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Freight Resources

Everything you need to navigate international freight — terminology guides, shipping forms, volumetric calculators, container specs, Incoterms and useful links.

TerminologyShipping FormsVolume CalculatorContainer GuideIncotermsUseful Links
Reference

Freight Terminology Guide

Common abbreviations and terms used in international freight and logistics.

AWBAir WaybillThe air freight equivalent of a Bill of Lading
BAFBunker Adjustment FactorSurcharge/discount on ocean freight rate to offset oil price changes
B/LBill of LadingDocument of title for sea freight shipments
Break BulkBreak Bulk CargoNon-containerised shipping; goods loaded on conventional or Ro/Ro ships
CADCash Against DeliveryPayment made when documents (usually B/L) are handed over
CAFCurrency Adjustment FactorSurcharge or discount on ocean freight for currency fluctuations
CAOCargo Aircraft OnlyHazardous goods that may only be loaded on cargo aircraft
CFSContainer Freight StationLoading and unloading point for LCL shipments
CODCash on DeliveryPayment made upon delivery of goods
CYContainer YardDelivery or reception point for full FCL or empty containers
DemurrageDemurrage ChargeFee charged when agreed loading/unloading time is exceeded at port
DetentionDetention ChargeCharge for late return of containers to the shipping line
DGRDangerous Goods RegulationsGovern the air transport of dangerous goods
ETAEstimated Time of ArrivalEstimated arrival time at destination port or airport
ETDEstimated Time of DepartureEstimated time of departure or sailing
FCLFull Container LoadContainer used exclusively by one shipper from origin to destination
FCL/LCLFull Container Load / Less than Container LoadOne sender, multiple recipients — container unloaded at destination CFS
G/AGeneral AverageMaritime law principle for sharing losses from a sea accident
HAWBHouse Air WaybillWaybill for an individual consignment within a consolidated shipment
IATAInternational Air Transport AssociationGlobal airline industry body
IMDGInternational Maritime Dangerous GoodsCode governing the sea transport of dangerous goods
IMOInternational Maritime OrganisationImproves safety and environmental standards at sea
L/CLetter of CreditBank guarantee for payment in international trade
LCLLess than Container LoadMultiple shippers share container space; CFS to CFS
MAWBMaster Air WaybillWaybill for the overall consolidated shipment or direct consignment
NVOCCNon-Vessel Operating Common CarrierCarrier who ships by sea without owning ships
PAXPassenger AircraftIndicates hazardous goods approved to be loaded on passenger aircraft
TEUTwenty-Foot Equivalent UnitStandard measure of container capacity (20' ISO)
THCTerminal Handling ChargesFees for handling containers at port terminals
ULDUnit Load DeviceStandardised container or pallet used in air freight
Downloads

Shipping Forms

Download the forms you need for export documentation, customs applications and ICS account setup.

Manufacturer's DeclarationRequired for certain goods — confirms manufacturing originDOCXShipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)Authorises ICS to arrange export shipment on your behalfDOCCommercial / Proforma Invoice TemplateStandard export invoice format accepted by customs worldwidePDFQuarantine Declaration — NZ ImportsMPI biosecurity declaration required for containers arriving in New ZealandPDFNZ Customs Client RegistrationNZCS-224 — register as an importer or exporter with NZ CustomsPDFICS Credit Application FormApply for a credit account with International Cargo SystemsPDFICS Terms & ConditionsStandard trading terms and conditions for ICS servicesPDF
Tools

Volumetric Weight Calculator

Common abbreviations and terms used in international freight and logistics.

Calculate Volumetric Weight

—
Air Freight
L×W×H×167 = vol. kg
—
Sea Freight
L×W×H = CBM
—
Courier
L×W×H×200 = vol. kg
—
Road Freight
L×W×H = CBM (1:3 ratio)

Volumetric Ratios by Mode

Air FreightL × W × H × 167kg
Sea FreightL × W × H = CBM
1:1 ratio — 1000kg = 1 CBMCBM
CourierL × W × H × 200kg
Road FreightL × W × H = CBM
1:3 ratio — 1000kg = 3 CBMCBM

The higher of actual weight vs. volumetric weight is used to calculate freight charges. Always compare both when estimating costs.

Container Guide

Container Specifications

Internal dimensions and capacities for sea freight and air freight containers. Sea freight dimensions in metres; air freight in centimetres.

Sea Freight Containers

ContainerDoor WidthDoor HeightRoof OpeningInner LengthInner WidthInner Height
20' BoxGeneral goods2.28–2.32 m2.27–2.29 m—5.88–5.90 m2.33–2.35 m2.36–2.39 m
40' BoxGeneral goods2.28–2.33 m2.27–2.29 m—11.96–12.00 m2.33–2.35 m2.36–2.39 m
40' High CubeLong and heavy goods2.28–2.34 m2.58–2.59 m—12.00–12.02 m2.33–2.35 m2.67–2.69 m
20' ReeferConstant temperature control above/below freezing; controlled fresh air supply2.26–2.28 m2.20–2.22 m—5.42–5.48 m2.26–2.29 m2.21–2.23 m
40' ReeferConstant temperature control above/below freezing; controlled fresh air supply2.26–2.28 m2.17–2.20 m—11.56–11.57 m2.26–2.29 m2.20 m
40' Reefer CubeConstant temperature control above/below freezing; controlled fresh air supply2.26–2.29 m2.40–2.43 m—11.56–11.60 m2.26–2.29 m2.48–2.51 m
20' Open TopOver height goods — loading from above or side2.28–2.33 m2.27 m2.21×5.43 m5.88–5.90 m2.33–2.34 m2.35 m
40' Open TopOver height goods — loading from above or side2.28–2.33 m2.27 m2.21×11.57 m11.96–12.02 m2.33–2.34 m2.35–2.37 m
20' Hard TopHeavy and high goods2.34 m2.28 m—5.89 m2.34 m2.38 m
Standard dry
Reefer — temperature controlled
Open top / Hard top

Air Freight ULD Containers & Pallets

Container / PalletCodeOuter Dims (cm)Inner Dims (cm)Empty WeightMax LoadAircraft Compatibility
Pallet with side extensionsWide-body standard palletPLW / PLA318 × 153304 × 139
+48cm/350kg per ext.		154 kg3,175 kgA310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Pallet with side extensionsNarrow-body palletPKC156 × 153150 × 14685 kg1,134 kgA320, A321, A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Standard PalletMost common air freight palletP1P / PAG / PAJ318 × 224304 × 210115 kg6,804 kgA310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Pallet with side extensionsPAW318 × 224304 × 210
+48cm/600kg per ext.		167 kg6,804 kgA310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Heavy Duty PalletPAS318 × 224304 × 210265 kg6,804 kg
9,072 kg on MD positions		A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
10ft PalletPQP / PMC318 × 244304 × 230115 kg6,804 kgA310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Pallet with side extensions10ft with extensionsPMW318 × 244304 × 230
+48cm/600kg per ext.		167 kg6,804 kgA310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Trade Terms

Incoterms® 2020

The International Chamber of Commerce Incoterms define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. Knowing your Incoterm is essential for managing cost and risk.

EXWEx WorksSeller makes goods available at their premises. Buyer bears all costs and risks from that point.
FCAFree CarrierSeller delivers goods to a named carrier at an agreed location. Risk transfers at delivery to carrier.
FOBFree On BoardSeller loads goods onto the vessel. Risk transfers when goods are on board. Sea freight only.
CFRCost and FreightSeller pays freight to destination port. Risk transfers when goods are on board at origin.
CIFCost, Insurance & FreightAs CFR but seller also provides minimum insurance. Sea freight only.
CPTCarriage Paid ToSeller pays freight to named destination. Risk transfers when goods are handed to first carrier.
CIPCarriage & Insurance PaidAs CPT but seller provides all-risk insurance. Suitable for all transport modes.
DDPDelivered Duty PaidSeller bears all costs including duty and delivery to named place. Maximum obligation for seller.

For full details visit the International Chamber of Commerce →

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