For those involved in international freight transactions, the following explanations of international standard trade definitions are useful in outlining risks and responsibilities between buyers and sellers. This page highlights the Incoterms 2010 changes from Incoterms 2000.

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According to ISO 668:1995(E), freight container means an article of transport equipment which is: a) of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use; b) specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods, by one or more mode of transport, without intermediate reloading;

Shipping container sizes as well as markings, specifications are to comply with international standards so that containers can be used as intermodal receptacles. Of course, there are always special containers which have length and width dimensions similar to those of ISO ones but have different heights and weights. Such non-standard boxes may not be intermodal worldwide.

There are many container types which, for easy understanding, can be divided into standard and non-standard containers. Non-standard containers may be similar to ISO containers but may not be intermodal worldwide and their operation could require special arrangement.

The INCOTERMS (International Commercial Terms) is a universally recognized set of definitions of international trade terms, such as FOB, CFR and CIF, developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France. It defines the trade contract responsibilities and liabilities between buyer and seller. It is invaluable and a cost-saving tool.

A unit load device, or ULD, is a pallet or container used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft.

There are many container types which, for easy understanding, can be divided into standard and non-standard containers. Non-standard containers may be similar to ISO containers but may not be intermodal worldwide and their operation could require special arrangement.

Incoterms 2000 are standard trade definitions most commonly used in international sales contracts. Devised and published by the International Chamber of Commerce, they are at the heart of world trade.