In logistics the documents tell who bears the liability. A delivery term abbreviation says in three letters where cost and risk pass. Mixing up these abbreviations and the types of transport document in translation swaps the obligations of the parties.
Delivery terms
Where cost and risk pass is defined by the delivery term, and the abbreviations are international. The abbreviations are not translated. The edition of the rule set is stated.
Edition of the rule set
Delivery terms are interpreted according to a specific rule set, and the edition matters. The edition information is not skipped. It is stated in the contract.
Transport documents
The document that shows that the carrier has taken over the cargo gives rise to liability. The types of document differ. The distinction is preserved.
Types of bill of lading
Some bills of lading are negotiable instruments, and their transfer affects ownership. The names of the types are not mixed up. The distinction between the terms is preserved.
Road transport documents
In international carriage by road a standard consignment note is used. The field structure is defined. The fields are carried over in full.
Air waybills
In air transport a separate type of document is used, and its numbering is standard. The numbers are carried over. The format is preserved.
Packing lists
The contents, weight and dimensions of the packages are shown in the list, which is used at customs. The units are not mixed up. The values are verified.
Gross and net weight
The two values differ in whether or not they include the packaging. Their labels are preserved. Mixing them up upsets the freight calculation.
Freight and surcharges
The transport charge and the additional items are shown on separate lines. Item names are translated consistently. Amounts stay in their own fields.
Insurance cover
The scope of cargo insurance and its exclusions are defined in a separate document. The exclusions are preserved. The scope is not widened.
Dangerous goods transport documents
For dangerous cargo, classification and declaration are mandatory. The class codes are not translated. The warnings are carried over in full.
Refrigerated transport records
In temperature-controlled transport the records are documented and prove the chain. The values and the times are preserved. Deviations are reported.
Customs declaration information
The transport documents must be consistent with the customs declaration. Inconsistency halts the procedure. The comparison is made at file level.
Transit procedure documents
Transit documents are used when crossing countries and may require security. The document numbers are carried over. The names of the procedures are preserved.
Warehouse inbound and outbound records
The movement of goods in the warehouse is recorded and is the basis of stock reconciliation. The quantities are given with their units. The dates are preserved.
Delivery records
Damage and shortages are recorded at the time of delivery and later serve as a basis for claims. The entries are carried over objectively. The fields are preserved.
Notices of damage and shortage
The notice periods are defined, and failure may lead to a loss of rights. Expressions of time are carried over exactly. No interpretation is added.
The costliest mistake in this sector
Carrying over a delivery term abbreviation incorrectly changes the point at which cost and risk pass. A difference of three letters can shift liability entirely to the counterparty in the event of damage. Delivery terms are verified together with the rule set.