This essential handbook gives concise explanations of the myriad activities which encompasses shipping. The book covers documentation, types of ships and cargoes, organisations, freight charges and surcharges, contract forms and clauses, with all the relevant terms contained in logical sections, making it possible to see the terms in context. The second edition seeks to explain the history and progress of the European Commissions approach to competition in the liner and tramp trades. It also looks at security measures introduced since September 2001. By incorporating the book Freight Charges, the book looks in particular at liner freight charges and surcharges in more depth.