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Alphabetical Index

Express B/L
Non-negotiable B/L where there are no hard copies of originals printed.

E.C.M.C.A.
Eastern Central Motor Carriers Association.

Edge Protector
An angle piece fitted 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.

EDI
Abbreviation for "Electronic Data Interface." 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. See UN/EDIFACT.

Elevating
- A charge for services performed in connection with floating elevators.
- Charges assessed for the handling of grain through grain elevators.

Elkins Act
An act of Congress (1903) prohibiting rebates, concession, misbilling, etc. and providing specific penalties for such violations.

Embargo
Order to restrict the hauling of freight.

Eminent Domain
The sovereign power to take property for a necessary public use, with reasonable compensation.

Empty Repo
Contraction for Empty Repositioning. The movement of empty containers.

Endorsement
A legal signature usually placed on the reverse of a draft; signifies transfer of rights from the holder to another party.

Entry
Customs documents required to clear an import shipment for entry into the general commerce of a country.

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)
A document transferring a container from one carrier to another, or to/from a terminal.

ETA
- Estimated Time of Availability. That time when a tractor/partner carrier is available for dispatch.
- Estimated time of arrival.

Ethylene
A gas produced by many fruits and vegetables that accelerates the ripening and aging processes.

E.W.I.B.
Eastern Weighing and Inspection Bureau.

Ex Dec
Contraction for 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
Abbreviation for Export-Import Bank of the United States. An independent U.S. Government Agency which facilitates exports of U.S. 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 to a foreign country.

Export Declaration
A government document declaring designated goods to be shipped out of the country. To be completed by the exporter and filed with the U.S. Government.

Export License
A government document which permits the "Licensee" to engage in the export of designated goods to certain destinations.

Export Rate
A rate published on traffic moving from an interior point to a port for transshipment to a foreign country.

EXW (Ex Works)
A Term of Sale which means that the seller fulfills the obligation to deliver when he or she has made the goods available at his/her premises (i.e., works, factory, warehouse, etc.) to the buyer. In particular, the seller is not responsible for loading the goods in the vehicle provided by the buyer or for clearing the goods for export, unless otherwise agreed. The buyer bears all costs and risks involved in taking the goods from the seller's premises to the desired destination. This term thus represents the minimum obligation for the seller.