Shipping Glossary for Freight, Customs and Logistics

Blank sailing, also called void sailing, refers to a scheduled ocean freight sailing that the carrier cancels. This cancellation may involve skipping one or more ports on the route or...

A blind shipment is a logistics arrangement where the consignee (the recipient of the goods) does not know the shipper's identity. This method is commonly used by distributors or third-party...

The Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) is a fuel surcharge added to ocean freight shipping rates to offset fluctuations in marine fuel prices. Ocean carriers apply BAF on a per-container basis...

A Bill of Entry is a crucial import document submitted to customs authorities by an importer or a licensed customs broker. It contains detailed information about the imported goods, including...

Bulk cargo refers to goods shipped in large, unpackaged quantities rather than containers or individual packages. Shippers transport these materials loose, poured, dropped, or scooped into specialized vessels, railcars, or...

Break bulk refers to cargo shipped as individual pieces rather than in standardized containers. Shippers transport breakbulk items—such as bags, boxes, crates, drums, or barrels—separately, often because the goods are...