Knowledge Center
Glossary
Short, clear definitions of terms used in cargo safety and port operations.
- Blocking(form-fit)
- Bracing cargo against walls, chocks or other packages so it physically cannot move.
- Breakbulk
- Cargo shipped as individual pieces in the hold or on deck, not in containers.
- CFS(Container Freight Station)
- Container freight station: where part loads are stuffed into or stripped from containers.
- CTU / CTU Code
- CTU: cargo transport unit (container, trailer, wagon, etc.). CTU Code: the non-binding IMO/ILO/UNECE code of practice for packing them.
- Dunnage
- Timber, dunnage bags, paper honeycomb and similar materials that fill gaps and support cargo to limit movement.Dunnage & Bracing →
- Flat rack
- A container with end walls but no side walls or roof, used for heavy and out-of-gauge cargo.Flat Rack / Open Top →
- ISPM 15
- IPPC standard requiring solid-wood packaging in international trade to be treated by an approved method and marked.Fumigation →Crating & Skidding →
- Lashing
- Restraining cargo to its transport unit with chains, rope, webbing and tensioners. Also called cargo securing.Lashing & Securing →
- MSL (Maximum Securing Load)
- The maximum load a securing device may safely carry in sea transport; equipment is selected by this value.
- Open top
- A container with an open roof closed by a tarpaulin, for tall cargo or cargo that must be crane-loaded from above.Flat Rack / Open Top →
- Out of gauge (OOG)
- Cargo whose dimensions exceed standard container limits; overhangs must be declared accurately to the carrier.
- Project cargo
- Individual units needing special planning because of size, weight or value — usually equipment for an investment project.Project Cargo Securing →
- Seaworthy
- Fit for sea. In packing, layered protection of cargo against the risks of an ocean voyage.Seaworthy Packing →
- Stuffing / Stripping
- Loading cargo into (stuffing) and unloading it from (stripping) a container.
- Survey
- Inspection and reporting of cargo, packing or an operation by an independent, authorised expert — distinct from operational supervision.Supervision & Inspection →
- Unlashing
- Removing a cargo's lashings at destination in a controlled, safe sequence.Unlashing →
- VCI(Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor)
- Volatile corrosion inhibitor: vaporises in a closed space and forms a protective layer on metal.VCI / Vacuum Packing →
- VGM(Verified Gross Mass)
- Verified gross mass: the total weight of a packed container that the shipper must declare before loading on a ship.