Explanations of terms commonly used in the Ocean Freight industry:

Cargo Receipt - A receipt of cargo for shipment by a consolidator.

Container Ship - Ocean going vessel designed to carry containers.

Containers - Containers are designed to give maximum protection against weather, damage, and theft. They can be moved inland on their own chassis and can be loaded at the shippers premises. Basic sizes for containers are 20, 35, and 40 feet in length, 8 feet wide and 8 feet high.

Lo/Lo - Lift-on / Lift-off - The method by which cargo is loaded and discharged by the use of a crane.

Ocean Bill of Lading - A receipt for cargo in transit, issued after the vessel has sailed and the cargo has been entered in the ship's manifest.

Port of Discharge - Port where vessel is off loaded and cargo discharged.

Port of Loading - Port where vessel is loaded and cargo stowed

Ro/Ro - Roll-on / Roll-off - The method by which wheeled vehicles can be directly driven on and off a vessel.

Ship's Manifest - Contains a list of the shipments comprising the cargo of the vessel.

Short-Shipped - Cargo manifested but not loaded.