Glossary
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Example H2
Supply Chain Glossary
ABC analysis
Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)
Agile supply chain
Air waybill (AWB)
Arrival notice
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)
Backhauling
Backorder
Bay plan
Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO)
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Blank sailing
Blind shipment
Bonded warehouse
Booking confirmation
Booking request
Break bulk cargo
Buffer stock
Bulk cargo
Bullwhip effect
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
Capesize Ship
Cargo release
Cargo survey
Carrier
Carrier haulage
Carrier scorecard
Certificate of origin
Commercial invoice
Commodity
Consignee
Consignment inventory
Consignor
Container depot
Container discharge
Container freight station
Container grade
Container packing certificate
Container rollover
Container stripping
Container stuffing
Cross docking
Customs broker
Customs clearance
Customs manifest
Cut-off
Cycle counting
DAP (Delivered At Place)
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
DPU (Delivered At Place Unloaded)
Dangerous goods declaration
Deadheading
Deadweight tonnage
Demurrage
Detention charges
Digital twin
Dimensional weight
Dock receipt
Draft (Draught)
Drayage
Drop shipping
Dry bulk cargo
EDI booking
EORI number
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
EXW (Ex Works)
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
Electronic Product Code (EPC)
Equipment
Equipment discharge / load report
Exception
Expedited freight
FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
FCA (Free carrier)
FCL Freight
FOB (Free on board)
Feeder operator
Feeder vessel
Feedermax Ship
Fill rate
Flags of Convenience
Fourth Party Logistics (4PL)
Free trade zone
Freight forwarding
Freight visibility
Full truckload (FTL) freight
GLEC framework
Gate-out
German Supply Chain Act
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
Goods Receipt Note (GRN)
Green logistics
Handysize Vessel
Haulage equipment
Haulage requirements
Haulage type
Haulier
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
Hub and spoke model
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Shipping Alliances

What is a Shipping Alliance?‍

A shipping alliance is a vessel sharing collaboration between multiple shipping companies used to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. By working together, these companies can offer a wider range of services and improve their competitiveness in the global shipping market. Alliances help shipping lines optimize capacity and streamline operations while maintaining independent business identities.

What are the Benefits of Shipping Alliances?‍

Shipping alliances offer several key benefits, including cost savings, increased operational efficiency, and expanded service networks. By pooling resources, member companies can reduce expenses associated with vessel operation, maintenance, and port fees. Additionally, alliances allow for greater flexibility in scheduling and routing, helping to meet customer demands more effectively. This collaboration also leads to improved cargo utilization, which enhances profitability for all members.

THE Shipping Alliance

Note: Hapag-Lloyd will be leaving the alliance in 2025 when it launches the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk.

‍THE Alliance was formed in 2017 and includes Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming, and Ocean Network Express (ONE). This alliance focuses on providing comprehensive container shipping services across various global routes.

2M Shipping Alliance

Note: The 2M Alliance is set to be terminated in 2025 when Maersk launches the Gemini Cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd.

‍The 2M Shipping Alliance is a partnership between Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Established in 2015, this alliance allows both companies to share vessels and resources, improving operational efficiency while providing extensive coverage on key trade routes.

Ocean Alliance

‍The Ocean Alliance is a major shipping partnership consisting of four leading shipping lines: CMA CGM, Evergreen, OOCL, and COSCO. Formed in 2017, this alliance provides extensive global services and aims to enhance operational efficiency through vessel sharing and coordination. The Ocean Alliance offers a comprehensive network that covers multiple trade routes, improving service options for customers around the world. The alliance has been extended through 2032.