Freight & customs glossary
Key terms used across the China–GCC freight corridor.
FCL
Full Container Load — a shipping mode where a single shipper uses an entire container, priced per container rather than per unit.
Learn more →LCL
Less than Container Load — cargo from multiple shippers consolidated into one container, priced by volume (CBM).
Learn more →DDP
Delivered Duty Paid — the seller delivers goods cleared for import and pays all duties and taxes up to the destination.
Learn more →DAP
Delivered At Place — the seller delivers goods ready for unloading at the destination, but the buyer handles import clearance.
Learn more →Incoterms
International Commercial Terms — a standardized set of trade terms defining buyer and seller responsibilities, published by the ICC.
Learn more →CBM
Cubic Meter — the unit of volume used to calculate cargo space, calculated as length × width × height in meters.
Learn more →TEU
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit — the standard measure of container capacity, based on a 20ft container.
Learn more →Demurrage
A fee charged when a container is held at a terminal beyond the allotted free time after discharge.
Learn more →Detention
A fee charged when a container is held outside the terminal beyond the allotted free time before return to the carrier.
Learn more →B/L
Bill of Lading — a document issued by a carrier acknowledging receipt of cargo and serving as a contract and title document.
Learn more →HS Code
Harmonized System Code — an internationally standardized numeric code used to classify traded products for customs and duties.
Learn more →SASO
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization — the body setting product standards and conformity requirements for imports into Saudi Arabia.
Learn more →SABER
An online platform used to register products and obtain conformity certificates for imports into Saudi Arabia.
Learn more →Customs Broker
A licensed intermediary that prepares documentation and clears goods through customs on behalf of importers and exporters.
Learn more →Volumetric Weight
A weight derived from a shipment’s volume, used by air carriers to charge for low-density cargo.
Learn more →Chargeable Weight
The greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, used as the basis for air freight billing.
Learn more →