Glossary of Shipping Terms

RADIO DEPARTMENT - RADIO OPERATORÂ
Maintains and monitors radio, sends, and receives messages. Often maintains electronic navigation equipment.Â

RAMPÂ
A structure, permanent or temporary, from which trailers are driven onto or off of a railroad flatcar. Also used in reference to any city or location where piggyback loading and unloading can be performedÂ

REBATEÂ
A deduction taken from a set payment or charge. Because a rebate is given after payment of the full amount has been made, it differs from a discount which is deducted in advance of the payment. In foreign trade, a full or partial rebate may be given on import duties paid on goods which are later re exported.Â

RECAPÂ
Recapitulation of the terms and conditions agreedÂ

RECIPROCITYÂ
A practice by which governments extend similar concessions to one another.Â

REEFERÂ
Refrigerator ship; a vessel designed to carry goods requiring refrigeration, such as meat and fruit. A reefer ship has insulated holds into which cold air is passed at the temperature appropriate to the goods being carried.Â

REEFER BOXÂ
An insulated shipping container designed to carry cargoes requiring temperature control. It is fitted with a refrigeration unit which is connected to the carrying ship's electrical power supply.Â

REFGÂ
Refrigerating; Refrigeration.Â

REGS.Â
Registered Tonnage.Â

RELEASED VALUEÂ
Value assigned a shipment with a maximum value per pound; used for liability purposesÂ

RETALIATIONÂ
An action taken by a country to restrain imports from another country that has increased a tariff or imposed other measures that adversely affect the first country's exports.Â

RETURN CARGOÂ
A cargo which enables a ship to return loaded to the port or area where her previous cargo was loaded.Â

REVERSE ROUTEÂ
The exact reverse of the route a loaded car traveled from its destination, including all carriers and junctions involvedÂ

REVERSIBLE TIMEÂ
Option for charterers to add together time allowed for loading & discharging relative to terms of a particular charter partyÂ

RO/RO (ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF) VESSELÂ
(1) A ship designed to accommodate cargo that is rolled on and rolled off. Some Ro/Ro vessels can accommodate containers and/or breakbulk cargo. A Ro/Ro Vessel can be self-sustaining. (2) Freight ship or ferry with facilities for vehicles to drive on and off (roll-on roll-off); a system of loading and discharging a ship whereby the cargo is driven on and off on ramps. Equipped with large openings at bow and stern and sometimes also in the side, the ship permits rapid loading and discharge with hydraulically operated ramps providing easy access. Fully loaded trucks or trailers carrying containers are accommodated on the deck.Â

ROLLING CARGOÂ
Cargo which is on wheels, such as truck or trailers, and which can be driven or towed on to a ship.Â

ROYALTYÂ
A charge on charter flights levied by some governments before traffic rights are granted. Sometimes called a "no objection fee." It is usually a fixed proportion of a total charter value.Â

Glossary of Shipping Terms

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Glossary of Shipping Terms