If you’re planning an aliyah shipment, you’ll quickly encounter unfamiliar shipping terminology. While you don’t need to become a shipping expert, understanding a few common terms can make the process easier and help you feel more confident when reviewing proposals and discussing your move.
Below is a simple dictionary of terms commonly used in the moving and shipping industry.
Common Shipping Terms
- Air Freight
Shipment transported by airplane. Faster than sea freight but usually more expensive. - All Risk Insurance
The broadest type of marine insurance coverage, subject to policy terms and exclusions. - CBM (Cubic Meter)
A measurement of volume used in international shipping. One cubic meter equals approximately 35.3 cubic feet. - Container
A large steel shipping box used to transport household goods by sea. There are 20′, 40′ and 40′ HC containers. - Customs Clearance
The process of obtaining approval from customs authorities to release your shipment. - Destination Services
Services performed in Israel, such as customs handling, delivery, and unloading. - Door-to-Door Service
Shipment is picked up from your home and delivered to your new home. - FCL (Full Container Load)
You use an entire shipping container exclusively for your household goods. - Gross Volume
The outside dimensions of your shipment after packing, palletizing, and shrink-wrapping. Gross volume is often larger than the surveyed volume. - Inventory / Packing List
The document listing the contents of your shipment. - LCL (Less than Container Load)
Your shipment shares container space with shipments belonging to other customers. - Lift Van
A large wooden crate used to consolidate and protect household goods during international transport. - LTL (Less than Truckload)
A trucking term used when a shipment shares truck space with other shipments rather than occupying an entire truck. - Marine Insurance
Insurance designed to protect goods while in transit and storage during the shipping process. - Origin Services
Services performed in the country of departure, such as packing, loading, and export documentation. - PBO (Packed by Owner)
Indicates that the customer packed the box themselves. - Partial Shipment
A shipment that does not require a full shipping container and is consolidated with other shipments. - Survey
The process of estimating shipment volume and reviewing what will be shipped. - Transit Time
The estimated time required for the shipment to travel from origin to destination. - Warehouse Receiving Fee
A fee charged when additional items are delivered to a warehouse after the original pickup.
Final Thoughts
Shipping to Israel involves its own vocabulary, but understanding these common terms can make the process much less intimidating. At Aliyah Lift Shipping, we believe informed customers have a smoother and less stressful moving experience.
If you come across a shipping term you don’t understand, just ask. We’re always happy to explain the process and help you make informed decisions about your move to Israel.
Questions about your shipment? Schedule a Clarity Call and we’ll walk you through your options.
