Shipping Glossary of Terms

Clarifying shipping terminology

As you’ll already be aware, the shipping industry is a big one. It encompasses a number of different processes, and with that a wide range of terms. For people new to the industry, getting to know shipping terminology can be a challenge. We believe the industry, and its jargon, should be accessible for everyone, which is why we’ve created our very own shipping dictionary. 

Compiled by industry experts, DCSA’s shipping glossary serves as a valuable tool, explaining international container shipping terminology used within the industry, fostering communication, and promoting standardisation among stakeholders. Explore and utilise this resource to enhance collaboration and navigate the container shipping landscape with precision. 

Download Glossary in Excel

Shipping Terms

An overview of the industry-wide accepted definitions.

Download

Let us know how we're doing

Were you able to find what you were looking for on this website?

Learn about our shipping standards

Our standards

DCSA shipping standards serve as a framework to ensure both uniformity and efficiency, facilitating smooth operations and interactions across industry processes. Learn more about the different shipping standards.

Glossary of Terms - Key contact