American Bureau of Shipping: A U.S.-based private classification, or standards setting society for merchant ships and other marine systems.

Latin for “According to the value”. When a shipper wishes to increase the liability of a carrier beyond the liability stated in the terms of the bill of lading, he places the actual value of the cargo in block 23 of the bill of lading. The carrier is then liable for the value of the cargo and charges a higher rate accordingly based on the value.

All Inclusive.

Freight that is moved by air transportation.

An AWB is a bill of lading, a non-negotiable instrument of air cargo transport, covering both domestic and international flights for the transportation of goods to a specified destination. An executed AWB serves as an indication that the air cargo carrier has accepted the goods detailed in the AWB and undertook to carry the consignment to designated airport as detailed in the AWB.

When a shipment is transported from its origin to its destination solely by water transportation.

A share of the capacity of a means of transport assigned to a certain party, e.g. a carrier or an agent, for the purpose of the booking of cargo for a specific voyage.

A nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing highway and transportation departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It represents all five transportation modes: air, highways, public transportation, rail and water. Its primary goal is to foster the development, operation and maintenance of an integrated national transportation system.

Any transport, shipping, stockyard, mill, storehouse, plant, or other depository that is authorized by an exchange for the delivery of commodities tendered on futures contracts.

Agriculture Quarantine Inspection.

A standard clause to be included in the contracts of exporters and importers, as suggested by the American Arbitration Association. It states that any controversy or claim will be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

The document containing all particulars relating to the terms of agreement between the Master of the vessel and the crew. Sometimes called ship’s articles, shipping articles.

Automated Commercial System (ACS) – The electronic system of the U.S. Customs Service, encompassing a variety of industry sectors, that permits on-line access to information in selected areas.