Glossary of Shipping Terms

EDI OR EDIFACT (ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE FOR ADMINISTRATION, COMMERCE AND TRANSPORT)Â
(1) From the United Nations-backed electronic data interchange standards body, this is used to create electronic versions of common business documents that will work on a global scale. (2) Electronic Data Interchange; easy communication of commercial data via computer connections via mainframe links, PC to mainframe links or using the InternetÂ

EMBARGOÂ
To resist or prohibit the acceptance and handling of freightÂ

ENDORSEMENT IN BLANKÂ
(1) Commonly used on a bank check, an endorsement in blank is an endorsement to the bearer. It contains only the name of the endorser and specifies no particular payee. (2) Also, a common means of endorsing bills of lading dawn to the order of the shipper. The bills are endorsed "For..." (See Bill of Lading, Order)Â

ENGINE DEPARTMENT (Q.M.E.D.)Â
Trained in all crafts necessary to engine maintenance (welding, refrigeration, lathe operation, die casting,electricity, pumping, water purification, oiling, evaluating engine gauges, etc.) Usually watchstanders but on some ships day workers.Â

ENTRYÂ
A customs form used for the clearance of ships or merchandise.Â

EVEN KEELÂ
When the draft of a ship fore and aft are the same.Â

EXIMBANKÂ
Export-Import Bank: A Federal agency that aids in financing exports of U.S. goods and services through direct loans, loan guarantees, and insurance.Â

EXPORT BROKERÂ
The individual who brings together buyer and seller for a fee, eventually withdrawing from any transaction.Â

EXPORT DECLARATIONÂ
A form completed by the exporter or its authorized agent and filed in triplicate by a carrier with the U.S. Collector of Customs at the point of exit. It serves a twofold purpose: (1) Primarily, it is used by the U.S. Bureau of Census for the compilation of export statistics on U.S. foreign trade. (For this reason, an export declaration is required for practically all shipments from the U.S.A. to foreign countries and the U.S. possessions, except for mail shipments of small value or for those of a non-commercial character.) (2) The declaration also serves as an export control document because it must be presented, together with the export license, to the U.S. Customs at the port of export. If the goods may be exported under general export license, this fact must be stated on the export declaration.Â

EXPORT LICENSEÂ
A document secured from a government authorizing an exporter to export a specific quantity of a particular commodity to a certain country. An export license is often required if a government has placed embargoes or other restrictions upon exports. (See General Export License.)Â

EXPORT TRADING COMPANYÂ
A corporation or other business unit organized and operated primarily for the purpose of exporting goods and services, or of providing export-related services to other companies.Â

EXPRESSÂ
Premium-rated service for urgent deliveries.Â

Glossary of Shipping Terms

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Glossary of Shipping Terms