GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 15, 2026
Booking
A booking is the formal reservation of cargo space with a shipping line, airline, or road carrier for a specified shipment.
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/glossary/booking/
Category
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Reading time
1 min
Words
115
Mentioned in
–
A booking is the formal reservation of cargo space with a shipping line, airline, or road carrier for a specified shipment. The shipper or freight forwarder submits the key shipment details to the carrier: commodity, quantity, weight, dimensions, routing, desired sailing or flight date, and any special requirements such as dangerous goods, temperature control, or heavy lift. Once confirmed, the booking secures the allocated capacity and serves as the prerequisite for issuing transport documents such as a bill of lading or air waybill. In ocean freight, bookings are now predominantly placed via carrier online portals or EDI connections. The booking itself should be distinguished from the booking closing, which is the hard deadline for submission.
Next steps
Tools that match this term
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.
Related News
Industry News
Container Rates Soar: Over 70 Percent More Expensive from the Far East to Northern Europe
Jun 19, 20261821 min
Industry News
China Capacity Crisis: Shipping Lines Continue to Raise Prices
Jun 8, 202619991 min
Transport
Transport Capacity is Tightening: Why Strategic Partnerships Are Crucial Now
May 6, 2026102181 min
Transport
Driver Shortage Intensifies: 120,000 Truck Drivers Missing in Germany
May 5, 202681551 min
Transport
Cape Route Becomes a Major Player in Global Maritime Trade
Apr 29, 2026105851 min
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.