where trucks are loaded and unloaded, usually at a commercial or industrial location or terminal.

Door to Airport
A shipping service from shipper’s door to the destination airport for pick up by consignee.

Door to Door
A shipping service from the shipper’s door to the destination door or from the exporter to importer. Also
called house to house service.

Door to Port
A shipping service from the shipper’s door to the port of destination.

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REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Double Cover Corrugated Box
The double cover corrugated box is ideal for products that are unusually tall or heavy. The sides form an
open column, with the top and bottom constructed like the tray or cap of a telescopic box.

Drayage
A charge for transporting goods for short distances, such as within a commercial area or town. Also called
cartage or haulage.

Dunnage
Loose packaging material such as cardboard, pallets, plywood, foam rubber, air bags, etc. that is used to
secure and protect while cargo is en route.

Durable Goods
Generally, any goods (particularly heavy goods) intended to last three or more years. Also called hard goods
or consumer durables.

Export
To send goods, products or commodities from one country to another country legitimately. Export of goods
requires involvement of Customs and other Government authorities in both the country of export and import.

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)


Identifies controlled items that appear on the Commerce Control List. When commodities are exported from
the United States, each item must be classified to determine if an export license is required from any U.S.
Government agency. The Commerce Control List is composed of any items which are designated as
controlled.

Export Declarations
A list of items you are shipping internationally. It is meant to serve two major purposes: (1) to provide
information on amount, nature, and value of exports to the statistical office for compilation of foreign trade
data, and (2) to serve as an export control document. In some cases, an export license and/or a certificate of
origin is also required to be attached.

Export Documents
All documentation needing completion for an international shipment, including the invoice, the Shipper’s
Export Declaration, export license, etc., as required by customs in the importing and exporting countries.

Export License
A document issued by the government of the shipper’s export country which permits the licensee to
participate in the export of designated goods to certain destinations. The Export License must accompany
the Application for Import Permit.

Flatbed
A trailer without sides used for hauling machinery or other bulky items.

Floor Freight
Heavy freight which must be loaded on the trailer floor and not on top of light freight.

Foam-In-Place Packaging
A type of specialized packaging using a liquid polyurethane material that expands into dense, solid foam
around an object. It creates a custom-shaped mold that is strong, lightweight and reusable. Pak Mail
p. 39
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Pittsburgh Crate & Ship uses this packaging technique as a safe way to custom pack fragile but heavy goods
such as computers, servers, monitors and metal sculptures.

Forklift
Motorized vehicle used for hoisting and moving freight on the dock or on and off a trailer. Also known as a
jeep, tow motor, or hi-lo.

Free Trade Zone


An area or zone set aside at or near a port or airport, under the control of the U.S. Customs Service, for
holding goods duty-free pending customs clearance. Also called foreign trade zone or free zone.

Freight
Any commodity or cargo that is transported by a commercial carrier. Items shipped fall into various
categories depending on item Definition, size and weight.

Freight Bill
Document for a common carrier shipment that gives a Definition of the freight, its weight, amount of
charges, taxes, and whether collect or prepaid. Charges paid in advance are called prepaid freight bills.
Charges collected at the destination are called destination or collect freight bills.

Freight Consolidation
Cargo consolidation service provided by a freight forwarder in which several smaller shipments are
assembled and shipped together to achieve better freight rates and security of cargo.

Freight Forwarder
A person or company whose business is to act as an agent on behalf of a shipper. A freight forwarder
frequently consolidates shipments from several shippers and coordinates booking reservations.

Full Container load (FCL)


A shipment of cargo that fills an ocean worthy container, typically measuring 20’ or 40’ long. The term
typically refers to ocean containers. A full container will thus offer a better price per unit shipped than will a
Less then Container Load (LCL).

Full Telescopic Box


A telescopic box consists of two pieces, a top and a bottom tray. These may be equal (full telescope), or
unequal (partial telescope) in depth.

Full Truckload (FTL)


A shipment of cargo that fills a given container either by bulk or weight. Shipments larger than about 15,000
pounds are typically classified as “truckload” (TL). Truckload shipments may be up to 40,000 pounds or 53’
long. Full truckload shipments typically travel as the only shipment on a trailer and deliver on the same
trailer as they are picked up on.

General Average
The law of general average is a legal principle of maritime law according to which all parties in a sea
venture proportionally share any losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice of part of the ship or cargo to
save the whole in an emergency.

Girth
Girth is defined as the width (rounded to the nearest inch) times two, plus the height (rounded to the nearest
inch) times two, measured perpendicular to the length of an item.

p. 40
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Ground Transportation
Ground transport or transportation refers to the “over-the-road” transportation of goods usually by means of
a commercial vehicle or truck.

Groupage
Combining several smaller shipments into a full container load to obtain a better per-unit cost for shipping.
Also called consolidation.

Harmonized Code
A six to eleven digit coding system (XXXX.XX.XXXX-X) to identify and classify imported and exported
goods, for the purpose of compiling trade statistics and determining customs tariff. Called harmonized
system (HS) for short, it divides goods into about 5,000 groups and sub-groups and is in use in most
countries since January 1, 1989. The US tariff system is a modified form of HC that employs a ten-digit
code.

Hazardous Material
A substance or material which the Department of Transportation has determined to be capable of posing a
risk to health, safety, and property when stored or transported in commerce. Pak Mail Pittsburgh Crate &
Ship does not transport hazardous materials (anything combustible, flammable, corrosive or radioactive).

Household Goods
Personal property within a home such as appliances, books, clothing, furnishings, and furniture.

In-Transit Bond
A bond that allows a shipment to be transported or warehoused under U.S. Customs and Border Protection
supervision until it is formally entered into the customs territory of the United States and duty is paid, or
until it is exported from the United States.

Inbound Logistics
The movement of materials from shippers and vendors into production processes or storage facilities.

Inherent Vice
Hidden defect (or the very nature) of a good or property which of itself is the cause of (or contributes to) its
deterioration, damage, or wastage. Such characteristics or defects make the item an unacceptable risk to a
carrier or insurer. If the characteristic or defect is not visible, and if the carrier or the insurer has not been
warned of it, neither of them may be liable for any claim arising solely out of the inherent vice.

Intermodal Transportation
Transportation movement involving more than one mode, e.g. rail-motor, motor-air, or rail-water.

Lift-On/Lift-Off (lo/lo) cargo


Containerized cargo that must be lifted on and off vessels and other vehicles using handling equipment.

Logistics
The management of freight and information throughout the total supply chain from the original raw material
source to the ultimate consumer of the finished product, encompassing factories, assembly and packing
plants, warehouses, distribution center and retail outlets.

Long Haul
A long move that is usually more than 1000 miles.

p. 41
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
LPL (Less-Than-PalletLoad)
Less-Than-Pallet Load (LPL) refers to shipments of goods or merchandise that weigh less than 1,000
pounds.

LT (Long Ton)
1 Long Ton = 2,240 lbs or 1000 Kilograms.

Master Transportation Coverage


Master Transportation Coverage, if purchased, covers the property of others that has been placed for
transport by a licensed, Pak Mail Pittsburgh Crate & Ship-approved carrier.

Mixed Shipment
Shipment consisting of items described in and rated under two or more rate items within a tariff.

Motor Carrier
A motor carrier refers to an individual, partnership, or a corporation that is engaged in the transportation of
goods. A motor carrier is an enterprise that offers service via motor carriage (truck).

Motor Freight
Transporting freight or goods by truck or motor vehicle.

MT (Metric Ton)
1 MT = 2,204.62lbs.

Overage
The actual piece count is greater than the piece count shown on the document accompanying the shipment.

Packing List
A document that more thoroughly identifies the goods to be delivered than a bill of lading. A list of
packages for each shipment, showing individual breakdown in weights/measure and quantity.

Pallet
A reusable platform, usually made of wood, on which freight is loaded. Pallets are used to load/unload
goods using a forklift. A pallet can carry a typical load of one metric ton (1,000 kilograms or about 2,200
pounds).

Pallet Size
Although they come in various sizes, the standard size is 48 inches X 48 inches.

Piggyback
The transportation of highway trailers or demountable trailer bodies on specially equipped rail flat cars.

Placard
A label that identifies a hazardous material shipment and the hazards presented.
Port Authority

A state or local government that owns, operates, or otherwise provides wharf, dock, and other terminal
investments at ports.

Port of Discharge
A port where a vessel is off loaded and cargo discharged.

p. 42
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Port of Entry
A place where imported goods are admitted into the legal frontiers of the importing country. It may or may
not be same as the port of destination.

Port of Loading
A port where a vessel is loaded and cargo stowed for transporting to another country.
Port of Origin (same as Port of Loading)

A place where a shipment actually originated (began its journey towards its destination.

Proof of Delivery
A Proof of Delivery (POD) is information supplied by the carrier containing the name of the person who
signed for the shipment, the time and date of delivery, and other shipment delivery related information.

Reusable Crates
A crate that can be used multiple times.

Reverse Logistics
A specialized segment of logistics focusing on the movement and management of products and resources
after the sale and after delivery to the customer. Includes product returns and repair for credit.

Rigging
Applying techniques and use of slings, hooks, chains, rope, hoist chains, hitches, blocks and pulleys in
combination with load, weight and center of gravity factors along with cranes, lifting equipment, derricks
and hoists for moving large, heavy products.

Roll-on/Roll-off (ro/ro) Cargo


Wheeled cargo, such as automobiles, or cargo carried on chassis that can be rolled on or off vehicles, vessels
or aircraft without using cargo handling equipment.

Ship from Location


The location where your shipment originates. It is used to help determine the cost of your shipment and can
differ from your shipper address, as long as both addresses are in the same country.

Ship to Location
The location where your shipment is being sent.

Shipper
Party responsible for initiating a shipment.

Shipper’s Export Declaration:


A Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is a form required by export authorities used for compiling U.S.
export trade statistics and for export control.

Shippers Letter of Instruction


The Shippers Letter of Instruction is a form used by the shipper to authorize a carrier to issue a bill of lading
or an air waybill on the shipper’s behalf. The form contains all details of the shipment and authorizes the
carrier to sign the bill of lading in the name of the shipper. Also known as a “one-off” or one time use Power
of Attorney for that shipment.

Shipping Crates
Pak Mail Pittsburgh Crate & Ship builds shipping crates for items that are fragile, large, awkward or
p. 43
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
valuable. Our crates are made with ½ inch plywood with 1 X 4 inch furring strips, or ¾ inch plywood bases
for heavier items. Crate clips and skid mates are added to meet international wood packaging requirements.

All items are cushioned blocked and braced with either 2 inches of closed cell foam or foam-in-place as
needed.

Shipping Manifest
A document that lists the pieces in a shipment.

Short Haul
A short move that is usually under 1000 miles.

SIT – Storage in Transit


An accessorial that is incurred when a shipment is either requested to be put in temporary storage or is
required to be put in temporary storage because it cannot be delivered.

Skid
A skid is similar to a pallet for loading or handling goods, especially one having solid sideboards and no
bottom. A skid differs from a pallet in that it is generally higher and does not have additional cross
members, stringers, as support beneath the runners. Skids are used to support the load and assist with
storage, handling and transportation.

Slat Crates
A slat crate is used to bolster and strengthen a corrugated container in lieu of a fully enclosed wooden crate.
Slat crates can also be used to crate large items less expensively by lining the interior of the crate with
corrugated instead of plywood.

Supply Chain
Starting with unprocessed raw materials and ending with final customer using the finished goods.

Supply Chain Management


Supply Chain Management (SCM) provides solutions for the re-engineering and management of global
supply chains—from supplier through manufacturer, distributor, dealer, and/or the end consumer.

Tariff
A tax assessed by a government on goods entering or leaving a country. The term is also used in
transportation in reference to the fees and rules applied by a carrier for its services.

Terminal Delivery
An inexpensive delivery option where an item is delivered to a freight terminal for customer pickup.

Time-in-Transit
The number of days, excluding weekends and holidays, that a package is in transit from pickup to delivery.

Tracking Number
The number Pak Mail Pittsburgh Crate & Ship gives to you to track your shipment.

Transportation Charges
These represent the base shipping costs for a package. Transportation Charges do not include declared value
fees, adjustments or refunds.
p. 44
REGISTRARS : GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Truckload (TL)
Volume of cargo that fills a truck trailer—typically weighing about 4,500 kilograms or 10,000 pounds.

Unpack and Dunnage Removal


The unpacking, removal and disposal of all the packaging (dunnage) materials that were used to protect the
shipment.

Warehouse
Storage place for products. Every Pak Mail Pittsburgh Crate & Ship location has a warehouse.

Waybill
A waybill is a Definition of goods with a carrier freight shipment.

White Glove Service


A type of premiere delivery service in which items for shipment are delivered inside a house or office and
all debris is removed.

Wood Crates
A wood crate is a structural framework of members fastened together to form a rigid enclosure, which
protects the contents during handling, shipping and storage. The enclosure is usually of square or rectangular
design and may or may not be sheathed. With design and structural criteria based on strength, transportation
hazards, lumber, fasteners, and space for product requirements, the effective engineering of crates for
specific purposes becomes effective.

Zone
A service area on which shipping rates are based.

p. 45

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