Logistics Glossary
Freight terms, clearly explained.
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A
Accessorial charges
Charges for services beyond the basic freight movement, such as a liftgate, inside delivery or extra waiting time.
In practice
Tell the carrier about special handling before booking so it can be included in the quote.
ACE
The Automated Commercial Environment is the US Customs and Border Protection system used to process trade information.
In practice
For a US-bound truck shipment, the required electronic manifest and customs entry serve different purposes.
CBP: Automated Commercial Environment ↗ACI / eManifest
Advance Commercial Information and eManifest refer to Canada's electronic advance cargo and conveyance reporting processes.
In practice
A successful transmission is not, by itself, customs release of the goods.
CBSA: eManifest questions ↗Asset-based carrier
A carrier that uses vehicles it owns or leases to perform transportation.
In practice
Ask which equipment and operating company will handle your shipment.
B
Backhaul
A return-direction movement that positions a truck after its outbound delivery.
In practice
A truck delivering in Toronto may take another shipment toward its next origin rather than return empty.
Bill of lading (BOL)
A transport document recording the shipment, the parties and the carrier's receipt of goods. It also sets out or incorporates carriage terms.
In practice
Check the piece count, weight and visible condition against the freight before signing.
International Trade Administration: Export documents ↗Blind shipment
A shipment arranged so specified parties do not see certain commercial identities, such as the original supplier.
In practice
Agree on document handling before pickup; required transport and customs information must remain accurate.
Bobtail
A tractor travelling without a trailer attached.
In practice
Bobtail is different from pulling an empty trailer, which is a form of deadheading.
Bridge formula
A method relating allowable weight on a group of axles to axle count and spacing, used in US federal vehicle-weight rules.
In practice
A vehicle can meet an overall weight limit yet still exceed a limit for a particular axle group.
FHWA: Bridge formula weights ↗Bulk freight
Goods transported in loose quantities rather than as individual packaged units, such as grain or liquid fuel.
In practice
The commodity determines whether a hopper, tank or other specialized equipment is needed.
C
Cargo claim
A request for compensation for loss, damage or another covered cargo issue under the applicable transport terms.
In practice
Keep delivery notes, photographs and shipment documents when reporting damage.
Cargo insurance
Insurance covering specified cargo risks under the policy's terms, limits and exclusions.
In practice
A certificate or headline limit alone does not confirm that a particular loss is covered.
Carrier
The business that transports freight. A motor carrier performs road transportation using commercial vehicles.
In practice
Confirm which carrier will physically collect and deliver the shipment.
Cartage
Local freight pickup or delivery, often connecting a terminal, warehouse or customer location.
In practice
Confirm the service area and handling requirements rather than assuming a fixed distance limit.
Certificate of insurance (COI)
A document summarizing insurance information such as the named insured, policies, limits and effective dates.
In practice
Confirm relevant coverage directly with the authorized insurance contact when verifying a carrier.
COFC
Container on flatcar: transporting an intermodal container on a railway flatcar.
In practice
The container also needs suitable chassis equipment for its road movement.
Commercial invoice
The seller's document describing the goods sold, their value and the parties to the transaction. It is commonly used for customs processing.
In practice
The description, quantities and values should agree with the shipment and supporting documents.
International Trade Administration: Export documents ↗Consignee
The person or business named to receive the freight.
In practice
The consignee may be a distribution centre rather than the customer who paid for the goods.
Consignor
The person or business sending the goods, also commonly called the shipper.
In practice
Give the carrier the actual pickup location as well as the shipper's business name.
Consolidation
Combining separate shipments into a larger movement to use capacity more efficiently.
In practice
Several customers' pallets may travel together before being separated for final delivery.
Container
A reusable freight unit designed for handling and transportation, often across ship, rail and truck modes.
In practice
Confirm dimensions and type; not all containers have the same capacity or loading features.
Container chassis
A wheeled frame designed to carry an intermodal container on the road.
In practice
Chassis availability and suitability can affect container pickup planning.
Contract carrier
A carrier providing transportation under agreed contractual terms for a customer or group of customers.
In practice
Service commitments and pricing are defined by the actual agreement.
Cross-docking
Transferring freight from inbound to outbound transportation with little or no storage between movements.
In practice
Pallets arriving on one truck can be sorted and loaded onto another for their next destination.
Customs broker
A specialist that handles customs transactions on behalf of importers or other clients within its authorization.
In practice
A customs broker's role is different from a freight broker's role in arranging transportation.
Customs release
Permission from the customs authority for goods to proceed under the applicable release process.
In practice
Confirm release status with the responsible customs party before treating a shipment as cleared.
D
Deadhead
Distance travelled by a truck without a revenue load.
In practice
Empty travel to a pickup can affect the capacity available and the quoted rate.
Declared value
A shipment value stated by the shipper for a specified transport, customs or insurance purpose.
In practice
Stating a value does not automatically create insurance coverage or change liability terms.
Dedicated run
A recurring transport movement with capacity or service arranged for a particular customer or lane.
In practice
Confirm the schedule and volume commitment in the agreement.
Delivery appointment
A scheduled time or time window agreed with the receiving facility.
In practice
A delivery date alone does not necessarily mean an appointment has been booked.
Detention
A charge that may apply when a truck waits at pickup or delivery beyond the agreed free time.
In practice
Record arrival and departure times; free time and charges depend on the agreed terms.
Dispatcher
A person who coordinates drivers, vehicles, schedules and shipment instructions for an operation.
In practice
Notify dispatch promptly when pickup readiness or delivery requirements change.
Doubles
A combination vehicle with a tractor pulling two trailers.
In practice
Permitted configurations and routes depend on the jurisdiction.
Drayage
A truck movement of a container, often between a port or rail terminal and a nearby facility.
In practice
The container's availability, terminal appointment and return arrangements all affect planning.
Drop and hook
An operation where a driver leaves one trailer and connects to another instead of waiting for live loading or unloading.
In practice
Confirm trailer readiness, identification and site procedures before arrival.
Drop trailer
A trailer left at a facility for loading or unloading separately from the driver's arrival.
In practice
Confirm how long the trailer can remain and whether the site has space and equipment to handle it.
Dry van
An enclosed trailer used for freight that does not need active temperature control.
In practice
Packaged goods may suit a dry van when loading access and cargo requirements match the equipment.
E
EDI
Electronic Data Interchange: structured computer-to-computer exchange of business information.
In practice
A load tender, shipment-status message or invoice can be exchanged through EDI.
ELD
An Electronic Logging Device records driving time and other required information to support hours-of-service records.
In practice
ELD requirements have scope limits and exceptions; they do not apply identically to every truck or driver.
FMCSA: ELD rules and exceptions ↗ETA
Estimated time of arrival: the current forecast for when a vehicle or shipment will reach a location.
In practice
An ETA can change with traffic, weather, border processing or earlier stops.
Expedited freight
Transportation planned around an urgent timeline, with the service and equipment selected for that need.
In practice
Specify when the cargo is ready and the latest acceptable delivery time.
F
FAST
Free and Secure Trade is a program designed to streamline eligible low-risk commercial shipments at participating land borders.
In practice
FAST eligibility is not a substitute for required shipment documentation or customs release.
CBP: Free and Secure Trade ↗FCFS
First come, first served: a facility's stated approach to handling arrivals in order, subject to its operating rules.
In practice
Confirm receiving hours and check-in procedures; FCFS does not guarantee immediate loading.
Flatbed
An open-deck trailer used for freight that needs side or overhead loading or does not fit enclosed equipment.
In practice
Confirm dimensions, securement and weather protection requirements before selecting the trailer.
FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a US Department of Transportation agency responsible for commercial motor vehicle safety and related registration functions.
In practice
Use official FMCSA resources for registration and safety information.
Freight
Goods transported by road, rail, air or water; the word can also refer to transportation charges in context.
In practice
Specify the commodity, packaging, quantity, dimensions and weight when describing freight.
Freight bill
An invoice for transportation services and agreed additional charges.
In practice
Reconcile the invoice with the accepted rate and supporting delivery or expense records.
Freight broker
A business that arranges transportation between shippers and carriers rather than necessarily transporting the freight itself.
In practice
Ask who is arranging the movement and who is the actual transporting carrier.
FMCSA: Registration glossary ↗Freight class
A classification used in many LTL shipments under the NMFC system. Density, handling, stowability and liability characteristics help determine classification.
In practice
Use the applicable commodity item and current classification rather than estimating from weight alone.
NMFTA: Freight classification ↗Freight density
The weight of freight divided by the space it occupies, commonly expressed as pounds per cubic foot.
In practice
Measure the complete packaged shipment, including its pallet and any overhang.
NMFTA: Freight density ↗Freight forwarder
A business that organizes freight movements and may consolidate shipments or assume transportation responsibilities depending on its role and agreement.
In practice
The term covers different legal roles; confirm the services and responsibilities in the contract.
Fuel surcharge
A fuel-related charge applied according to the carrier's or contract's pricing method.
In practice
Ask whether fuel is included in the quoted total or shown separately.
Full truckload (FTL)
A service where a truck's capacity is dedicated to a shipment or customer movement, even if the trailer is not physically full.
In practice
FTL may suit larger volumes or shipments that need dedicated capacity.
H
Hazmat / dangerous goods
Materials classified as hazardous or dangerous under the applicable transportation rules.
In practice
Classification determines the relevant packaging, documentation, training and handling requirements.
Hours of service (HOS)
Rules governing driving, on-duty time and required rest for covered commercial vehicle drivers.
In practice
Plan transit around the rules that apply to the driver and route, including applicable exceptions.
I
IFTA
The International Fuel Tax Agreement simplifies fuel-use tax reporting for qualified motor vehicles operating across participating US and Canadian jurisdictions.
In practice
Fuel-tax reporting is separate from vehicle registration and toll payments.
Ohio Department of Taxation: IFTA ↗In-bond
Movement or storage of goods under customs control and an applicable bond arrangement before the relevant customs process is completed.
In practice
Not every uncleared shipment is automatically an authorized in-bond movement.
Interchange agreement
An agreement governing the transfer and use of equipment between parties.
In practice
It commonly addresses possession, condition, responsibilities and insurance for the equipment.
Intermodal
Transportation using more than one mode, often truck and rail, while freight stays in the same container.
In practice
Plan both the terminal-to-terminal movement and the truck connections at each end.
Interstate commerce
US commerce involving movement between states or across an international boundary, including some in-state legs of a wider interstate movement.
In practice
A truck staying within one state is not enough, by itself, to establish intrastate commerce.
FMCSA: Carrier operation ↗Intrastate commerce
Commerce within a US state that is not part of an interstate or international movement under the applicable rules.
In practice
Consider the shipment's overall movement as well as the individual truck leg.
FMCSA: Carrier operation ↗J
JIT
Just-in-time: planning deliveries close to when goods are needed for production or use to reduce inventory holding.
In practice
A narrow delivery window requires realistic transit planning and timely exception updates.
L
Lane
The origin-to-destination route used to describe and price a freight movement.
In practice
A Cambridge-to-Buffalo lane has different operating conditions from the reverse direction.
Layover
A charge that may apply when a delay holds a driver or truck over to a later day or operating period.
In practice
Agree on the terms and document the reason for the extended delay.
LCV
Longer Combination Vehicle: a multi-trailer combination subject to specific length, weight and operating rules.
In practice
Allowed configurations and routes vary by jurisdiction; the term is not limited to triples.
Less-than-truckload (LTL)
A service combining smaller shipments from multiple customers within a transportation network.
In practice
Accurate dimensions, weight, packaging and handling requirements help produce a reliable quote.
Liability insurance
Insurance addressing specified legal liabilities of the insured, subject to the policy's terms and exclusions.
In practice
Auto liability, general liability and cargo coverage protect against different risks.
Liftgate
A powered platform on a truck or trailer that raises or lowers freight between the vehicle and ground level.
In practice
Request it in advance if the site has no suitable loading dock or forklift.
Linehaul
The main transportation movement between origin and destination points, often priced separately from fuel and additional services.
In practice
Check the complete quote rather than comparing linehaul amounts alone.
Load board
A marketplace where available loads and transport capacity are posted and matched.
In practice
A listing is a starting point for discussions, not proof of a party's identity or approval.
Load tender
An offer of a shipment to a carrier, describing the movement and requested service terms.
In practice
A tender and a rate confirmation may be related documents, but acceptance and agreed terms still need to be clear.
Local delivery
A pickup or delivery within a carrier's defined local service area.
In practice
There is no single distance limit that defines every carrier's local service.
Logistics
Planning and managing the movement, handling, storage and related information flow of goods.
In practice
Good logistics connects transportation with inventory, facilities and customer requirements.
Long-haul / OTR
Long-distance road transportation, often called over-the-road trucking.
In practice
The trip may require multiple driving shifts, planned rest and intermediate service stops.
Lowboy
A low-deck trailer used for cargo such as heavy or tall equipment.
In practice
Confirm loaded height, weight, loading method and any route or permit requirements.
Lumper
A third-party loading or unloading service used at some facilities, sometimes billed as a separate charge.
In practice
Confirm who authorizes and pays the charge and keep the receipt.
M
MC number
An FMCSA docket identifier associated with motor-carrier or broker operating authority records.
In practice
A number alone is not proof of active authority; check the current official registration record.
FMCSA: Move into Motus ↗MOTUS
Motus: USDOT Registration System is FMCSA's online platform for applying for and managing registrations, updating business information and controlling company-account access.
In practice
Use FMCSA's official Motus guidance for registration actions. Public users can also search entity registration records.
FMCSA: Move into Motus ↗N
NMFC
The National Motor Freight Classification is the NMFTA system used to classify commodities for many LTL shipments.
In practice
The NMFC item identifies the commodity provisions; the freight class is a related rating category.
NMFTA: Freight classification ↗O
Operating authority
Permission or registration for specified regulated transportation activities, separate from simply having an identifying number.
In practice
The type and current status of authority matter when assessing a carrier or broker.
Overage
A quantity received in excess of the expected or documented shipment quantity.
In practice
Record the extra goods on receiving documents and resolve the discrepancy with the responsible party.
Owner operator
An individual or business that owns or leases a truck and operates it, independently or under an arrangement with a carrier.
In practice
Confirm which operating carrier is responsible for the shipment.
P
P&D
Pickup and delivery: the collection and final-delivery portions of a freight service.
In practice
Local P&D may connect a customer location to an LTL terminal.
Pallet
A platform that allows goods to be handled as a unit using equipment such as a forklift or pallet jack.
In practice
Include pallet dimensions and weight in the shipment measurements.
PAPS
Pre-Arrival Processing System: a term used for advance processing of eligible US-bound truck shipments and their shipment references.
In practice
Coordinate the shipment reference with the customs broker and manifest information; it does not guarantee release.
PARS
The Pre-arrival Review System allows eligible Canadian import release information to be reviewed before the goods arrive.
In practice
The carrier's cargo control number must match the shipment information used for the release process.
CBSA: Cargo control numbers ↗Permits
Authorizations for specified activities, such as moving an oversize or overweight load under stated conditions.
In practice
A permit may specify routes, timing, escorts or other conditions.
Pintle hook
A coupling device that engages a towing eye, often used with trailers or converter dollies.
In practice
The coupling must be suitable for the combination and load.
Port of entry
An authorized location where people or goods enter a country and undergo applicable border procedures.
In practice
Confirm that the crossing can handle the commodity and service being planned.
Private carrier
An operation transporting its own business's goods rather than offering general for-hire freight service.
In practice
Private carriage and for-hire transportation have different operating roles.
Proof of delivery (POD)
A record confirming delivery, usually showing who received the freight, when it arrived and any recorded exceptions.
In practice
A signed delivery receipt can serve as the POD; note shortages or visible damage when receiving.
R
Rate confirmation
A written record of the agreed shipment details, rate and service terms between the parties arranging and performing transportation.
In practice
Review pickup and delivery locations, dates, equipment and additional-charge terms before accepting.
Reefer
A refrigerated trailer or container with equipment for controlling cargo temperature.
In practice
Specify the required setpoint, operating mode and product handling instructions before dispatch.
Relay
A planned transfer of a shipment, trailer or driving assignment to another driver or operation during a journey.
In practice
Record the handoff, equipment identity, cargo condition and responsibilities.
S
SCAC
A Standard Carrier Alpha Code is an identification code administered by NMFTA for transportation companies.
In practice
It identifies a carrier in relevant documents and systems; it does not establish that a shipment is customs-cleared.
NMFTA: SCAC ↗Seal number
The identifier on a security seal applied to a trailer or container door.
In practice
Record the number and report a missing, broken or mismatched seal through the agreed process.
Shipper
The party sending the goods, commonly also called the consignor.
In practice
The pickup facility, cargo owner and party arranging transport may be different entities.
Shipping weight
The weight stated for an item or shipment on a defined shipping basis, usually including specified packaging.
In practice
Confirm what is included; it is not universally the weight of a truck without fluids.
Skid
A freight-support base, often used interchangeably with pallet in everyday shipping language, although construction can differ.
In practice
Confirm handling access, dimensions and whether the load is stackable.
Spot rate
A price offered for a particular shipment based on the market and service requirements at that time.
In practice
Confirm how long the quote is valid and whether capacity has actually been secured.
Straight truck
A truck with its cargo body and cab carried on one vehicle chassis, rather than a separate tractor and semitrailer.
In practice
Confirm body dimensions, payload and loading equipment for the actual truck.
T
Tanker
A tank-bodied vehicle or trailer used for suitable bulk liquids, gases or dry materials.
In practice
The tank design and previous cargo must suit the product being transported.
Team drivers
Two drivers assigned to a vehicle so driving and rest can be coordinated within applicable rules.
In practice
Team service can support urgent movements but does not remove driving-hour or other operating limits.
Temperature-controlled freight
Freight moved under specified temperature conditions to protect the product during transportation.
In practice
The product owner should provide the temperature and handling requirements, including any monitoring needs.
Third-party logistics (3PL)
An outside provider performing logistics services such as transportation management, warehousing or fulfilment.
In practice
Freight brokerage can be part of a 3PL offering; the two terms are not always interchangeable.
TMS
Transportation Management System: software used to plan, execute, monitor and record transportation activities.
In practice
A TMS may connect load tenders, dispatch, status updates and freight billing.
Toll
A charge for using a road, bridge, tunnel or other tolled facility.
In practice
Vehicle class, axles, route and payment method can affect the charge.
Tractor
A powered road vehicle designed primarily to pull a trailer.
In practice
The tractor's configuration must suit the trailer and planned load.
Tractor-trailer
A vehicle combination consisting of a tractor and a semitrailer.
In practice
Its usable capacity depends on the equipment, cargo and route limits.
Transit time
The expected duration of the transport movement between defined points.
In practice
Ask whether the estimate includes weekends, appointments, terminal handling and border processing.
Tri-axle
An arrangement of three axles grouped on a vehicle or trailer.
In practice
The configuration affects weight distribution, but legal capacity depends on the applicable rules.
Truck ordered not used (TONU)
A cancellation or unused-truck charge that may apply after a vehicle has been committed under agreed terms.
In practice
Confirm the cancellation cutoff and charge before booking.
TWIC
Transportation Worker Identification Credential: a US credential used for eligible workers needing unescorted access to secure areas of regulated maritime facilities and vessels.
In practice
Confirm the facility's access rules and any escort arrangements before assigning a driver.
US Coast Guard: TWIC ↗U
UCR
Unified Carrier Registration: a registration and fee program for covered interstate transportation businesses.
In practice
UCR is separate from FMCSA operating authority and the Motus registration platform.
FMCSA: Unified Carrier Registration ↗USDOT Number
A unique identifier used by FMCSA for an entity's operations and associated registration records.
In practice
Having a USDOT Number does not, by itself, establish active operating authority for a particular service.
FMCSA: USDOT Number and registration ↗W
Warehouse
A facility used to receive, store and handle goods before their next movement.
In practice
Share storage duration, handling needs and inbound and outbound schedules when requesting space.
Waybill
A carrier document recording information about a shipment and its movement.
In practice
Its function and legal effect depend on the transport mode and document type.
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General shipping guidance. Shipment terms and requirements depend on the service, contract and jurisdiction.
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