Edge Protector: An angle piece fitting over the edge of boxes, crates, bundles and other packages to prevent the pressure from metal bands or other types from cutting into the package.

Electronic Data Interface (EDI): Generic term for transmission of transactional data between computer systems. EDI is typically via a batched transmission, usually conforming to consistent standards.

EDIFACT: International data interchange standards sponsored by the United Nations.

Elevating: A charge for services performed in connection with floating elevators.

Elkins Act: An act of US Congress (1903) prohibiting rebates, concession, misbilling, etc. and providing specific penalties for such violations.

Embargo: Order to restrict the hauling of freight.

Empty Repositioning: The move of empty containers by truck or rail to meet service needs elsewhere.

Empty slot: An available loading position on a stack car created when a container is not loaded to an available position. Also known as a vacant slot.

Entry Summary: A document issued by a customs broker on behalf of an importer. Customs Form 7501 specifies all shipment particulars that allow U.S. Customs to assess and collect import duties. Highly standardized to allow computer processing. Includes Harmonized Code number, broker identification number, and auxiliary fees. Broker figures all assessments, then submits form with supporting documents and payment. Customs later either accepts or modifies payment.

Equalization: A monetary allowance to the customer for picking up or delivering at a point other than the destination shown on the bill of lading. This provision is covered by tariff publication.

Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR): See Trailer Interchange Receipt (TIR).

ETA: Estimated time of availability. That time when a tractor/partner carrier is available for dispatch.

Ethylene: A gas produced by many fruits and vegetables that accelerates the ripening and aging process.

Exchange Rate: The price of one currency in terms of another; i.e., the number of units of one currency that may be exchanged for one unit of another currency.

Ex Dec: Shipper's Export Declaration

Ex - From: When used in pricing terms such as "Ex-Factory" or "Ex-Dock", it signifies that the price quoted applies only at the point of origin indicated.

Exception: Notations made when the cargo is received at the carrier's terminal or loaded aboard a vessel. They show any irregularities in packaging or actual or suspected damage to the cargo. Exceptions are then noted on the bill of lading.

EXIM Bank (Export Import Bank): An independent US Government Agency which facilitates exports of US goods by providing loan guarantees and insurance for repayment of bank-provided export credit.

Expiry Date: Issued in connection with documents such as letters of credit, tariffs, etc. to advise that stated provisions will expire at a certain time.

Export: Shipment of goods outside one's own country to a foreign country.

Export Broker: An individual or firm that joins together buyers and sellers for a fee but does not take part in actual sales transactions.

Export Declaration: A government document permitting designated goods to be shipped out of the country.

Export License: A government document which permits the "License" to engage in the export of designated goods to certain destinations.

Export-Management Company: A private firm that serves as the export department for several manufacturers, soliciting and transacting export business on behalf of its clients in return for a commission, salary, or retainer plus commission.

Export Rate: A rate published on traffic moving from an interior point to a port for transshipment to a foreign country.

Export Trading Company: A firm that buys domestic products for sale overseas. A trading company takes title to the goods; an export-management company usually does not.