International shipping glossary.
Key terms used in international moving, freight, customs, and relocation — explained clearly so you understand every part of your quote and process.
FCL
Full Container Load. Your household goods fill an entire 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container. The container is sealed at origin and opened at destination.
FCL provides the fastest ocean transit and lowest risk of damage since your goods are not combined with other shipments.
LCL
Less than Container Load. Your shipment shares container space with other shipments heading to the same destination region. You pay based on the volume your goods occupy.
LCL is typically more affordable for smaller shipments but may involve longer transit times due to consolidation and deconsolidation.
GRP / Groupage
A consolidation method where a moving company groups multiple household goods shipments from its own clients into a shared container for the same destination corridor.
GRP can offer cost savings compared to standard LCL because the moving company controls the container loading and optimization.
NVOCC
Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier. A company licensed by the FMC to issue bills of lading and accept cargo for ocean transportation without operating vessels.
An NVOCC takes direct responsibility for your shipment under its bill of lading, providing an additional layer of accountability.
OTI
Ocean Transportation Intermediary. A company licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission to arrange ocean freight transportation on behalf of shippers.
OTI licensing ensures the company meets federal financial responsibility requirements and is subject to FMC oversight.
FMC
Federal Maritime Commission. The U.S. government agency that regulates ocean-borne international transportation. The FMC licenses NVOCCs and OTIs.
FMC licensing is a fundamental requirement for any company arranging international ocean freight from the United States.
USDOT
United States Department of Transportation. The federal agency overseeing domestic transportation safety, including interstate trucking and moving.
USDOT registration ensures that domestic transportation components of international moves comply with federal safety standards.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A legal document issued by the carrier or NVOCC that serves as a receipt for cargo, a contract of carriage, and a document of title.
The bill of lading is required for customs clearance at destination and is essential for tracking and claiming your shipment.
TEU
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit. A standard measurement of container capacity. One TEU equals one 20-foot container. A 40-foot container equals 2 TEUs.
TEU is the standard unit used in ocean freight pricing and capacity planning.
CBM
Cubic Meter. A standard volume measurement used in international shipping. One CBM equals approximately 35.3 cubic feet.
LCL and groupage shipments are typically priced per CBM. Accurate volume measurement directly affects your quote.
CFT
Cubic Feet. A volume measurement commonly used in U.S. domestic moving and some international quotes. 1 CBM ≈ 35.3 CFT.
Understanding the conversion between CFT and CBM helps compare quotes from different moving companies.
Customs Clearance
The process of getting imported goods approved for entry into a destination country by submitting documentation, paying duties or taxes, and passing inspections.
Delays in customs clearance can add days or weeks to your delivery timeline. Proper documentation preparation at origin reduces this risk.
Customs Broker
A licensed professional authorized to clear goods through customs on behalf of importers. At destination, a customs broker handles the formal clearance process.
Your moving company typically coordinates with the customs broker, but certain countries may require the client to participate directly.
Bonded Warehouse
A warehouse authorized by customs authorities to store imported goods before duties are paid or clearance is completed.
Your shipment may be held in a bonded warehouse during customs processing. Storage fees may apply during this period.
Destination Agent
A moving company or logistics provider at the destination country that handles customs clearance, local delivery, and setup on behalf of the origin mover.
The quality of the destination agent directly affects your delivery experience. Reputable movers work with vetted destination partners.
Origin Agent
The moving company that handles packing, loading, and export documentation at the origin location.
For inbound moves to the U.S., the origin agent abroad coordinates the initial packing and export process.
Liftvan
A large wooden crate (typically 87 × 45 × 82 inches or similar) used to contain packed household goods for international shipping.
Liftvans protect your belongings during container loading and are the standard unit for LCL/groupage shipments.
Export Packing
Professional packing using international-standard materials designed to protect household goods during ocean, air, or ground transit.
Export packing is more protective than domestic packing and is typically required for international shipping and insurance coverage.
Crating
Building custom wooden crates around items that need additional protection, such as fine art, pianos, marble, glass, or oversized furniture.
Custom crating prevents damage to fragile and high-value items during the handling and stacking involved in international transit.
Shuttle Service
Using a smaller vehicle to transport goods between locations when a full-size truck cannot access the pickup or delivery address.
Shuttle service may be required for narrow streets, low bridges, or buildings without truck access. It typically adds cost to the move.
Long Carry
An additional charge applied when the moving crew must carry items more than a standard distance (typically 75–100 feet) between the truck and the entrance.
Long carry charges reflect the additional time and labor required. They should be disclosed during the quoting process.
Access Fee
A charge for difficult access conditions at pickup or delivery, such as stairs, elevators, narrow pathways, or gated communities requiring special arrangements.
Access conditions directly affect crew time and logistics. Communicating access details early helps avoid unexpected charges.
Terminal Handling Charges (THC)
Fees charged by the port or terminal for handling containers during loading, unloading, and storage at the port facility.
THC is typically included in ocean freight quotes but may be listed separately. Understanding this helps compare quotes accurately.
Demurrage
A charge applied when a container remains at the port or terminal beyond the allotted free time after the vessel arrives.
Demurrage fees can accumulate quickly. Prompt customs clearance and container pickup help avoid these charges.
Detention
A charge applied when a container is held by the consignee beyond the allotted free time after it leaves the port.
Detention fees apply when the container is not unpacked and returned to the shipping line within the free period.
Ocean Freight
International shipping of goods by sea using cargo vessels. The primary method for transporting household goods internationally.
Ocean freight is the most common and cost-effective method for full household moves. Transit times vary by route.
Air Freight
International shipping of goods by air. Used for time-sensitive shipments, priority items, or partial shipments.
Air freight is significantly faster (1–2 weeks) but more expensive than ocean freight. Ideal for essential items needed immediately.
Ground Freight
Transportation of goods by truck or rail, typically used for moves within North America (U.S. to Mexico or Canada).
Ground freight to Mexico or Canada can be faster and more cost-effective than ocean freight for nearby destinations.
Declared Value
The total value assigned to a shipment for insurance or liability purposes. This determines the maximum payout in case of loss or damage.
Understanding declared value vs. replacement value helps ensure adequate insurance coverage for your belongings.
Inventory List
A detailed document listing every item in the shipment by box number, description, and condition. Created during packing.
The inventory list is the primary document for customs clearance and insurance claims. Accuracy is critical.
Menaje de Casa
A Spanish-language customs form used in Mexico and several Latin American countries for importing used household goods as personal effects.
Proper completion of the Menaje de Casa form is essential for duty-free or reduced-duty import of household goods to Mexico.
Transfer of Residence (ToR)
A customs relief program in the UK and some other countries that allows individuals establishing residence to import used household goods duty-free.
ToR relief can save significant money on customs duties. Eligibility and documentation requirements vary by country.
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