Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Key Terms

Here are the words to know when dealing with customs brokers and freight forwarders

Understanding customs brokers and freight forwarders key terms and phrases can help you more efficiently make your way through the world of international import and export. Fully understanding the services your broker or forwarder is providing will help you better evaluate their effectiveness - and be able to better judge whether or not your money is being well spent.

Customs brokers and freight forwarders key terms can include organizations in the field, logistics terminology, fees associated with importing and exporting and more.

 

IFCBA

IFCBA is the International Federation of Customs Brokers Association, a group of professionals that are skilled in how your import and export goods need to be classified as well how to keep them moving smoothly.
Try: Find out more about customs brokers from the International Federation of Customs Brokers Association.

Bill of lading, BOL, B/L

A bill of lading, otherwise known as BOL or B/L, is a document written up by the carrier to the shipper specifying what goods have been received as cargo on board the vessel for shipment as well as the person and place they are going to.
Try: Find out about bills of lading as a shipping document from VICS.

Export broker

Export brokers identify foreign resources to help you establish your overseas contacts. They connect buyers and sellers and provide information on dealing with the import/export rules and laws of foreign countries.
Try: See how the Southern United States Trade Association defines explains export brokers.

Third-party shipping, third-party logistics, 3PL

Third-party shipping/logistics providers (3PL) provide outsourced logistics services to businesses for part or all of their supply chain management.
Try: Find out about third-party logistics from Go Global Logistics.

Port charges

Port charges can include (but are not limited to) assessments of taxes, damages, dockage, wharfage and other fees at the port you are exporting or importing from.
Try: Look at the Australian Port Charges (AUD) listed from Five Star Shipping as an example of port charges you might encounter abroad.

Less Than Container Load (LCL)

Less Than Container Load (LCL) allows you to ship at the same frequency, routes and visibility of full container loads, but you only have to fill up a portion of the space as opposed to the whole container. The cost is then split among all the shippers.
Try: Learn about Less Than Container Load (LCL) in conjunction with customs brokerage from UPS.

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