30 Essential Logistics Terms Every Importer Should Know

30 Essential Logistics Terms Every Importer Should Know

Speak Logistics with Confidence
 
Every shipment tells a story.
 
Before cargo leaves the factory, documents are prepared, space is booked, customs procedures begin, and transport is coordinated across multiple parties.
 
Along the way, you’ll hear terms like FOB, LCL, AWB, DDP, and ETA. These aren’t industry jargon—they’re the language of international trade.
 
This guide brings together 30 of the logistics abbreviations used most often in global shipping. Whether you’re sourcing from China, importing into Malaysia, or managing regular commercial cargo, understanding these terms helps you make better decisions and communicate more effectively throughout the shipping process.
 
Save this guide. It’s one of those references you’ll return to again and again.