Glossary

Allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be transported in bond through the U.S. to be exported from another port, without paying duty.

Established by Congress through the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard. TWICs are tamper–resistant biometric credentials that will be issued to…

To transfer goods from one transportation line to another, or from one ship to another.

Place where cargo is transferred to another carrier.

Release of merchandise by a bank to a buyer while the bank retains title to the merchandise. The goods are usually obtained for manufacturing or sales purposes. The buyer is obligated to maintain…

In water transportation, the time it takes between the arrival of a vessel and its departure.

A set of four twistable bayonet type shear keys used as part of a spreader to pick up a container or as part of a chassis to secure the containers.

A pallet so designed that the forks of a fork lift truck can be inserted from two sides only.

A document required on merchandise imported into the United States.

Abbreviation for the “Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits,” published by the International Chamber of Commerce. This is the most frequently used standard for making payments in international trade; e.g., paying on…