Glossary

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ACS/ABI/AMS Automated Commercial System/Automated Broker Interface/Automated Manifest System. U.S. Customs programs to automate the flow of Customs-related information among Customs brokers, importers, and carriers.
AES Automated Export System. This is the automated system for filing U.S. Electronic Export Information (EEI)
Air Waybill The Air Way bill is a non-negotiable Bill of Lading, and is used as a receipt for cargo and a contract for transportation between shipper and air carrier. Unlike an ocean carrier with a "to order" Ocean Bill of Lading, the air carrier must deliver the shipment to the consignee named on the non-negotiable Air Waybill. International air waybills or "airline air waybills," are used by the air carriers; "House air waybills, " are used as receipts by Freight Forwarders who then consolidate them with the air carriers international air waybills.
Aircargo Agent An agent appointed by an airline to solicit and process international airfreight shipments.
Airport Code The three letter code assigned to all airport locations worldwide.
Arrival notice A notice from the ocean carrier to the "notify party" indicating the vessel's estimated arrival date; identifying shipment details such as number of packages, weight, and container number, and indicating when free time expires. Often includes a freight invoice.
BAF Bunker Adjustment Factor
Barge To Ship When cargo is loaded directly from the barge to the ocean carrier, therefore avoiding delivery to the wharf.
Bonded Warehouse Goods that must be held until duties are paid are normally put in a bonded warehouse. Warehouses must be approved by the U.S. Treasury Department and must be under bond or guarantee of compliance with revenue laws.
Break Bulk The movement by ocean of packaged goods that are not containerized.
BSC Bunker Surcharge