Last reviewed: August 28, 2026
FCL means one full container dedicated to a single cargo owner, suited to larger volumes. LCL means several smaller shipments from different owners share one container, which is more cost-effective for smaller volumes, though delivery usually takes a bit longer.
📖 MYTARKHISKAR Educational Guide
International Freight Fundamentals
Key international shipping terms you'll encounter when negotiating with a supplier or freight forwarder
From the moment the goods leave the supplier's warehouse until they arrive at Iranian customs, a handful of specialized shipping terms come up again and again. Knowing them will help you read shipping contracts more clearly and anticipate unexpected costs.
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
The shipping document that shows ownership and details of the cargo; called a "Bill of Lading (B/L)" for sea freight and an "Airway Bill (AWB)" for air freight.
Cargo Manifest
The official list of all shipments aboard a single means of transport (ship, aircraft, or truck), submitted before arrival at the destination customs office.
FCL and LCL
FCL means a full container dedicated to a single cargo owner; LCL means several small shipments from multiple cargo owners are combined in one shared container.
Freight Forwarder
A company that manages the full coordination of international shipping — booking the ship or aircraft, preparing documents, and arranging insurance — on behalf of the cargo owner.
Demurrage and Detention
Demurrage is the fee for keeping a container at the port beyond the free time allowed; detention is the fee for keeping the container with the consignee after it leaves the port, once unloaded.
Cargo Insurance
Coverage that compensates for possible damage to the goods during international transit — physical damage, theft, or sinking.
Incoterms
International rules that define the exact point at which cost and risk transfer between buyer and seller — see our complete Incoterms 2020 guide.
Multimodal Transport
Moving a single shipment using more than one mode of transport — for example, sea followed by road — under a single contract and a single transport document.
General Warehouse and Temporary Warehouse
A general warehouse is for long-term storage of cleared goods or goods awaiting distribution; a temporary warehouse is for short-term storage of goods before clearance is complete at a port or border.
Freight
The cost paid for physically moving the goods from origin to destination; depending on the Incoterm chosen, it may fall to the buyer or the seller.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Shipping
What is the difference between FCL and LCL, and which is right for me? +
FCL means one full container dedicated to a single cargo owner, suited to larger volumes. LCL means several smaller shipments from different owners share one container, which is more cost-effective for smaller volumes, though delivery usually takes a bit longer.
When do demurrage and detention apply, and how can I avoid them? +
Demurrage is the fee for keeping a container at port beyond the free time allowed; detention is the fee for holding the container at the consignee's premises after unloading. Coordinating clearance steps early and having documents ready before the shipment arrives is the most effective way to avoid these charges.
What is the difference between an ocean bill of lading and an air waybill? +
Both are shipping documents that show ownership and details of the cargo; for sea freight it's called a Bill of Lading (B/L), and for air freight an Airway Bill (AWB). The document type is determined by the mode of transport chosen.
What exactly does a freight forwarder do, and do I need one? +
A freight forwarder handles the full coordination of international shipping — booking vessels or flights, preparing documents, and arranging insurance — on behalf of the cargo owner. For importers without direct relationships with carriers, using a forwarder usually makes coordination simpler and more reliable.
Is cargo insurance mandatory? +
Cargo insurance isn't always legally mandatory, but it's strongly recommended; it covers potential damage to goods during international transit — physical damage, theft, or loss at sea — and significantly reduces your financial risk.
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