Glossary

Actions that occur to containers that identify their status and location. Examples: Loaded, Embarked, Arrived, Discharged, Available, etc.

The standard international identification consists of eleven alphanumeric characters specifying the owner, equipment identifier, serial number and check digit.

See Container Vessel.

Designated area used for the stowage of cargo in containers that may be accessed by truck, rail, or ocean transportation.

Identifying the location of containers throughout their transit. See Tracking and Tracing.

Describes an event where the container departs from one location and is enroute to the next location.

A seagoing vessel designed to transport containers. Designed to carry a large number of containers and also known for high speed and efficiency.

Knowing where containers are before, during, and after transit. See Tracking and Tracing.

The location designated by the carrier for receiving, assembling, holding, storing, and delivering containers, and where containers may be picked and returned.

A steamship-line service where freight is transported from an origin container yard to the destination container yard.

A container is transported on a rail flatcar. The container is loaded onto a flat car without chassis, bogies or wheels. Often used for moving freight long distances.

The technique of using a container to store and protect cargo and handle it as a single unit in transit from origin to destination.

Goods that are shipped in a container. See Container.

The movement of freight made by using a container. See Container.

Preparations made to deal with calamities (e.g., natural disasters) and noncalamitous situations (e.g., strikes) before they occur.

The streamlined pull of products in response to customer requirements while minimizing the total costs of distribution.

A process to measure performance, review the performance, and put in place procedures to improve the performance. Then repeat continuously.

The manufacturing and movement of product through the supply chain is initiated when the identical product is purchased by an end user.

An agreement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law. It outlines each party's obligations to provide or pay for goods or services.

Managing all aspects of a contract to ensure both parties fulfil their obligations.

A for-hire carrier that serves shippers it has contracts with rather than the general public. The carrier must secure a permit to operate and obey regulations.

Agreement between a cargo shipper and carrier for the transport of multiple cargoes over a period of time. Includes quantities, ports, rates and contract duration.

The earnings remaining after all direct costs have been subtracted from revenue. This remainder is available to pay for any fixed costs that a business incurs.

Represents the incremental money generated for each product/unit sold after deducting the variable portion of the firm's costs; stated on a gross or per-unit basis.

Areas within a warehouse or yard that are secured through being fenced and gated and often monitored with cameras. Typically used to store high-value items.