AWB · Air waybill
The transport document for an air-cargo shipment. Keep the complete number and confirm the issuing airline or forwarder before tracking.
SHIPPING RESOURCES · A–Z
Shipping terms, explained.
Understand the measurements, documents and responsibilities behind your China-to-UK shipment.
21 terms
Airline prefix
The first three digits of an airline air waybill identify the airline issuing the document. A prefix is not a flight number or a departure schedule.
B/L · Bill of lading
A sea-freight transport document recording the shipment and carriage arrangements. Confirm the document type and cargo-release requirements with your shipping team.
CBM · Cubic metres
Cargo volume: length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 1,000,000, multiplied by the piece count. Total volume alone does not determine the full LCL price.
LCL · Less than container load
Sea freight that shares a container with other shipments. Confirm handling, minimum charges, weight or volume assessment and destination costs.
FCL · Full container load
A container arranged for one shipment. Choose container types and quantities; loading, route, handling and delivery arrangements still need confirmation.
20GP · 20-foot general-purpose container
A standard 20-foot dry-container type. Confirm usable dimensions, payload and loading suitability for the actual container provided.
40GP · 40-foot general-purpose container
A standard 40-foot dry-container type. Container dimensions and permissible cargo weight must be checked against the equipment and shipment.
40HQ · 40-foot high-cube container
A taller 40-foot container, also called 40HC. Extra height does not automatically mean extra permitted weight; confirm equipment limits.
Actual / gross weight
The measured weight of the packed goods, including packaging. Enter the weight per piece and use quantity for identical packages.
Volumetric / dimensional weight
A space-based weight: length × width × height in cm ÷ the service divisor. FreightAmigo publishes 6000 for air freight. Your channel’s divisor and rounding are confirmed in the quote.
Chargeable / billable weight
The weight used by a service to price carriage, commonly comparing actual and volumetric weight. Per-piece assessment, rounding and minimums vary; a planning weight is not a freight rate.
Commercial invoice
A sales document identifying the parties, goods, quantities, values and currency. Customs information should describe the actual goods and transaction, not use vague names or invented values.
Packing list
A record of which goods are in each package, with counts, weights, dimensions and references. Reconcile it with the invoice and final packed shipment.
HS / commodity code
A classification used to identify goods for customs. The applicable UK commodity code affects duties and controls. Review the product’s material and use in the official Trade Tariff.
EORI · Importer identification
An identification number used in customs activities. Check a GB EORI for business imports to Great Britain; movements involving Northern Ireland may need XI. Confirm the actual importer and applicable requirements.
VAT · Value added tax
A tax separate from customs duty. Treatment and collection depend on the goods, transaction, value and destination. A low value does not automatically remove VAT; do not assume every product uses one rate.
DAP · Delivered at Place
An Incoterms® rule for delivery at an agreed destination, ready for unloading. The buyer handles import clearance and associated import charges. Specify the named place and responsibilities in the contract.
DDP · Delivered Duty Paid
An Incoterms® rule where the seller handles import formalities and applicable import duties and taxes. Confirm the named destination, importer arrangements and included charges; door-to-door alone does not mean DDP.
POD · Proof of delivery
A delivery record supplied by the carrier or receiving party. Its format and availability vary by service. A tracking number or printed label alone is not proof of delivery.
Consolidation
Combining agreed supplier orders or packages for coordinated dispatch. Confirm receiving references, items to keep separate and packing instructions. Measure final dimensions and weight after repacking.
Use these definitions to prepare your shipment. Service limits, billing rules and delivery responsibilities are confirmed in your quote.