| ACS/ABI/AMS |
Automated Commercial System/Automated Broker Interface/Automated Manifest System. U.S. Customs programs to automate the flow of Customs-related information among Customs brokers, importers, and carriers. |
| AES |
Automated Export System. This is the automated system for filing U.S. Electronic Export Information (EEI). |
| Air Waybill |
The Air Way bill is a non-negotiable Bill of Lading, and is used as a receipt for cargo and a contract for transportation between shipper and air carrier. Unlike an ocean carrier with a "to order" Ocean Bill of Lading, the air carrier must deliver the shipment to the consignee named on the non-negotiable Air Waybill. International air waybills or "airline air waybills," are used by the air carriers; "House air waybills, " are used as receipts by Freight Forwarders who then consolidate them with the air carriers international air waybills. |
| Aircargo Agent |
An agent appointed by an airline to solicit and process international airfreight shipments. |
| Airport Code |
A three letter code assigned to all airport locations worldwide. |
| Arrival notice |
A notice from the ocean carrier to the "notify party" indicating the vessel's estimated arrival date; identifying shipment details such as number of packages, weight, and container number, and indicating when free time expires. Often includes a freight invoice. |
| BAF |
Bunker Adjustment Factor. |
| Barge To Ship |
When cargo is loaded directly from the barge to the ocean carrier, therefore avoiding delivery to the wharf. |
| Bonded Warehouse |
Goods that must be held until duties are paid are normally put in a bonded warehouse. Warehouses must be approved by the U.S. Treasury Department and must be under bond or guarantee of compliance with revenue laws. |
| Break Bulk |
The movement by ocean of packaged goods that are not containerized. |
BSC
|
Bunker Surcharge. |
