E.C.M.C.A.:
Eastern Central Motor Carriers Association.

Edge Protector:
An angle piece fitted 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.

EDI:
Abbreviation for "Electronic Data Interface." 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. See UN/EDIFACT.

Elevating:

• A charge for services performed in connection with floating elevators.
• Charges assessed for the handling of grain through grain elevators.

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

Embargo:
Order to restrict the hauling of freight.

Eminent Domain:
The sovereign power to take property for a necessary public use, with reasonable compensation.

Empty Repo:
Contraction for Empty Repositioning. The movement of empty containers.

Endorsement:
A legal signature usually placed on the reverse of a draft; signifies transfer of rights from the holder to another party.

Entry:
Customs documents required to clear an import shipment for entry into the general commerce of a country.

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):
A document transferring a container from one carrier to another, or to/from a terminal.

ETA:

• Estimated Time of Availability. That time when a tractor/partner carrier is available for dispatch.
• Estimated time of arrival.

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

E.W.I.B.:
Eastern Weighing and Inspection Bureau.

"Ex Dec":
Contraction for "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:
Abbreviation for Export-Import Bank of the United States. An independent U.S. Government Agency which facilitates exports of U.S. 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 to a foreign country.

Export Declaration:
A government document declaring designated goods to be shipped out of the country. To be completed by the exporter and filed with the U.S. Government.

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

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