Manifest – A list of the goods being transported by a carrier.

 

Maquiladora – A foreign plant operating under an in-bond program whereby components may be shipped into Mexico duty-free for assembly and subsequent reexport. Maquiladora plants are also known as Twin Plants.

 

Maritime Administration (MARAD) – A U.S. government agency, while not actively involved in vessel operation, that administers laws for maintenance of merchant marine for the purposes of defense and commerce.

 

Mark – (See Consignee Mark, Markings, Port Marks)

 

Markings – The physical markings on a product indicating the country of origin where the article was produced.

 

Mate’s Receipt – Receipt of cargo by the vessel, signed by the mate (similar to a dock receipt).

 

Measurement Ton – The measurement ton (also known as the cargo ton or freight ton) is a space measurement, usually 40 cubic feet or one cubic meter. Cargo is assessed a certain rate for every 40 cubic feet or one cubic meter it occupies.

 

MERCOSUR – A trade alliance between Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Chile and Bolivia as associate members.

 

Min. B/L – Minimum Bill of Lading.

 

MM – Mercantile Marine.

 

M/R – Mate’s Receipt.

 

M/T – Metric Ton (2204 Ibs).

 

mt. – Empty.

 

M/V or MV – Motor Vessel.

 

MW – Minimum Weight Factor.