PACKAGE CARGO

Cargo in boxes, barrels, crates, bales, or other containers as opposed to bulk or loose cargo.

PACKING LIST

A detailed specification of the goods packed.  List showing merchandise packed and all particulars.  Normally prepared by shipper but not required by carriers.  Copy is sent to consignee to help verify shipment received.

PALLET

A portable platform for holding material while in storage or transport.

PALLETIZATION

System for shipping goods on lightweight, double-decked wooden platforms called pallets.  Permits shipment of multiple units as one large unit.

PARTICIPATING CARRIER (TARIFF)

A carrier that is a party to a tariff that is issued by another carrier or by a tariff-publishing agent.

PAYLOAD

Profitable cargo.

PER DIEM

Latin for "by the day".

PERILS OF THE SEA

A marine insurance term used to designate heavy weather, stranding, lightning, collision, and seawater damage.

PERISHABLE FREIGHT

Freight subject to deterioration or decay in a relatively short time.  Commodities subject to rapid deterioration or decay, which require special protective services such as refrigeration or heating.

PERMIT

Authority given to engage in certain acts.

PHYTOSANITARY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE

A certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to satisfy import regulations for foreign countries, indicating that a U.S. shipment has been inspected and is free from harmful pests and plant diseases. (USA)

PIER

A location at a port where cargo can be loaded and unloaded and other shipping functions can be performed.

PIGGY BACK

Intermodal transportation system whereby trailers/containers are carried on railcars.

PIER-TO-HOUSE

Cargo stuffed by carrier at his facility and unstuffed by the consignee at his facility.

PIER-TO-PIER

Cargo stuffed at origin and unstuffed at destination by carrier at his facility.

POINT OF ORIGIN

The point where freight is received for transportation and the carrier takes responsibility for the cargo.

POOL

A quantity of equipment from which equipment is drawn as required.

POOLING AGREEMENT

Dividing of revenue/business among two or more carriers in accordance with previous contracts/agreements.

PORT AUTHORITY

The entity whose duty is to construct, manage, maintain, and improve a port.  States, municipalities, statutory trusts, or private or corporate entities may administer ports.  Also known as harbor authority, harbor board, port trust, or port commission.

PORT CHARGES

Fees assessed against a vessel, cargo, and passengers while in port, including harbor dues, tariff charges, wharfage, towage, etc.

PORT OF ENTRY

Where goods are entered and where the Customs Service accepts entries of merchandise and collects duties.

PORT SIDE

The left side of a vessel as one  looks towards the bow.

PORTSIDE POWER OF ATTORNEY

A document which empowers one party to act on behalf of another.

POWER OF ATTORNEY (or Limited Power of Attorney)

A legal document that importers give to their customs broker that allows the customs broker to conduct business with the Customs Service on the importer's behalf.

POWER PACK

An independent power unit used to control temperature in containers.

PREFERENTIAL DUTY STATUS

Special trade status given to foreign countries by agreement for assistance or reciprocity.

PREPAID

A notation on a bill of lading that indicates that transportation charges have been paid or are to be paid at origin.

PREPAY

Pay before or in advance of services.

PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON EXPORT

Senior level advisory committee whose members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to advise the U.S. Government on matters and issues pertinent to implementation of the provisions of the Export Administration Act and the Export Administration Regulations, as amended, and related statutes and regulations. (USA)

PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENCRYPTION

Senior level advisory committee whose members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to advise the U.S. Government on matters pertinent to United States policies regarding commercial encryption products. (USA)

PRIOR DISCLOSURE

Sometimes an importer will find it has violated a customs law before the Customs Service has discovered the violation. A prior disclosure is a voluntary report by an importer of the violation to the Customs Service. The law provides some benefits (but does not speak of the risks) to an importer who does a prior disclosure.

PRO FORMA

An informal document presented in advance.

PRO FORMA INVOICE

An invoice provided by a supplier prior to the shipment of merchandise, informing the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their value, and important specifications (weight, size, etc.).

PRO NUMBER

Any progressive or serial number applied to identify freight bills, bills of lading, etc.

PROF

See Proforma Invoice.

PROOF OF DELIVERY

Copy of waybill signed by consignee at time of delivery as receipt.  The consignee's written certification that the cargo has been delivered.

PROPORTIONAL RATE

Lower than normal rate on segment of through movement to encourage traffic or capture competitive traffic.  May be percentage of standard rate of flat rate that is lower between given points.

PRORATE

To divide or distribute proportionally.

PROTEST

The means to challenge through administrative or agency channels decisions by the Customs Service .

PURCHASE ORDER

1)  A document used to requisition goods.  2) A form a buyer may use when placing an order for merchandise

PUBLIC WAREHOUSE

Storage place renting space to anyone desiring it.

PUBLISHING AGENT

A person authorized by carriers to publish tariffs or rates, rules and regulations on their behalf.