Glossary

Moving & shipping terms, explained

International moves come with a lot of jargon. Here is what the most common shipping and customs terms actually mean.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

The legal shipping document issued by the carrier — it acknowledges your goods, sets the terms of carriage and acts as a receipt and title to the shipment.

Bonded warehouse

A secure, customs-controlled facility where imported goods can be stored before duty and taxes are paid or clearance is completed.

CBM (cubic metre)

The standard unit for measuring shipment volume. Your survey estimates total CBM, which drives whether you need groupage, a 20ft or a 40ft container.

Customs clearance

The process of getting your goods approved to leave one country and enter another, including declarations, duties and any relief such as ToR.

Demurrage

Charges that build up when a container is held at the port beyond the free days allowed — often caused by delayed paperwork.

FCL (Full Container Load)

Your goods have a whole container to themselves — sealed at origin and opened at destination. Best for larger homes.

Groupage / LCL (Less than Container Load)

Your goods share a container with other shipments. More economical for smaller volumes, with slightly longer transit times.

Inventory

The itemised list of everything being moved, created as we pack. It protects you and is essential for customs and insurance.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

A shipping method where vehicles are driven directly on and off the vessel — a common, cost-effective way to ship cars.

Transfer of Residence (ToR)

HMRC relief that lets you import used household goods into the UK without paying import VAT or duty, provided you qualify and apply in time.

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