Knowledge Hub

Freight Resources

Everything you need to navigate international freight — terminology guides, shipping forms, volumetric calculators, container specs, Incoterms and useful links.

Reference

Freight Terminology Guide

Common abbreviations and terms used in international freight and logistics.

AWBAir WaybillThe air freight equivalent of a Bill of Lading

BAFBunker Adjustment FactorSurcharge/discount on ocean freight rate to offset oil price changes

B/LBill of LadingDocument of title for sea freight shipments

Break BulkBreak Bulk CargoNon-containerised shipping; goods loaded on conventional or Ro/Ro ships

CADCash Against DeliveryPayment made when documents (usually B/L) are handed over

CAFCurrency Adjustment FactorSurcharge or discount on ocean freight for currency fluctuations

CAOCargo Aircraft OnlyHazardous goods that may only be loaded on cargo aircraft

CFSContainer Freight StationLoading and unloading point for LCL shipments

CODCash on DeliveryPayment made upon delivery of goods

CYContainer YardDelivery or reception point for full FCL or empty containers

DemurrageDemurrage ChargeFee charged when agreed loading/unloading time is exceeded at port

DetentionDetention ChargeCharge for late return of containers to the shipping line

DGRDangerous Goods RegulationsGovern the air transport of dangerous goods

ETAEstimated Time of ArrivalEstimated arrival time at destination port or airport

ETDEstimated Time of DepartureEstimated time of departure or sailing

FCLFull Container LoadContainer used exclusively by one shipper from origin to destination

FCL/LCLFull Container Load / Less than Container LoadOne sender, multiple recipients — container unloaded at destination CFS

G/AGeneral AverageMaritime law principle for sharing losses from a sea accident

HAWBHouse Air WaybillWaybill for an individual consignment within a consolidated shipment

IATAInternational Air Transport AssociationGlobal airline industry body

IMDGInternational Maritime Dangerous GoodsCode governing the sea transport of dangerous goods

IMOInternational Maritime OrganisationImproves safety and environmental standards at sea

L/CLetter of CreditBank guarantee for payment in international trade

LCLLess than Container LoadMultiple shippers share container space; CFS to CFS

MAWBMaster Air WaybillWaybill for the overall consolidated shipment or direct consignment

NVOCCNon-Vessel Operating Common CarrierCarrier who ships by sea without owning ships

PAXPassenger AircraftIndicates hazardous goods approved to be loaded on passenger aircraft

TEUTwenty-Foot Equivalent UnitStandard measure of container capacity (20' ISO)

THCTerminal Handling ChargesFees for handling containers at port terminals

ULDUnit Load DeviceStandardised container or pallet used in air freight

Downloads

Shipping Forms

Download the forms you need for export documentation, customs applications and ICS account setup.

Sea Freight Export Packing Declaration

All countries — standard packing declaration for sea containers

DOC

Manufacturer's Declaration

Required for certain goods — confirms manufacturing origin

DOCX

Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI)

Authorises ICS to arrange export shipment on your behalf

DOC

Commercial / Proforma Invoice Template

Standard export invoice format accepted by customs worldwide

PDF

Quarantine Declaration — NZ Imports

MPI biosecurity declaration required for containers arriving in New Zealand

PDF

NZ Customs Deferred Payment — Info Sheet

Overview of the NZ Customs deferred payment scheme

PDF

NZ Customs Deferred Payment Application

NZCS-614 — apply for a customs deferred payment account

DOC

NZ Customs Client Registration

NZCS-224 — register as an importer or exporter with NZ Customs

PDF

ICS Credit Application Form

Apply for a credit account with International Cargo Systems

PDF

ICS Terms & Conditions

Standard trading terms and conditions for ICS services

PDF

Tools

Volumetric Weight Calculator

Common abbreviations and terms used in international freight and logistics.

Calculate Volumetric Weight

Length (m)

Width (m)

Height (m)

—

Air Freight
L×W×H×167 = vol. kg

—

Sea Freight
L×W×H = CBM

—

Courier
L×W×H×200 = vol. kg

—

Road Freight
L×W×H = CBM (1:3 ratio)

Volumetric Ratios by Mode

Air Freight L × W × H × 167 kg

Sea Freight L × W × H = CBM
1:1 ratio — 1000kg = 1 CBM CBM

Courier L × W × H × 200 kg

Road Freight L × W × H = CBM
1:3 ratio — 1000kg = 3 CBM CBM

The higher of actual weight vs. volumetric weight is used to calculate freight charges. Always compare both when estimating costs.

Container Guide

Container Specifications

Internal dimensions and capacities for sea freight and air freight containers. Sea freight dimensions in metres; air freight in centimetres.

Sea Freight Containers

Container	Door Width	Door Height	Roof Opening	Inner Length	Inner Width	Inner Height
20' BoxGeneral goods	2.28–2.32 m	2.27–2.29 m	—	5.88–5.90 m	2.33–2.35 m	2.36–2.39 m
40' BoxGeneral goods	2.28–2.33 m	2.27–2.29 m	—	11.96–12.00 m	2.33–2.35 m	2.36–2.39 m
40' High CubeLong and heavy goods	2.28–2.34 m	2.58–2.59 m	—	12.00–12.02 m	2.33–2.35 m	2.67–2.69 m
20' ReeferConstant temperature control above/below freezing; controlled fresh air supply	2.26–2.28 m	2.20–2.22 m	—	5.42–5.48 m	2.26–2.29 m	2.21–2.23 m
40' ReeferConstant temperature control above/below freezing; controlled fresh air supply	2.26–2.28 m	2.17–2.20 m	—	11.56–11.57 m	2.26–2.29 m	2.20 m
40' Reefer CubeConstant temperature control above/below freezing; controlled fresh air supply	2.26–2.29 m	2.40–2.43 m	—	11.56–11.60 m	2.26–2.29 m	2.48–2.51 m
20' Open TopOver height goods — loading from above or side	2.28–2.33 m	2.27 m	2.21×5.43 m	5.88–5.90 m	2.33–2.34 m	2.35 m
40' Open TopOver height goods — loading from above or side	2.28–2.33 m	2.27 m	2.21×11.57 m	11.96–12.02 m	2.33–2.34 m	2.35–2.37 m
20' Hard TopHeavy and high goods	2.34 m	2.28 m	—	5.89 m	2.34 m	2.38 m

Standard dry

Reefer — temperature controlled

Open top / Hard top

Air Freight ULD Containers & Pallets

Container / Pallet	Code	Outer Dims (cm)	Inner Dims (cm)	Empty Weight	Max Load	Aircraft Compatibility
Pallet with side extensionsWide-body standard pallet	PLW / PLA	318 × 153	304 × 139 +48cm/350kg per ext.	154 kg	3,175 kg	A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Pallet with side extensionsNarrow-body pallet	PKC	156 × 153	150 × 146	85 kg	1,134 kg	A320, A321, A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Standard PalletMost common air freight pallet	P1P / PAG / PAJ	318 × 224	304 × 210	115 kg	6,804 kg	A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Pallet with side extensions	PAW	318 × 224	304 × 210 +48cm/600kg per ext.	167 kg	6,804 kg	A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Heavy Duty Pallet	PAS	318 × 224	304 × 210	265 kg	6,804 kg 9,072 kg on MD positions	A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
10ft Pallet	PQP / PMC	318 × 244	304 × 230	115 kg	6,804 kg	A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F
Pallet with side extensions10ft with extensions	PMW	318 × 244	304 × 230 +48cm/600kg per ext.	167 kg	6,804 kg	A310-300, A300-600, A340-200/300, B747-200/400, B747-200SF/F, MD 11F

Trade Terms

Incoterms® 2020

The International Chamber of Commerce Incoterms define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. Knowing your Incoterm is essential for managing cost and risk.

EXW

Ex Works

Seller makes goods available at their premises. Buyer bears all costs and risks from that point.

FCA

Free Carrier

Seller delivers goods to a named carrier at an agreed location. Risk transfers at delivery to carrier.

FOB

Free On Board

Seller loads goods onto the vessel. Risk transfers when goods are on board. Sea freight only.

CFR

Cost and Freight

Seller pays freight to destination port. Risk transfers when goods are on board at origin.

CIF

Cost, Insurance & Freight

As CFR but seller also provides minimum insurance. Sea freight only.

CPT

Carriage Paid To

Seller pays freight to named destination. Risk transfers when goods are handed to first carrier.

CIP

Carriage & Insurance Paid

As CPT but seller provides all-risk insurance. Suitable for all transport modes.

DDP

Delivered Duty Paid

Seller bears all costs including duty and delivery to named place. Maximum obligation for seller.

For full details visit the International Chamber of Commerce →

External Resources

Useful Links

Key New Zealand government and international trade organisations relevant to importers and exporters.

NZ Customs Service

customs.govt.nz

Ministry for Primary Industries

mpi.govt.nz — biosecurity & food safety

International Chamber of Commerce

iccwbo.org — Incoterms & trade rules

NZ Food Safety Authority

foodsafety.govt.nz

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

mbie.govt.nz

IATA

iata.org — international air transport association

Still have questions about your shipment?

Our team is happy to help — no question too simple.