Acceptance of Goods
   
The process of receiving a consignment from a consignor, usually against the issue of a receipt. As from this moment and on this place the carrier's responsibility for the consignment begins.


Act of God
   
Accidents of a nature beyond human control such as flood, lightning or hurricane usually quoted as 'force majeure'.


Ad Valorem
   
In proportion to the value: A phrase applied to certain freight or customs duties levied on goods, property, etc. set as a percentage of their value.


Advice Note
   
A written piece of information e.g. about the status of the goods.


Agency Fee
   
Fee payable by a shipowner or ship operator to a port agent.


Agent
   
A person or organisation authorised to act for or on behalf of another person or organisation
An Agent is a corporate body with, which there is an agreement to perform particular functions on behalf of them at an agreed payment. An Agent is either a part of the organisation or an independent body.


Air Waybill
   
Abbreviation: AWB
A document made out by or on behalf of the carrier(s) confirming receipt of the goods by the carrier and evidencing the contract between the shipper and the carrier(s) for the carriage of goods as described therein.


Allotment
   
A share of the capacity of a means of transport assigned to a certain party, e.g. a carrier or an agent, for the purpose of the booking of cargo for a specific voyage.


American Bureau of Shipping
   
Abbreviation: ABS
American classification society which has established rules and regulations for the classification of seagoing vessels or equipment.


Arbitration
   
The process of referring to an agreed person for judgement on issues of dispute, without requiring the use of courts.


Arrival Date
   
The date on which goods or a means of transport is due to arrive at the delivery site of the transport.


Arrival Notice
   
A notice sent by a carrier to a nominated notify party advising of the arrival of a certain shipment or consignment.


Assignment
   
The transfer of certain rights from one party to another.


Authorised Consignee / Consignor
   
A trader authorised by the European Commission (regulation 2454/93) to receive or despatch consignments under transit procedures without having to present goods and documents directly at the customs office.


Authorization
   
The commission to a certain person or body to act on behalf of another person or body. The person or body can be authorised e.g. to issue Bills of Lading or to collect freight.


Average
   
In marine insurance: a loss or damage to or in respect of goods or equipment
The numerical result obtained by dividing the sum of two or more quantities by the number of quantities


Average Adjusters
   
In general average affairs average adjusters are entrusted with the task of apportioning the loss and expenditure over the parties interested in the maritime venture and to determine which expenses are to be regarded as average or general average.