On-deck

On-deck in International Trade

Meaning of On-deck, according to the Dictionary of International Trade (Global Negotiator): A notation on marine transportations documents that the shipped cargo was loaded on the deck of the carrying vessel as opposed to within the ship's hold (“under deck”). On deck shipments are more susceptible to in-transit damage, and normally command a higher insurance premium. Further, on-dock shipments constitute automatic discrepancies for letters of credit that do not specifically permit them.