Logistics terms M
M/W
The abbreviation M/W stands for measurement/weight and originated as a conversion factor for LCL part-load to bridge the distinction between volume (measurement) and weight. After all, 1 cbm of lead will weigh more than 1 cbm of feathers. To be able to charge for this distinction equally, conversion factors have been agreed. For sea freight LCL it is stated that 1 cbm corresponds to 1,000 kg. For road transport, 1 cbm corresponds to 333 kg, while for air freight 1 cbm equals 167 kg. The m/w rate for sea freight usually also applies as a minimum.
Marshalling yard
A marshalling yard or classification yard is a railway yard where trains or individual wagons are split and reassembled.
Master Air Waybill
Air waybill issued by the airline of origin when more than one airline is involved in a shipment, or when a freight forwarder issues an air waybill.
Mate's receipt
Mate's receipt is a document in which the first officer of the ship, who bears responsibility for the cargo, describes the actual condition of the loaded goods. Damages and any shortages are noted in this document.
Mate's Receipt
Document signed by the chief officer of a ship confirming the receipt of a particular shipment on board that vessel. Remarks can be made on this document regarding the actual condition of the shipment. Damages etc. are noted on this document.
Materials Handling
Activities of loading, unloading, placing during a transport.
MAUT
In Germany and Austria, payment is made for the use of the motorways by trucks heavier than 12 tons, the so-called Maut (German for toll). This is a levy per kilometre and can be paid in advance or by means of automatic registration. For this, an OBU is built into the truck that automatically registers the kilometres travelled per motorway. These are then charged later.
Means of Transport
Type of vehicle used for the transport of goods (for example aircraft, inland vessels, trucks, ships or trains).
Measurement note
The measurement note is drawn up by the stevedore. It is a document in which the correct measurements of the goods are noted. The measurement note serves to know the correct volume of the cargo. This is important when the freight is paid on the basis of the volume. Usually this volume is not well known before the goods are loaded. Therefore, they are measured at the moment they are loaded on board.
Measurement Ton
One cubic metre of water with the weight of 1,000 kg.
Mehrwertsteuer
MwSt is the German VAT. VAT is a tax that a government levies on the purchase of products or services. VAT is a form of turnover tax applied in 136 countries, including most European countries.
Metric ton
A metric ton (MT) corresponds to 1,000 kg.
MMSI number
This abbreviation stands for Maritime Mobile Service Identity number. The MMSI number is a unique 9-digit number that represents a ship. When transmitting a distress message, the MMSI number is automatically sent along. It is an effective means of getting search and rescue operations underway quickly. The MMSI number has a standard format and provides information about the ship type, the country of registration, route and other characteristics of the ship.
MSDS
MSDS is the abbreviation for Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and is required for the transport of dangerous goods. A safety data sheet (MSDS) is a structured document with information about the risks of a dangerous substance or preparation, and recommendations for its safe use at work. This term is used specifically for the European system of safety data sheets and differs in the number of sections from the American system of Material Safety Data Sheet, abbreviated MSDS. Another chemical information sheet is the International Chemical Safety Card, abbreviated ICSC. Anyone who places such a substance or preparation on the market (as producer, importer or distributor) must provide its professional user with a safety data sheet. The intention is that the latter: - Knows which dangerous chemical agents (elements / compounds) are present in the workplace; - Knows what the risks associated with their use are for the safety and health of the workers and for the environment; - Can take the necessary measures for the protection of health, safety and the environment at work.
Multimodal
The transport of goods, using various connecting modes of transport during the same transport. Think, for example, of combinations between inland shipping and road transport or train and road transport. Multimodal is also often used as an indication on a Bill of Lading when, in addition to the sea transport, it also involves a stretch of land transport. For this, in addition to port of loading/port of discharge, the place of loading and/or place of discharge are also included on the Bill of Lading.
