Terms and Definitions

The following terms define professional concepts and clarify relationships between terms with varying references across item systems.

System-Specific Terms

Term	Description
Order	A sales transaction record in OMS (Sales Order) or WMS (Outbound Order). Used to track customer orders through fulfillment. E.g., SO100242342; DN-54.
Master Order	Primary order record that can generate multiple sub-orders. Links related transactions in OMS/FMS. E.g., SO100242342.
PO	Purchase order for acquiring goods from suppliers. Appears as Inbound Order in WMS. E.g., PO100000958; RN-54.
Shipment Order	Transportation document linking orders to physical shipments. Contains tracking and routing information. E.g., SP00008130; DC-54.
DO	Delivery Order - Authorizes release of goods from warehouse to specific recipient. Links to Orders for fulfillment tracking.
WO	Work Order - Internal document created from DO to guide warehouse operations and picking processes.
Inventory	System module tracking stock levels, locations, and movements within the warehouse management system (WMS).

Shipping Terms

Term	Description
Freight Term	Specifies who pays for shipping and when payment occurs: Pre-charge (paid upfront), After-charge (paid upon delivery), or 3PL service charges.
Ship Method	Defines how cargo moves: Small Parcel (individual packages), FTL (dedicated truck), LTL (shared truck space), or Will Call (customer pickup).
Delivery Service	Shipping speed and timing options: 1 Day Ship (next-day delivery), Ground (standard service), or Saturday Ship (weekend delivery).

Carrier Information

Term	Description
Carrier Name	Official name of the transportation company responsible for moving goods. Used for booking and tracking shipments.
SCAC	Standard Carrier Alpha Code - Unique 2-4 letter identifier assigned to transportation providers by the NMFTA for standardized industry reference.
HS Code	Harmonized System Code - Internationally standardized 6-10 digit number for classifying traded products, determining duties and taxes.

Payment Terms

Term	Description
Accessories	Additional shipping services beyond standard transport, billed separately (e.g., liftgate, inside delivery, notifications).
Deposit	Advance payment required to secure goods or shipping space, typically a percentage of total cost. Common in international trade.
Driver Collect	Payment method where carrier's driver collects freight charges at delivery point. Often used for COD shipments.
Credit Card	Electronic payment option for freight charges or purchases. Provides immediate payment processing and transaction records.
Net Payment Term	Membership-based payment system allowing delayed payment within specified period (e.g., Net 30, Net 60).

Documentation

Term	Description
BOL	Bill of Lading - Critical shipping document that serves three purposes: receipt for goods, contract of carriage, and title document. Required for all shipments.
MBL	Master Bill of Lading - Primary transport document issued by carrier for entire vessel shipment. Contains all cargo details for customs clearance.
HBL	House Bill of Lading - Secondary transport document issued by freight forwarder for individual shipments within consolidated cargo. Links to MBL.
IOR	Importer of Record - Legal entity responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with local laws, paying duties, and maintaining import records.

Customs Terms

Term	Description
CBP	U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Federal agency responsible for enforcing trade regulations, collecting duties, and securing borders. Primary contact for all import/export activities.
AMS	Automated Manifest System - Electronic system for carriers to submit cargo information before arrival. Required for all ocean/air shipments to U.S. ports. Enables advance security screening.
ISF 10+2	Importer Security Filing - Mandatory advance cargo data submission for ocean shipments. Must be filed 24 hours before vessel loading with 10 importer and 2 carrier data elements.
T86	Section 321 Entry Type 86 - Simplified customs entry for low-value shipments ($800 or less). Enables faster clearance without formal entry requirements or duty payments.
Form 7501	Entry Summary - Comprehensive import declaration detailing goods classification, valuation, and duty calculation. Must be filed within 10 working days of cargo release.
Form 7512	Transportation Entry & Manifest - Controls movement of in-bond cargo between U.S. ports or to/from bonded warehouses. Ensures customs supervision during domestic transit.
Form 3461	Immediate Release Entry - Expedited customs entry allowing cargo release before formal entry completion. Commonly used for perishable goods or urgent shipments.
FTZ e214	Foreign Trade Zone Admission - Electronic application to move goods into an FTZ. Allows duty deferral, reduction, or elimination while storing/processing within the zone.

Required Documents

Term	Description
Invoice	Commercial document itemizing transaction details including seller, buyer, goods description, quantity, and value. Required for customs valuation and duty assessment.
Packing List	Shipping document detailing cargo specifics: piece count, weights, dimensions, and packaging type. Essential for customs examination and cargo handling.
Bond	Financial security instrument guaranteeing payment of duties/taxes and compliance with CBP regulations. Required for most formal entries and in-bond movements.
COO	Certificate of Origin - Official document verifying where goods were manufactured or produced. Critical for determining duty rates and trade agreement eligibility.
License	Government-issued permits required for regulated commodities (e.g., food, drugs, electronics). Must be obtained before importation to ensure compliance.

Container Types

Code	Container Type	Description
20GP	20-Foot General Purpose	Standard shipping container (20ft length) used for most general cargo shipments.
40GP	40-Foot General Purpose	Standard shipping container with 40ft length, suitable for larger volume shipments.
HQ	High Cube Container	Container with extra interior height (9'6" vs 8'6"), allowing for taller cargo storage.
45HQ	45-Foot High Cube	Extended length high-cube container offering maximum cargo volume for domestic moves.
RF	Refrigerated Container	Temperature-controlled container for perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals.
OT	Open Top Container	Container with removable roof tarp, ideal for tall cargo or top-loading requirements.
FR	Flat Rack Container	Platform with end walls but no sides/top, used for oversized or heavy machinery.
TK	Tank Container	Specialized container with internal tank for bulk liquid transportation.

Small Parcel Project