International moving has its own language. Here, we translate it into plain words.
FCL (Full Container Load)
A full container booked exclusively for a single move. Offers privacy, speed, and less handling. Ideal for full households.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Consolidated cargo, or groupage: the container is shared with other clients and you pay only for the volume you use. Ideal for small shipments.
CBM (Cubic Meter)
The unit of volume (cubic meter) used to measure a shipment. It is the basis for calculating space and cost.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The document issued by the shipping line that serves as both a contract of carriage and a receipt for the cargo.
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off)
A system for transporting vehicles that are driven on and off the vessel under their own power. More economical than a container.
Door-to-Door
A turnkey service: from packing at origin to delivery and unpacking at destination, customs included.
Port-to-Port
A service that covers only the leg between ports; the client handles packing, destination customs, and final transport.
Groupage
Another term for consolidated cargo (LCL): grouping shipments from several clients into the same container.
Household Goods
The set of domestic and personal belongings (furniture, clothing, household items) shipped in a move. Many countries offer benefits for used household goods.
Customs Clearance
The process of paperwork and payments with customs to release the cargo and allow it to legally enter the destination country.
Transit Time
The time it takes for cargo to travel from one port to another. It does not include packing, customs, or final delivery.
High Cube (HC)
A taller variant of the 40-foot container, used to gain extra volume or ship tall furniture.
ToR (Transfer of Residence)
A UK mechanism that allows household goods to be imported duty-free when relocating your residence, subject to certain conditions.
CITES
An international convention regulating the transport of protected species. Relevant when shipping birds and exotic animals.
IATA (Crate)
International Air Transport Association standards that define the crate requirements for shipping pets by air.
Inventory
A detailed, numbered list of every item being moved. It is the basis for customs clearance and insurance.