Glossary

A document of title (such as a draft, promissory note, check, or bill of lading) transferable from one person to another in good faith for a consideration. Non–negotiable bills of lading are known…

Abbreviation for “Not Elsewhere Specified.”

Articles packed so that one rests partially or entirely within another, thereby reducing the cubic–foot displacement.

The weight of an empty cargo–carrying piece of equipment plus any fixtures permanently attached.

The replacement, since 1994, for “Net Register Tonnage.” Theoretically the cargo capacity of the ship. Sometimes used to charge fees or taxes on a vessel. The formula is(0.2+0.02 log10(Vc)) Vc (4d/3D)2, for passenger…

Weight of the goods alone without any immediate wrappings, e.g., the weight of the contents of a tin can without the weight of the can.

An organization established by the members of an ocean conference acts as a self–policing force with broad authority to investigate tariff violations, including authority to scrutinize all documents kept by the carriers and…

A Japanese classification society which certifies seagoing vessels for compliance to standardized rules regarding construction and maintenance.

Cargo which has been booked but does not arrive in time to be loaded before the vessel sails. See also “Windy Booking.”

Abbreviation for “Not Otherwise Indexed.”