By Cadys Wang    Photo：CANVA

The ocean freight industry relies on numerous acronyms to describe shipping routes. While some acronyms are straightforward, others can be confusingly similar or used interchangeably. Understanding these distinctions is valuable, as we'll explain later.

Let's explore the most important ocean freight routing terms you need to know.

AWS/MLB: A Crucial Alternate Route for Shipping to US Ports

For customers focused on cost or transit time, there are two options: All Water Service (AWS) and Mini Land Bridge (MLB). These delivery methods offer tailored solutions for specific shipping needs.

AWS

AWS stands for All Water Service, which is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly shipping methods. With AWS, cargo travels exclusively by water from origin port to destination—for example, a shipment from NINGBO to HOUSTON would travel through the Panama Canal (NINGBO - SHANGHAI - PUSAN - PANAMA CANAL - HOUSTON). While this method is economical and has minimal environmental impact, it is typically slower than other transportation options.

MLB

MLB stands for Mini Land Bridge, which describes an intermodal freight service combining ocean and land transportation (truck or rail) between ports. Unlike IPI service, which goes door-to-door, MLB provides port-to-port transportation. MLB shipping offers faster transit times than AWS for East Coast destinations. For example, a shipment from Ningbo to New York takes approximately 21-25 days via MLB, compared to 25-31 days via AWS, and it typically costs more.

IPI/RIPI: Essential US Transportation Routes for Beyond-Port Destinations

For sea freight to the US, import destinations are divided into two main regions: the United States West Coast (USWC) and the United States East Coast (USEC).

IPI - Interior Point Intermodal

Interior Point Intermodal (IPI) refers to shipments that move inland via truck or rail to non-port destinations. While MLB and IPI are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different purposes. For example, a freight shipment from SHANGHAI to HOUSTON via LOS ANGELES would be unloaded on the West Coast and then shipped inland via truck or rail. This entire journey is known as Interior Point Intermodal (IPI) — a comprehensive multimodal process from western ports to continental US destinations.

RIPI - Reverse Interior Point Intermodal

Asian shipments arriving at East Coast ports, including New York/New Jersey, navigate the Transpacific route via the Panama Canal to access United States East Coast (USEC) ports. This transportation method, referred to as Reverse Interior Point Intermodal (RIPI), facilitates a comprehensive multimodal journey that allows for efficient movement from eastern ports to destinations throughout the continental United States, in a reverse direction.

USWC

USWC stands for the United States West Coast and encompasses all ocean ports along the western seaboard, including Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, Long Beach/Los Angeles and others. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), based in San Francisco, represents the dockworkers who operate these USWC ports.

USEC

USEC stands for the United States East Coast and encompasses all ocean freight ports in that region, including New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Virginia, and others. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), based in New Jersey, represents the dockworkers at these USEC ports.

USGC

USGC stands for United States Gulf Coast and encompasses all freight ports in the Gulf region, with Houston being the largest container port. Like the USEC ports, the ILA represents the dockworkers here.

Why Knowing These Terms is Beneficial

These ocean freight forwarding terms are not just technical terminology to memorize; they are practical tools that help you understand quotes from international freight forwarders and select the most cost-effective shipping options.

This knowledge becomes especially valuable during challenging times, such as peak seasons or union strikes. For instance, if the ILWU strikes at USWC ports, diverting your Chicago-bound shipment through AWS and RIPI might be faster and more economical.

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