Air Freight Glossary

Clear explanations of air freight, customs and transport terminology, reviewed by the EMEX EXPRESS operations team.

• AWB / Air Waybill

  The Air Waybill is the central transport document for an air freight shipment and records key information about the shipper, consignee, route and goods.

• MAWB and HAWB

  MAWB and HAWB represent different levels of an air freight shipment: the airline movement and the individual customer shipment within that movement.

• Chargeable weight

  Chargeable weight is the basis for air freight pricing and is generally the higher of the shipment’s actual gross weight and volumetric weight.

• Volumetric weight

  Volumetric weight converts the space occupied by a shipment into a calculated weight that can be compared with its actual gross weight.

• EORI number

  An EORI number identifies economic operators to customs authorities across the European Union and is required for many customs procedures.

• ATLAS export declaration

  ATLAS is Germany’s electronic customs system used to submit export declarations and exchange customs messages for the clearance process.

• HS code / tariff number

  HS codes and customs tariff numbers classify goods for customs purposes and affect duties, licences, restrictions and statistical reporting.

• Incoterms

  Incoterms define which transport costs, tasks and risks are allocated to the seller and buyer under a sales contract.

• Dangerous goods / DGR

  Dangerous goods are substances or articles that create specific risks in air transport and must therefore be classified, packed, marked and documented correctly.

• ULD

  Unit load devices combine cargo for safe and efficient aircraft handling using standardised containers or pallets secured with nets.

• ETD, ETA, ATD and ATA

  These four time references distinguish planned from actual departure and arrival times and form important milestones in shipment tracking.

• Consolidation

  Air freight consolidation combines several individual shipments into one master shipment moving on the same route.

• Commercial invoice

  The commercial invoice documents a cross-border sale of goods and provides core information for customs value, duties and document checks.

• Packing list

  A packing list shows the physical build of a shipment and links packages, contents, dimensions and weights in a traceable way.

• Certificate of Origin

  A Certificate of Origin confirms the non-preferential origin of goods when authorities, banks or contractual partners require evidence.

• Proof of Delivery / POD

  Proof of Delivery records that a shipment was handed over or delivered at the agreed location.

• MRN and export document

  The MRN uniquely identifies a customs movement, while the export accompanying information makes that reference usable in the exit process.

• Customs value

  Customs value is the value basis for ad valorem import duties and is determined under prescribed valuation methods.

• Import VAT

  Import VAT generally arises when goods are imported and uses a taxable amount that may exceed the goods value alone.

• Customs representation

  A customs representative acts for another person; direct and indirect representation differ in whose name the representative acts and in responsibility.

• Lithium batteries

  Lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are dangerous goods with requirements that vary by type, rating, configuration and transport route.

• Security screening

  Air cargo needs a traceable security status before loading, obtained through a secure supply chain or appropriate control measures.

• Known consignor

  Known consignors and regulated agents are roles in the secure EU air cargo supply chain with regulated approval requirements.

• Cut-off time

  The cut-off is the latest operational acceptance time for cargo and documents before a planned flight or consolidation.

• Ready for Carriage

  Ready for Carriage means that cargo and documentation meet the agreed acceptance requirements for onward air transport.

• Transit time

  Transit time may mean flight time, airport-to-airport movement or the full door-to-door chain, so its scope must be stated.

• IATA and ICAO codes

  IATA and ICAO codes identify airports and aerodromes in different operational systems and use different formats.

• Storage and demurrage

  Storage charges arise when cargo remains in a facility, while demurrage may describe different overrun charges depending on mode and contract.

• Minimum charge

  A minimum charge is the lowest amount billed for a tariff item or transport service even when the quantity calculation is lower.

• Air freight surcharges

  Base freight may be supplemented by variable or fixed charges for fuel, security, handling, screening and special services.