A vessel call sign is a unique identifier assigned to a ship for radio communication purposes. It is used to distinguish the vessel from others in maritime communication systems, including VHF radios and satellite communications.
A vessel omission (sometimes called a port omission) occurs when a scheduled vessel does not call at a planned port during its voyage. This disruption means that the vessel skips the port entirely, which can impact the transportation and delivery schedules of goods.
In cargo shipping, vessel rotation is the planned sequence of port calls that a shipping vessel follows on its route to optimize cargo loading and unloading operations.
The timetable of departure and arrival times for each port call on the rotation of the vessel in question.
A journey by sea from one port or country to another one or, in case of a round trip, to the same port.
Warehouse utilization is a logistics metric that refers to the effective use of available warehouse space for storing goods and inventory.
Order for specific transportation work carried out by a third party provider on behalf of the issuing party.
Logistics yard management refers to the process of overseeing and controlling the movement of trucks, trailers, containers, and other vehicles within a yard or distribution center. This includes tasks such as scheduling, tracking, and coordinating the arrival, departure, and storage of these vehicles.
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
What is a House Bill of Lading?
A House Bill of Lading (HBL) is a transportation document issued by a freight forwarder or Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) to acknowledge receipt of goods for shipment. It serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier and includes details such as the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported.
HBLs are essential for logistics professionals as they facilitate international trade by providing a reliable means of documenting and tracking shipments. HBLs also enable shippers to work with intermediaries to manage their logistics needs effectively.
Who can issue a House Bill of Lading?
Unlike a Master Bill of Lading (MBL) issued by the ocean carrier, a House Bill of Lading can be issued by a freight forwarder or NVOCC acting as a consolidator or intermediary between the shipper and the ocean carrier. These entities typically consolidate smaller shipments from multiple shippers into larger container loads for more efficient transportation. By issuing an HBL, the freight forwarder or NVOCC assumes responsibility for the cargo and arranges for its transportation from the origin to the destination port.
Related terms