D

Damage Report
Form on which physical damage is recorded (e.g.containers).

Damaged Cargo Report
Written statement concerning established damages to cargo and/or equipment.

Dangerous and Hazardous cargo.
Abbreviation : D&H

Dangerous Cargo
All substances of an inflammable nature which are liable to spontaneous combustion either in themselves or when stowed adjacent to other substances and, when mixed with air, are liable to generate explosive gases or produce suffocation or poisoning or tainting of foodstuffs.

Dangerous Goods
Goods are to be considered dangerous if the transport of such goods might cause harm, risk, peril, or other evil to people, environment, equipment or any property whatsoever.

Dangerous Goods Declaration
Document issued by a consignor in accordance with applicable conventions or regulations, describing hazardous goods or materials for transport purposes, and stating that the latter have been packed and labelled in accordance with the provisions of the relevant conventions or regulations.

Dangerous Goods Packing Certificate
A document as part of the dangerous goods declaration in which the responsible party declares that the cargo has been stowed in accordance with the rules in a clean container in compliance with the IMDG regulations and properly secured.

Dangerous Liquids
Liquids giving off inflammable vapors.

Data
A re-interpretable representation of information in a formalised manner suitable for communication, interpretation or processing.

Data Carrier
Medium designed to carry records of data entries.

Data Plate
A metal identification plate affixed to a container, which displays among others the gross and tare weights and external dimensions.

DAVITS
Two radial cranes on a ship which hold the lifeboats. They are constructed in such a way as to lower and lift the lifeboats the easiest way possible and are also unobstructed in case of an emergency.

Deadfreight
Freight rate which is paid on empty space in the vessel when the charterer is responsible for the freight rate of a full cargo. It should be paid before sailing.

Deadfreight Factor
Percentage of a ship's carrying capacity that is not utilized.

Deadhead
One leg of a move without a paying cargo load. Usually refers to repositioning an empty piece of equipment.

Deadload
The difference between the actual and calculated ship's draft.

Deadweight
Abbreviation: DWT
The total weight of cargo, cargo equipment, bunkers, provisions, water, stores and spare parts which a vessel can lift when loaded to her maximum draught as applicable under the circumstances or a common measure of ship carrying capacity. The number of tons (2240 lbs.) of cargo, stores and bunkers that a vessel can transport. It is the difference between the number of tons of water a vessel displaces "light" and the number of tons it displaces "when submerged to the 'deep load line'." A vessel's cargo capacity is less than its total deadweight tonnage. The difference in weight between a vessel when it is fully loaded and when it is empty (in general transportation terms, the net) measured by the water it displaces. This is the most common, and useful, measurement for shipping as it measures cargo capacity. The dead-weight is expressed in tons.

Deadweight Cargo
A long ton of cargo that can be stowed in less than 40 cubic feet.

Deals
Lengths of timber between 5ft. and 30ft in length and between 2 inches and 9 inches thick.

Decision Support System
Abbreviation: DSS
An interactive computer-based system which generates a number of alternatives to solve an unstructured problem. These alternatives are being interpreted by the manager (decision- maker), whereafter he decides which alternative is to be used to solve the problem.

Deck
Any extended horizontal structure in a vessel or an aircraft, serving as a floor and structural support, covering, partially or fully, a portion of the vessel or aircraft.

Deck Gang
The officers and seamen comprising the deck department aboard ship. Also called deck crew, deck department, or just deck.

Deckhand
Seaman who works on the deck of a ship and remains in the wheelhouse attending to the orders of the duty officers during navigation and manoeuvering. He also comes under the direct orders of the bosun.

Deck Log
Also called Captain's Log. A full nautical record of a ship's voyage, written up at the end of each watch by the deck officer on watch. The principal entries are: courses steered; distance run; compass variations, sea and weather conditions; ship's position, principal headlands passed; names of lookouts, and any unusual position, principal headlands passed; names of lookouts, and any unusual happenings such as fire, collision, and the like..

Deck Officer
As distinguished from engineer officer, refers to all officers who assist the master in navigating the vessel when at sea, and supervise the handling of cargo when in port.

Deck House
Small superstructure on the top deck of a vessel which contains the helm and other navigational instruments.

Declaration of Origin
Appropriate statement as to the origin of the goods, made in connection with their exportation by the manufacturer, producer, supplier, exporter or other competent person on the commercial invoice or any document relating to goods.

Declared Value for Carriage
The value of the goods declared to the carrier by the shipper for the purpose of determining charges or of establishing the limit of the carrier's liability for loss, damage or delay. It is also the basis for possible applicable valuation charges (air cargo).

Deconsolidation Point
Place where loose or other non-containerized cargo is ungrouped for delivery.

Decoupling Inventory
A stock retained to make the independent control of two successive operations possible.

Decoupling Point
The point in the supply chain which provides a buffer between differing input and output rates.

Dedicated Service
A service specially designed for the use by one or more particular customers.

 Deep Sea Trades
The traffic routes of both cargo and passenger vessels which are regularly engaged on the high seas or on long voyages.

Deep Stowage
Any bulk, bagged or other type of cargo stowed in single hold ships.

Deep Tank
Tank fitted and equipped for the carriage of vegetable oil (e.g. palm oil and coconut oil) and other liquids in bulk. By means of oil-tight bulkheads and/or decks it is possible to carry different kinds of liquid in adjacent tanks. Deep tanks may be equipped with heating facilities in order to carry and discharge oil at the required temperature (P&O Nedlloyd).

Default Charge
A (standard) charge applicable for a trade, stretch or location. In the absence of specifics (not otherwise specified/enumerated) a general amount has been set.

Defeasible Interest
An insurable interest that ceases during the transit of goods.

Deferred Account
A system allowing the shipowner to pay his annual premium by instalments.

Deficit Weight
The weight by which a shipment is less than the minimum weight.

Degroupage
Splitting up shipments into small consignments.

Delay in Transit (DIT)
Delay of shipment at the customer’s request.

Delivered At Frontier (...named place)
Abbreviation: DAF
See Inco Terms

Delivered Duty Paid (...named place of destination)
Abbreviation: DDP
See Inco Terms

Delivered Duty Unpaid (...named place of destination)
Abbreviation: DDU
See Inco Terms

Delivered Ex Quay (...named port of destination)
Abbreviation: DEQ
See Inco Terms

Delivered Ex Ship (...named port of destination)
Abbreviation: DES
See Inco Terms

Delivering Carrier
The carrier who delivers the consignment to the consignee or his agent (air cargo).

Delivery
The process of delivering the consignment to the consignee at the agreed place.

Delivery Instruction
Document issued by a buyer giving instructions regarding the details of the delivery of goods ordered. Also known as shipping delivery order.

Delivery Note
A document recording the delivery of products to a consignee (customer).

Delivery Order
1. A carrier’s delivery order (negotiable document) is used for splitting a B/L (after surrender) in different parcels and have the same function as a B/L.
2. The authorisation of the entitled party for the shipment to a party other than the consignee showed on the Air Waybill (air cargo).

 Delivery Party
The party to which goods are to be delivered.

Delivery Reliability
The proportion of total delivery occasions in which the time, place, quality and quantity of products delivered accords with the order.

Delivery Schedule
The required and/or agreed time of delivery of goods or services purchased for a future period.

Delivery Service
The carriage of inbound consignments from the airport of destination to the address of the consignee or his designated agent or to the custody of the appropriate custom department agency when required (air cargo).

Delivery Time
The time between order and delivery.

Demand
The quantity of goods required by the market to be delivered in a particular period or at a specific date.

Demise Charter
A contract whereby the shipowner leases his vessel to the charterer for a period of time during which the whole use and management of the vessel passes to the charterer, which involves that the charterer is to pay all expenses for the operation and maintenance of the vessel. Officers and crew will become servants of the charterer.

A demise charter whereby the charterer has the right to place his own master and crew on board of the vessel is also called 'bareboat charter'.
See Bareboat Charter.

Demurrage
1. A variable fee charged to carriers and/or customers for the use of Unit Load Devices (ULD's) owned by a carrier beyond the free time of shipment.
2. Additional charge imposed for exceeding the free time, which is included in the rate and allowed for the use of certain equipment at the terminal.
See also Detention and Per Diem

 DEMDES
Demurrage/Despatch money. (Under vessel chartering terms, the amount to be paid if the ship is loading/discharging slower/faster than foreseen.)

Density
The weight of cargo per cubic foot or other unit.

Density of Commodity
The mass of a commodity to its volume.

Dependent Demand
A demand directly related to or derived from the demand for other items or end products. Dependent demands are therefore calculated, and need not and should not be forecast.

Deposit Receipt
A receipt given in respect of a general average deposit payment.

Depot Container
The place designated by the carrier where empty containers are kept in stock and received from or delivered to the container operators or merchants.

Depot Location
The geographical place where one or more P&O Nedlloyd depots are situated.

Derelict
A vessel that has been abandoned by the crew but has not sunk.

Derrick
Lifting equipment on board a conventional vessel for loading and discharging cargo, consisting of a post attached to the deck and an inclined spar.

Despatch
1. The process of sending goods.
2. An incentive payment paid to a carrier to loading and unloading the cargo faster than agreed. Usually negotiated only in charter parties.

 Despatch Advice
Information send by shippers to the recipient of goods informing that specified goods are sent or ready to be sent advising the detailed contents of the consignment.

Despatch Days
The days gained if the free time included in the rate and allowed for the use of certain equipment is not fully used.

Despatch Note (for post parcels)
Document which, according to the agreement concerning postal parcels, is to accompany post parcels.

Destination
1. The place to which a shipment is consigned.
2. The place where carrier actually turns over cargo to consignee or his agent.

 Destination Delivery Charge.
Abbreviation : DDC
A charge, based on container size, that is applied in many tariffs to cargo. This charge is considered accessorial and is added to the base ocean freight. This charge covers crane lifts off the vessel, drayage of the container within the terminal and gate fees at the terminal operation.

Destination Rail Freight Station.
Abbreviation : DRFS
Same as CFS at destination, except a DRFS is operated by the rail carrier participating in the shipment.

Detention
Where demurrage is paid for an agreed number of days any further delay is termed "detention".
See Demurrage

Detention Charge
Charges levied on usage of equipment exceeding free time period as stipulated in the pertinent inland rules and conditions.
See Per Diem.

Deterioration
The downgrading of a product due to long storage, damage to packing or other external influences.

Devanning
Removal of contents from a container (sometimes called stripping or discharging).
See Stripping, Unpacking

Deviation
A departure by a ship from the agreed customary route of the voyage with the intention of returning to that route to complete the voyage. Where the ship deviates without lawful excuse the underwriter, unless the policy provides otherwise, is discharged from all liability from the time the vessel deviates and insurance cover does not reattach if and when the vessel regains her original course.

Differential
An amount added or deducted from base rate to make a rate to or from some other point or via another route.

Dimensions
Measurements in length, width and height, regarding cargo.

Direct Delivery
1. The conveyance of goods directly from the vendor to the buyer. Frequently used if a third party acts as intermediary agent between vendor and buyer.
2. Direct discharge from vessel onto railroad car, road vehicle or barge with the purpose of immediate transport from the port area (usually occurs when ports lack adequate storage space or when ports are not equipped to handle a specific cargo).

 Direct Interchange
Transfer of leased equipment from one lessee to another (container).

Direct Product Profitability
Abbreviation: DPP
System employed mainly within the retail sector for calculating the profit from any given product in any given position within the supply chain, requiring transparency and management of all logistic costs.

Direct Route
The shortest operated route between two points.

Disabled Ship
When a ship is unable to sail efficiently or in a seaworthy state as a result of engine trouble, lack of officers or crew, damage to the hull or ship's gear.

Disbursement
Sums paid out by a ship's agent at a port and recovered from the carrier.

Discharge
1. The unloading of a vehicle, a vessel or an aircraft.
2. The landing of cargo.

Discharges
An essential document for officers and seamen as it serves an official certificate confirming sea experience in the employment for which he was engaged.

Discrepancy
Difference between the particulars given and the particulars found.

Discrepancy Letter of Credit
When documents presented do not conform to the requirements of the letter of credit (L/C), it is referred to as a "discrepancy." Banks will not process L/C's which have discrepancies. They will refer the situation back to the buyer and/or seller and await further instructions.

Discrete Code
A bar code in which the spaces between characters (inter character gaps) are not part of the code as each character begins and ends with a bar. The spaces can therefore vary in width, specified tolerances. An example is Code 39.

Dispatch
See Despatch

Dispatch Money
When so agreed in the charter-party, this is paid by the shipowner to the charterer as a result of the vessel completing loading or discharging before the stipulated time.

Displacement
The weight of the quantity of water displaced by the vessel. The displacement of the vessel on her light draft represents the weight of the vessel ready for use including stores etc. Calculated by dividing the volume of water displaced in cubic feet by 35, the average density of sea water.

Disposable Pallet
Pallet intended to be discarded after a single cycle of use.

Disposal Chain
A sequence of events in a goods-flow which gets rid of a specific good. This may include removal, recycling, waste dumping etc.

Disposal of Goods
The act of getting rid of goods.

Dispositioning
All activities relating to the inland movement of empty and or full containers.

Distribution
The set of activities which ensure the availability of goods in the desired quality, quantity, place and time for the customer.
See also: Physical Distribution

Distribution Centre
A warehouse for the receipt, the storage and the dispersal of goods among customers.

Distribution Channel
The route by which a company distributes goods.

Distribution Requirements Planning
Abbreviation: DRP-I
The function of determining the need to replenish stock at branch warehouses.

Distribution Resource Planning
Abbreviation: DRP-II
The set of concepts, procedures and techniques, being an extension of DRP-I, for the effective planning and control of the physical distribution.

Diversion
A change made either in the route of a shipment in transit (see Reconsignment) or of the entire ship.

Division
Carriers' practice of dividing revenue received from through rates where joint hauls are involved. This is usually according to agreed formulae.

Detention
A penalty charge against shippers or consignees for delaying carrier's equipment beyond allowed time. Demurrage applies to cargo; detention applies to equipment.
See Per Diem.

Divider
A vertically mounted partition in a compartment on board of an aircraft.

Dock
1. For ships, a cargo handling area parallel to the shoreline where a vessel normally ties up.
2. For land transportation, a loading or unloading platform at an industrial location or carrier terminal.

 Docket
Present a rate proposal to a conference meeting for adoption as a conference group rate.

Dock Bumpers
Cushioning devices (rubber, plastic, wood, etc.) mounted at the extreme rear of a chassis or trailer to take the impact when it backs into a loading dock or platform road cargo).

Dock Receipt
A form used to acknowledge receipt of cargo and often serves as basis for preparation of the ocean bill of lading.

Document
Anything printed, written, relied upon to record or prove something.

Documentary Credit
See Letter of Credit

Documents Against Acceptance (D/A)
Instructions given by a shipper to a bank indicating that documents transferring title to goods should be delivered to the buyer only upon the buyer's acceptance of the attached draft.

Documents Against Payment (D/P)
An indication on a draft that the documents attached are to be released to the drawee only on payment.

Documents of Title
Documents produced by a consignee as evidence of right to take delivery of goods (e.g. Bill of Lading and Export invoice).

Document Holder
Usually fastened to the door on the front of a container. May contain e.g. a certificate of approval of the container.

Dolly
A set of wheels that support the front of a container; used when the automotive unit is disconnected.

Domestic Carriage
Carriage whereby the place of departure and the place of destination are situated within one country (air cargo).

Domestic Rate
Rate applicable within a country, and in most cases subject to special conditions other than those of IATA (air cargo).

Door Lock Bars
See Bars

Door-to-Door Transport
Through transportation of a container and its contents from consignor to consignee. Not necessarily a through rate.
See House to House Transport

Double Banking
Two vessels moored alongside each other on a certain berth.

Double Stack Train
A number of railway wagons, usually a block train, on which containers can be stacked two- high.

Double bottom
Construction of the bottom of a ship whereby a generally watertight space is formed between the shell and an inner bottom placed at a sufficient height above the baseline to allow access and to reduce risks due to grounding or colliding.

Double-deck Pallet
Flat pallet with a top and bottom deck.

Down Time
The period of time when a machine is not available for production due to a functional failure or maintenance.

Draft
1. The draft of a vessel is the vertical distance between the waterline and the underside of the keel of the vessel. During the construction of a vessel the marks showing the draft are welded on each side of the vessel near the stem, the stern and amidships.
2. An unconditional order in writing, addressed by one party (drawer) to another party (drawee), requiring the drawee to pay at a fixed or determinable future date a specified sum in lawful currency to the order of a specified person.

 Draught
See Draft

Drawback
Repayment of any part of customs or excise duties previously collected on imported goods, when those goods are exported again.

Drawee
The individual or firm that issues a draft and thus stands to receive payment.

Drayage
1. The hauling of a load by a cart with detachable sides (dray).See :Cartage.
2. Road transportation between the nearest railway terminal and the stuffing place.

 Drilling Rig
A structure, which drills wells in the bottom in order to search for oil.

Drop off Charge
Charge made by container owner and/or terminal operators for delivery of a leased, or pool container into depot stock. The drop-off charge may be a combination of actual handling and storage charges with surcharges.

Dry Bulk Container
Container consisting of a cargo-carrying structure, firmly secured within a framework, for the carriage of dry solids and bulk without packaging. Containers of this type have type codes 80 and 81.

Dry Cargo
Cargo that is not liquid and normally does not require temperature control.

Dry Cargo Container
Container which is designed for the carriage of goods other than liquids.

Dry Cargo Ship
Vessel which carriers all merchandise, excluding liquid in bulk.

Dry Dock
An enclosed basin into which a ship is taken for underwater cleaning and repairing. It is fitted with water tight entrance gates which when closed permit the dock to be pumped dry.

Dual Purpose Ship
Specially constructed ship able to carry different types of cargoes such as ore and/or oil.

Dumb Barge
A barge that has no means of propulsion.

Dumping
Attempting to import merchandise into a country at a price less than the fair market value, usually through subsidy by exporting country.

Dunnage
A term applied to loose wood or other material used in a ship's hold for the protection of cargo during carriage.

Duty Free Zone
An area where goods or cargo can be stored without paying import customs duties awaiting further transport or manufacturing.