Glossary

Arranges for the Customs clearance of international shipments imported into a country.

Official authorization issued by a government allowing the delivery of a product into of a country (import) or the shipping of a product out a country (export).

The location where goods will be cleared so they can enter a country and usually overseen by a Customs authority.

Held or moved under Customs control either until import duties or other charges are paid, or to avoid paying the duties or charges until a later date.

Material moving between two or more geographically separated locations, such as finished goods being shipped from a plant to a distribution center.

A shipment that is enroute from one location to another location.

Having access to tracking information about a shipment, such as its location, while it is enroute from one location to another location.

Managing the process of taking in and handling materials arriving at a company, including receiving, inspecting, storing, and issuing materials.

A shipping rate that provides an incentive for the shipper to send heavier volumes per shipment.

When a carrier that is a member of a conference agreement changes the rates or terms of carriage as laid out in the conference agreements.

B2B type electronic commerce done through a neutral network with many transactions.

A cost that is used by multiple activities, and which cannot therefore be assigned to specific cost objects.

Retail locations that sell your product to consumers, but purchase your products from an intermediary, like a distributor or wholesaler, instead of directly from you.

There is a distributor between your company and the end user. You sell and ship to the distributor who sells and ships to the end user.

Data and its interpretation.

The management of the flow of (electronic) data in an organization in a systematic, structured way to assist in planning, implementing, and controlling.

The cost and service benefits of one mode of transportation compared with other modes.

Document used in the overland movement of goods from a shipping point to the international carrier’s location. Serves as proof of delivery and title to the goods.

A transportation provider that offers overland service, such as by truck or rail, to or from a point of export.

Keeping services within the company; the opposite of outsourcing.

A document issued by an independent agent or firm attesting to the quality and/or quantity of the goods being shipped.

Provides financial protection. Premiums are paid for a guarantee to be compensated or protected under certain conditions for specified loss and damage.

A document issued to certify that insurance is provided to cover loss of or damage to the cargo while in transit. Additional coverages may also be specified.

Viewing the entire supply chain as a single process, from raw materials through finished goods distribution, rather than managing individual functions separately.

In EDI, exchanging electronic information between companies. Includes the group of transaction sets transmitted from one sender to one receiver at one time.