Edge Protector: An
angle piece fitting over the
edge of boxes, crates, bundles
and other packages to prevent
the pressure from metal bands or
other types from cutting into
the package.
Electronic Data Interface
(EDI): Generic term for
transmission of transactional
data between computer systems.
EDI is typically via a batched
transmission, usually conforming
to consistent standards.
EDIFACT: International
data interchange standards
sponsored by the United Nations.
Elevating: A charge for
services performed in connection
with floating elevators.
Elkins Act: An act of US
Congress (1903) prohibiting
rebates, concession, misbilling,
etc. and providing specific
penalties for such violations.
Embargo: Order to
restrict the hauling of freight.
Empty Repositioning: The
move of empty containers by
truck or rail to meet service
needs elsewhere.
Empty slot: An available
loading position on a stack car
created when a container is not
loaded to an available position.
Also known as a vacant slot.
Entry Summary: A document
issued by a customs broker on
behalf of an importer. Customs
Form 7501 specifies all shipment
particulars that allow U.S.
Customs to assess and collect
import duties. Highly
standardized to allow computer
processing. Includes Harmonized
Code number, broker
identification number, and
auxiliary fees. Broker figures
all assessments, then submits
form with supporting documents
and payment. Customs later
either accepts or modifies
payment.
Equalization: A monetary
allowance to the customer for
picking up or delivering at a
point other than the destination
shown on the bill of lading.
This provision is covered by
tariff publication.
Equipment Interchange Receipt
(EIR): See Trailer
Interchange Receipt (TIR).
ETA: Estimated time of
availability. That time when a
tractor/partner carrier is
available for dispatch.
Ethylene: A gas produced
by many fruits and vegetables
that accelerates the ripening
and aging process.
Exchange Rate: The price
of one currency in terms of
another; i.e., the number of
units of one currency that may
be exchanged for one unit of
another currency.
Ex Dec: Shipper's Export
Declaration
Ex - From: When used in
pricing terms such as
"Ex-Factory" or "Ex-Dock", it
signifies that the price quoted
applies only at the point of
origin indicated.
Exception: Notations made
when the cargo is received at
the carrier's terminal or loaded
aboard a vessel. They show any
irregularities in packaging or
actual or suspected damage to
the cargo. Exceptions are then
noted on the bill of lading.
EXIM Bank (Export Import
Bank): An independent US
Government Agency which
facilitates exports of US goods
by providing loan guarantees and
insurance for repayment of
bank-provided export credit.
Expiry Date: Issued in
connection with documents such
as letters of credit, tariffs,
etc. to advise that stated
provisions will expire at a
certain time.
Export: Shipment of goods
outside one's own country to a
foreign country.
Export Broker: An
individual or firm that joins
together buyers and sellers for
a fee but does not take part in
actual sales transactions.
Export Declaration: A
government document permitting
designated goods to be shipped
out of the country.
Export License: A
government document which
permits the "License" to engage
in the export of designated
goods to certain destinations.
Export-Management Company:
A private firm that serves as
the export department for
several manufacturers,
soliciting and transacting
export business on behalf of its
clients in return for a
commission, salary, or retainer
plus commission.
Export Rate: A rate
published on traffic moving from
an interior point to a port for
transshipment to a foreign
country.
Export Trading Company: A
firm that buys domestic products
for sale overseas. A trading
company takes title to the
goods; an export-management
company usually does not.
