What's Inside- 25 logistics terms organized in 4 categories: General, DG, Customs & Trade, Shipping & Transport
- Each term includes a precise definition, Chinese equivalent, practical example, and related terms
- Built for shippers, importers, and logistics professionals working with China-based freight
This glossary explains the key logistics terms you will encounter when shipping from China. Whether you are importing FCL cargo from Qingdao, navigating IMDG Code compliance for dangerous goods, or setting up bonded warehousing with JIT distribution, these definitions provide the operational clarity you need. Each term links to a dedicated page with detailed FAQs and practical examples.
General Logistics Terms
FCLFull Container Load — exclusive use of an entire container by one shipper. More cost-effective than LCL above ~15m³. Read full definition →
LCLLess than Container Load — multiple shippers share container space, paying only for volume used. Read full definition →
TEUTwenty-foot Equivalent Unit — the standard unit for container ship capacity and port throughput. Read full definition →
B/L (Bill of Lading)Legal document issued by a carrier — serves as shipment receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title. Read full definition →
OOG (Out of Gauge)Cargo exceeding standard container dimensions; requires flat racks or open-top containers. Read full definition →
BreakbulkCargo loaded individually rather than in containers — common for oversized machinery and steel products. Read full definition →
Transit TimeTotal port-to-port time from departure to arrival — excludes inland transport and customs clearance. Read full definition →
IncotermsICC international commercial terms defining buyer/seller responsibilities for delivery, insurance, and customs. Read full definition →
Dangerous Goods (DG) Terms
UN3536UN number for lithium batteries in cargo transport units — large-scale BESS, established 2019 under IMDG SP389. Read full definition →
IMDG CodeIMO-mandated standard for shipping dangerous goods by sea — 9 hazard classes, updated every 2 years. Read full definition →
MSDSMaterial Safety Data Sheet — required safety document for all DG shipments, issued by manufacturer. Read full definition →
DG Packaging CertificateChinese government certificate (危包证) verifying DG packaging meets UN standards. Read full definition →
Maritime DG DeclarationFormal declaration to China MSA before loading DG cargo — includes UN number, class, stowage. Read full definition →
IATA DGRGlobal standard for DG by air — stricter than IMDG with fewer classes and smaller quantity limits. Read full definition →
Customs & Trade Terms
Bonded WarehousingStorage without customs duty payment until goods enter domestic market — up to 3 years in China. Read full definition →
FTZ (Free Trade Zone)Designated area for duty-free storage, processing, and manufacturing — allows value-added operations. Read full definition →
T1 Transit DocumentCustoms document for moving goods under customs control between two points in a territory. Read full definition →
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)Incoterm where seller bears all costs and risks including import duties and customs clearance. Read full definition →
AEOAuthorized Economic Operator — customs certification for secure supply chains; faster clearance, fewer inspections. Read full definition →
Shipping & Transport Terms
Flat RackContainer with no side walls and collapsible ends — for oversized machinery, vehicles, pipes. Read full definition →
RO-RORoll-on/Roll-off — wheeled cargo driven on/off vessels via ramps. Ideal for vehicles and machinery. Read full definition →
DemurrageCharges when container stays at terminal beyond free time — separate from detention charges. Read full definition →
ConsolidationCombining LCL shipments into one FCL container to reduce per-unit costs. Adds 3-7 days transit. Read full definition →
CY-CYContainer Yard to Container Yard — carrier responsibility from origin yard to destination yard. Read full definition →
Feeder VesselSmaller ship transporting containers from smaller ports to hub ports for mother vessel loading. Read full definition →
Last updated: June 14, 2026
