A AAAlways Afloat (In some ports the ship aground when approaching, or at berth.) AARAbbreviation for: - Against All Risks (insurance clause). - Association of American Railroads.AbaftA point beyond the midpoint of a ships length, towards the rear or stern. AbandonA proceeding wherein a shipper/consignee seeks authority to abandon all or parts of their cargo. AbatementA discount allowed for damage or overcharge in the payment of a bill. ABIU.S. Customs' "Automated Broker Interface," by which brokers file importers' entries electronically. AboardReferring to cargo being put, or laden, onto a means of conveyance. AbsorptionOne carrier assumes the charges of another without any increase in charges to the shipper. Acceptance - A time draft (or bill of exchange) that the drawee (payer) has accepted and is unconditionally obligated to pay at maturity. - Broadly speaking, any agreement to purchase goods under specified terms. Accessorial Charges Charges that are applied to the base tariff rate or base contract rate, e.g., bunkers, container, currency, destination/delivery. Acquiescence When a bill of lading is accepted or signed by a shipper or shipper's agent without protest, the shipper is said to acquiesce to the terms, giving a silent form of consent. AcquittanceA written receipt in full, in discharge from all claims. ACS (A.C.S.)U.S. Customs' master computer system, "Automated Commercial Systems." Act of GodAn act beyond human control, such as lightning, flood or earthquake. Ad ValoremA term from Latin meaning, "according to value." Administrative Law Judge A representative of a government commission or agency vested with power to administer oaths, examine witnesses, take testimony, and conduct hearings of cas...
