Definition

1. Noun:
   • The commercial transport of goods by sea: "shipping" refers to the industry and process of moving cargo via ships across oceans and other waterways.
   • The ships belonging to a particular country, port, or company: "shipping" can also refer collectively to the vessels themselves.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The cost of shipping has increased due to fuel prices. (The expense for transporting goods by sea has risen.)
  • The company's shipping arrives at the port every Friday. (The vessels owned or operated by the company arrive weekly.)
  • Global shipping is vital for international trade. (The worldwide industry of maritime transport is essential.)

Advanced Usage

• "Shipping and handling": a common phrase in commerce referring to the costs and processes of packing, delivering, and sending goods to a customer.

  • The price is $50, plus $10 for shipping and handling.

• "Merchant shipping": refers specifically to the commercial fleet of a nation used for transporting goods, as opposed to naval vessels.

  • The country's merchant shipping flies under a flag of convenience.

Variants and Related Words

• Ship (n/v): The vessel itself; to send or transport something, especially by ship.

  • The ship docked at noon. (Noun)
  • We will ship the order tomorrow. (Verb)

• Shipper (n): A person or company that sends goods by ship or other carrier.

  • The shipper is responsible for proper packaging.

Synonyms

• Maritime transport: The movement of goods or people by sea.
• Freight: Goods transported in bulk; the transport of such goods.
• Merchant marine: The fleet of a nation's commercial ships.

Related Phrases

• Shipping lane: A designated route for vessels on the sea.

  • The tanker followed a major shipping lane.

• Shipping container: A standardized metal box used for transporting goods.

  • The goods were packed into a shipping container.

Related Idioms

• "Shipping news": Information or reports about the movements and activities of ships. (Often used in the title of newspapers or sections dedicated to maritime affairs).
  • He checked the shipping news for the arrival date of his cargo.

Noun

1. conveyance provided by the ships belonging to one country or industry
2. the commercial enterprise of moving goods and materials