Glossary of Shipping Terms for Brokers and Truckers
The most important shipping definitions and freight terms you need to know.
See if you know all the shipping definitions, freight terms and other shipping words.
Do you know your shipping term for the freight industry? Let’s face it, shipping is an essential part of the global economy, and freight brokers and truckers play a key role in ensuring goods are transported safely and on time. For those working in the shipping industry, it’s important to understand the terms used when discussing shipments. To help you out we have compiled a glossary of common shipping-related terms that will help make sure your next shipment goes off without a hitch. From air waybills to weight capacity, this glossary will provide all the information you need so your cargo arrives at its destination as quickly and effectively as possible. If you’re looking for term in shipping and brokering then you’ve come to the right place.
Don’t sweat it. LoadPilot has you covered with all the most important shipping terminology, lingo and wordsmithing you’ll need. So read on and make sure you’re “in the know”.
A
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
ACE is the commercial trade processing system that has been developed by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection to facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen border security requiring every carrier or truck that enters through any and all border crossings to submit an e-manifest (otherwise known as an electronic manifest).
Accessorial Charges
These are charges made for performing services beyond normal pickup and delivery such as inside delivery or storage charges.
Air Freight Forwarder/ Air Forwarder
An air freight forwarder provides pickup and delivery service under its own tariff, consolidates shipments into larger units, prepares shipping documentation, and tenders shipments to the airlines. Typically, air freight forwarders do not operate their own aircraft and are often referred to as indirect air carriers. Airlines consider the forwarder to be the shipper, since the air freight forwarder tenders the shipment.
Air Waybill
An air waybill is a shipping document used by the airlines. Of all the various shipping terms, this is one of the easiest to understand. Similar to a bill of lading, the air waybill is a contract between the shipper and airline that states the terms and conditions of transportation. The air waybill also contains shipping instructions, a description of the commodity, and transportation charges.
Articles of Extraordinary Value
Carriers are not liable for “documents, coin money, or articles of extraordinary value” unless the items are specifically rated in published classifications or tariffs. Exceptions may be made by special agreement. If an agreement is made, the stipulated value of the articles must be endorsed on the bill of lading. Articles may include precious stones, jewels, and currency. Many tariffs include restrictions on commodities with values in excess of a specified amount.
B
Backhaul
Not only is this probably one of the most common shipping definitions you’ll hear, it’s also the most coveted and desirable of all loads. When a motor carrier has delivered a load from his home city to another city, it is a waste of time and revenue to drive home with an empty trailer. Finding a load to go back to the home city on the return trip is a backhaul.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A bill of lading is a binding contract that serves three main purposes: (1) a receipt for the goods delivered to the carrier for shipment; (2) a definition or description of the goods; and (3) evidence of title to the relative goods, if “negotiable”.
Bogie
An auxiliary axle assembly having a fifth wheel used for purpose of converting a semitrailer to a full trailer. Dollies can be used to haul multiple trailers behind a single power unit. (Also referred to as dolly)
Bill of Lading Exceptions
The terms and conditions of most bills of lading release carriers from liability for loss or damage arising from: (1) an Act of God, (2) the public enemy, (3) the authority of law, or (4) the act or default of the shipper. In addition, except in the case of negligence, a carrier will not be liable for loss, damage, or delay caused by: (1) the property being stopped and held in transit upon the request of the shipper, owner, or party entitled to make such request, (2) lack of capacity of a highway, bridge or ferry, (3) a defect or vice in the property, or (4) riots or strikes.
Bonded Carrier
A carrier licensed by U.S. customs to carry customs-controlled merchandise between Customs points. It’s very important to only work with bonded carriers.
Break-Bulk
This is when loads are seperated into individual shipments for routing to different destinations. One example of this would be how UPS directs large shipments into its regional centers where they are re-divided for delivery.
Break-Bulk Terminal
Consolidation and distribution center. This is typically a facility where loads are unloaded and then re-consolidated into shipments. These shipments usually come from both its smaller terminals and from other break-bulks. Often each city or region could have its own break-bulk terminal.
Broker or Freight Broker or Freight Forwarder
A broker is an independent contractor paid to arrange motor carrier transportation. A broker may work on behalf of a carrier or shipper.
C
Carmack
An industry term regarding loss or damage of cargo. Carmack is governed by 49 U.S.C 14706, which states that a motor carrier must (1) issue the Bill of Lading and (2) pay the actual loss or injury to the property. However, carriers do limit their liability for release value commodities, and can limit their damages to $25.00 per pound or $100,000 per shipment.
Cartage Agent
A subcontracted carrier who performs pickup or delivery in areas where the contracted motor carrier does not service.
Claim or Cargo Claim
A “Cargo Claim” is a demand made upon a transportation company for payment, due to freight loss or damage alleged to have occurred while shipment was in the possession of carrier. Pursuant to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) Uniform Bill of Lading, all cargo claims must be filed within 9 months.
Overcharge/Undercharge Claim
Overcharge or undercharge claims are demands upon a transportation company for the refund of an overcharge from the erroneous application of rates, weights, and assessment of freight charges.
Truck Classifications
Class I Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 6,000 lbs or less.
Class II Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 6,001-10,000 lbs
Class III Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 10,001-14,000 lbs
Class IV Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 14,001-16,000 lbs
Class V Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 16,001-19,500 lbs
Class VI Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 19,501-26,000 lbs
Class VII Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26,001-33,000 lbs
Class VIII Truck = A truck with gross vehicle weight (GVW) of over 33,000 lbs
COD
A shipment for which the carrier is responsible for collecting the sale price of the goods shipped prior to delivery.
COFC
Container on (rail) flat car. A form of intermodal movement of freight using a box suitable for use on rail cars, trailer frames, and container ships. Containers come in many sizes. International containers which are used on ships usually have height and width of eight feet. Length can vary, but 20 and 40 foot lengths are the most common. US domestic containers are generally taller than international containers.
Commodity
Refers to the goods being shipped. These could be any article of commerce.
Combination Vehicle
An equipment configuration which includes separate power unit (tractor) and at least one trailer.
Common Carrier
A company that provides transportation services to the public in return for compensation.
Connecting Carrier
A carrier which interchanges trailers with another for completion of shipments.
Concealed Loss
Shortage or damage not evident at delivery.
Consignee
Of all the various shipping words,consignee and consignor are the two that often confuse people. Also called the “shipper”. This is the person or place where a shipment will be transferred for the last time (destination); the individual or organization to who the freight is addressed.
Consignor
Also called the destination. This is the person or place where a shipment will be transferred for the last time (destination); the individual or organization to who the freight is addressed.
CWT
Hundred weight, or one hundred pounds
D
Deck Trailers
Trailers with rows of tracking on each sidewall and deck load bars. The load bars fit into the tracks to form temporary “decks” on which freight can be loaded. Decks allow more freight to be loaded in the trailer, reduce damage, and speed loading and unloading.
Delivery Receipt
Document dated and signed by consignee or its agent at the time of delivery stating the condition of the goods at delivery. The signed delivery receipt is returned to the driver for retention at the terminal. The customer retains the remaining copy.
Dispatch/Dispatcher
The act of sending a driver on his/her assigned route with instructions and required shipping papers. Contact is maintained with the driver throughout day via phone, pager, radio, satellite communication, or cellular phone.
Dock
A platform, generally the same height as the trailer floor, where trucks are loaded and unloaded.
Dolly
An auxiliary axle assembly having a fifth wheel used for purpose of converting a semitrailer to a full trailer. Dollies can be used to haul multiple trailers behind a singlepower unit.(also referred to as Bogie) . Converter that provides an extra axle and fifth wheel and is used to connect multiple trailers.
Domestic Intercity Trucking
Trucking operations within the territory of the United States, including intra-Hawaiian and intra-Alaskan, which carry freight beyond the local areas and commercial zones.
U.S. DOT (United States Department of Transportation)
The government organization that oversees and regulates the transportation in the US. www.DOT.gov.
Doubles
A combination of two trailers pulled by a power unit. Usually refers to a power unit pulling two 28″ trailers. See also Rocky Mountain Double and Turnpike Double. This is also a vehicle configuration in which a tractor pulls two trailers connected by a dolly or jifflox.
Drayage
Also known as connecting road haulage.
1. The hauling of a load by a cart with detachable sides (dray).
2. Road transportation between the nearest railway terminal and the stuffing place.
E
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
The electronic transmission of routine business documents, such as purchase orders, invoices, and bills of lading, between computers in a standard format. The data formats, or transaction sets, are usually sent between mainframe computers. Learn more in the EDI Resource Center.
Enroute
A trucking term meaning they are on the way.
Exceptions
An exception is any delivery in which the receiver or driver notes a problem on the delivery receipt before signing it. Typically, exceptions concern shortages and damages.
Exclusive Use
Shipper pays a premium rate for the sole use of the trailer. The trailer will be sealed at loading and the seal number is recorded on the manifest. The seal number is verified before the trailer is unloaded at destination. When a shipper requests an exclusive use trailer, no other freight may be added to the unit even if space permits.
Exempt Commodity
Commodities that are exempt from federal regulation, such as agricultural and forestry products.
F
Free Along Side (F.A.S.)
A basis of pricing meaning the price of goods alongside a transport vessel at a specified location. The buyer is responsible for loading the goods onto the transport vessel and paying all the cost of shipping beyond that location.
Free On Board (F.O.B.)
An acronym for “free on board” when used in a sales contract. The seller agrees to deliver merchandise, free of all transportation expense, to the place specified by the contract. Once delivery is complete, the title to all the goods and the risk of damage become the buyer’s.
Fifth Wheel
A device used to connect a semi-trailer and tractor together.
F.O.B Origin
“F.O.B. Origin” means that title and risk pass to the buyer at the moment of the seller’s delivery to the carrier. The parties may agree to have title and risk pass at a different time or to allocate freight charges by a written agreement.
F.O.B. Destination
“F.O.B. Destination” changes the location where title and risk pass. Under this arrangement, title and risk remain with the seller until they have delivered the freight to the delivery location specified in the contract.
Freight
If you don’t know this piece of shipping terminology then this is the first place to start. Freight is any commodity or goods being transported.
Freight Bill
Shipping document used to confirm delivery of the freight and indicate the terms of payment. They are given to the motor carrier. The freight bill gives description of the freight, its weight, amount of charges, taxes, and whether collect or prepaid. Charges paid in advance are called prepaid freight bills. They give a description of the freight, its weight, amount of charges, taxes, and whether the bill is collect or prepaid. If bill is prepaid, freight charges are paid by shipper. If bill is collect, freight charges are paid by the receiver of the goods.
Freight Broker
This is a really common shipment term. A Freight Broker is any person who sells transportation without actually providing it. The term usually refers to an agent for TL shipments, matching small shippers with carriers. Freight brokers often do not accept any responsibility for their shipments. (Also see Freight Forwarder and Shipper’s Agent). This really is one of those terms shippers should know.
Freight Broker Software
This is a computer software program or web based program that helps you manage your freight brokerage. It will help find loads, find shippers, track loads, issue invoices, issue rate confirmations and much more. Having the right freight broker software is a tremendous time saver.
Large, successful brokerages have long been using various forms of freight broker software such as LoadPilot. This software was developed to be installed on the main frame and/or on individual computers in offices to keep track of loads, accounting and other important items. The broker and each of his agents had to be individually trained to use the software. The software is complicated enough that the software company usually sends out special trainers to install the software on each machine, teach every broker and agent how to use it and constantly troubleshoot software problems unique to each machine. Just the training alone can sometimes take several days to complete. The cost put into the development of this software was large, the support staff required to keep it all running on the freight brokers’ computers is also large and the training and sales team is expensive. These costs are then passed on to the buyer / freight broker which makes it an extremely expensive software (tens of thousands of dollars) and affordable only to those with deep enough pockets. The rest had to fall back on pencils, paper and generic business management software. Learn more about freight broker software.
Freight Broker Software
This is a computer software program or web based program that helps you manage your freight brokerage. It will help find loads, find shippers, track loads, issue invoices, issue rate confirmations and much more. Having the right freight broker software is a tremendous time saver.
Large, successful brokerages have long been using various forms of freight broker software. This software was developed to be installed on the main frame and/or on individual computers in offices to keep track of loads, accounting and other important items. The broker and each of his agents had to be individually trained to use the software. The software is complicated enough that the software company usually sends out special trainers to install the software on each machine, teach every broker and agent how to use it and constantly troubleshoot software problems unique to each machine. Just the training alone can sometimes take several days to complete. The cost put into the development of this software was large, the support staff required to keep it all running on the freight brokers’ computers is also large and the training and sales team is expensive. These costs are then passed on to the buyer / freight broker which makes it an extremely expensive software (tens of thousands of dollars) and affordable only to those with deep enough pockets. The rest had to fall back on pencils, paper and generic business management software. Learn more about freight broker software.
Freight Forwarder
Many people feel this is one of the more confusing freight terms. It can be hard to know the difference between a broker and a forwarder. However, it’s simple. A Freight Forwarder is an individual or company that accepts less-than-truckload (LTL) or less-than-carload (LCL) shipments from shippers and combines then into carload or truckload lots. Designated as a common carrier under the Interstate Commerce Act. Freight forwarders issue a bill of lading for shipments and accept responsibility for cargo. The term may also refer to the company that fills railroad trains with trailers. (Also see Freight Broker and Shipper’s Agent.)
Find Freight
Looking for a commodity requiring shipping from one destination to another.
Find a Freight Broker or Freight Forwarder
Looking for a freight broker to move your load from point A to point B.
Find an LTL Motor Carrier
Looking for a carrier that requires an LTL shipment to their desired destination or surrounding cities.
G
GCW (Gross Combination Weight)
The maximum allowable fully laden weight of a truck and its payload. the most common classification scheme used by manufacturers and by states.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The combined weight of the vehicle (tractor and trailers) and its cargo.
H
Heavy Duty Truck
Truck with a gross vehicle weight generally in excess of 19,500 pounds (class 6-8). Other minimum weights are used by various laws or government agencies.
I
In Bond
Shipments move under bond from point of entry to an interior U.S. destination for clearance or to another border location for clearance.
ICC
Interstate Commerce Commission is the federal body charged with enforcing Acts of Congress affecting interstate commerce. Because of recent changes in regulation, this body may be obsolete.
Intercity Trucking
Trucking operations which carry freight beyond the local areas and commercial zones.
Intermodal Transportation (AKA. Multimodal)
Transportation movement involving more than one mode, e.g. rail-motor, motor-air, or rail-water
ISTA
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.
J
Jifflox/ Dolly
This is a type of truck converter that provides an extra axle and fifth wheel and is used to connect multiple trailers.
K
No Terms Yet.
L
Less-Than-Truckload or Less-Than-Load (LTL)
A quantity of freight less than that required for the application of a truckload rate. The historical definition for LTL freight is shipments under 10,000 pounds. LTL carriers are carriers which specialize in shipments under 10,000 pounds. However, competition from other freight carriers restricts shipments for most LTL carriers to the range between 300 and 3000 pounds.
LTL Carrier (Less-Than-Load motor carrier)
LTL carriers are carriers which specialize in shipments under 10,000 pounds. However, competition from other freight carriers restricts shipments for most LTL carriers to the range between 300 and 3000 pounds.
Linehaul
Movement of freight between cities or between break-bulk terminal facilities. Usually this is between the origin terminal and destination terminal, however it is does not refer the initial pick-up or final delivery of the freight.
LoadPilot Freight Broker Software
LoadPilot is an online freight brokering web site that allows you to easily quote, book, organize, invoice and manage all of your loads. It was designed by brokers for brokers, so we’ve done everything we can to make it as easy as possible for you, the transportation professional. Best of all, LoadPilot is a service that you subscribe to, not software that you buy. So that means there’s nothing to install, no costly updates to buy, and no computer bugs to worry about. Take a free 1 month test drive at www.loadpilot.com
- Fax or email invoices, rate confirmations and quotes directly from LoadPilot. No need for paper, and all of these forms are fully customizable.
- Integrated with leading load boards. Post loads directly to leading load boards such as GetLoaded, 123Loadboard, Truckstop and more.
- The Personal Home Page gives you an overview of your weekly & daily activities, (such as open loads, new messages, and your weekly schedule).
- Resend feature. With just the click of a button, you can resend a previous load. This feature will save you A LOT of time.
- The auto-fill feature helps you quickly fill in forms using information from your address book, and our Master Carrier Database™.
- Be Automatically Notified of Expired Carrier Insurance. If you’re working with a motor carrier, LoadPilot will automatically send you a message when their insurance has expired.
M
Minimum Charge
The lowest charge for which a shipment will be handled after discount and/or adjustment.
Modal Share
The percentage of total freight moved by a particular type of transportation.
Multimodal Transportation (also called Intermodal)
Freight movement involving more than one mode of transportation (ground, air, rail, ocean).
N
Non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC)
A type of ocean freight forwarder. NVOCCs books space in large quantities for a reduced rate, then sell space to shippers in lesser amounts. NVOCCs consolidate smaller shipments into a container load that ships under one bill of lading.
O
Order Notify (also called Negotiable Bill of Lading)
A shipment requiring the consignee to surrender the original endorsed bill of lading at the time of delivery. This is a method for the shipper to use to guarantee payment for goods shipped. More commonly used with truckload shipments.
Operating Expenses
The costs of handling traffic including both direct costs, e.g. driver wages and fuel; and indirect costs, e.g. computer expenses and advertising; but excludes interest expense.
Operating Ratio
A measure of profitability based on operating expenses as a percentage of gross revenues.
Origin
The location where the freight or load is originally picked up.
Overage
An overage occurs when the number of units received is in excess of the quantity shown on shipping documents. Overages should not be delivered to a customer. They will be returned to the terminal unless more info is received while the driver is out.
Overcharge Claims
The payor of the freight charges files an overcharge claim to dispute a discrepancy in charges that can stem from overpayment, weight or description corrections, etc.
P
Payment Terms
Generally, the shipper is responsible for payment of prepaid shipments and the consignee is responsible on collect shipments unless a third party is indicated as payor on the shipping papers.
Piggyback
The transportation of highway trailers or removable trailer bodies on rail cars specifically equipped for the service. It is essentially a joint carrier movement in which the motor carrier forms a pickup and delivery operations to a rail terminal, as well as a delivery operation at the terminating rail head.
Progressive Rotating Order (PRO)
This is a tracking or invoice number used by many freight brokers and motor carriers to help identify unique loads in their system.
Pickup & Delivery (P&D)
Local movement of freight between the shipper (or pickup point) and the origin terminal or between the destination terminal and the consignee (or delivery point).
Power Units
The control and pulling vehicle for trailers or semitrailers.
Q
No Terms Yet.
R
Rating
Determination of the correct legal rate for a shipment.
Revenue
Freight charges received by carrier for transportation of freight.
Rocky Mountain Double
A combination vehicle consisting of a tractor, a 45 to 48 foot semitrailer and a shorter 28 foot semitrailer.
S
Semitrailer
Truck trailer equipped with one or more axles and constructed so that the front end rests upon a truck tractor.
Shippers List
This is a list of freight broker sales leads sold by LoadPilot. Also called a list of shippers, this massive directory of U.S. shippers is an absolute necessity– comprised of exhaustive detail which can be easily searched through for maximum convenience.
Shipping Agent or Freight Agent
Also called a “shipper’s agent”, this is not a carrier, freight forwarder, or broker. Shipper’s agents generally arrange for the transportation of truckload or container load shipments. They work under a freight broker using his DOT authority. Shipper’s agents coordinates all aspects of an intermodal move, hiring drayage at both ends, and providing shippers with a single invoice.
Shipping Documents
This is a collection of documents that are needed for each load. They include a bills of lading, a packing slip, manifests, shipment bills and any necessary customs paperwork.
SIC Code
Standard Industrial Classification Codes are a classification of establishments by type of activity in which they are engaged; for the purpose of facilitating the collection, tabulation, presentation and analysis of data relating to establishments. An example is SIC 42 Motor Freight Transportation and Warehousing SIC 421 Trucking, Local and Long Distance.
Shortage
The number of units received is less than quantity shown on shipping documents. The outstanding shipment may be delivered later.
Specialized Carrier
A trucking company franchised to transport articles which require special equipment for lading, unloading or transporting due to size, shape, weight, or other inherent characteristics.
State of Domicile
Companies – The state in which the carrier maintains its headquarters. Drivers – the state in which a driver resides.
Straight Truck
A vehicle with the cargo body and tractor mounted on the same chassis
T
Tariff
A document setting forth applicable rules, rates, and charges for the movement of goods. A tariff sets forth a contract of carriage for the shipper, the consignee, and the carrier. Since January 1, 1996, motor carriers are not required to “publish” tariffs. However, in accordance with federal law, tariffs must be provided to a shipper upon request.
Third-Party
Third-party other than the shipper or consignee that is ultimately responsible for paying the shipment charges.
Third Structure Tax
Any tax on road users other than registration fees or fuel taxes. For example, see ton-mile tax and weight-distance tax.
Truckload (TL)
Large-volume shipment from a single customer that weighs over 10,000 pounds or takes up the trailer space so no other shipment can be loaded. Also a quantity of freight required to fill a truck. When used in connection with freight rates, a truckload is the quantity of freight necessary to qualify a shipment for a truckload rate. Historical definition is a shipment of 10,000 pounds or more.
Ton-Mile or Ton-Per-Mile
The movement of one ton of freight a distance of one mile. Ton-miles are computed by multiplying the weight in tons of each shipment transported by the distance hauled for each movement. Total ton-miles for a carrier are calculated by adding the figure for all movements.
Ton-Mile Tax
A tax calculated by measuring the weight of each truck for each trip. The gross weight is assigned a tax rate which is multiplied by the miles of travel.
Tracer
A request that a carrier locate a shipment to speed its movement or to establish proof of delivery, or a request for an answer to a previously filed claim.
Truck Tonnage
The weight of freight in tons transported by truck.
Turnpike Double
A combination vehicle consisting of a tractor and two trailers of 45 to 48 feet.
Twin Trailer (AKA short semi-trailer)
A short semi-trailer (under 29″) designed to be operated as part of a combination vehicle with a tandem trailer of similar length.
U
UN Number
An internationally accepted 4-digit number used to identify hazardous material.
V
Vehicle-Mile
A measurement of the total miles traveled by all vehicles in an area. This generally applies to intercity movements only.
W
Waybill
Description of goods with a common carrier freight shipment. A waybill is a non-negotiable document prepared by or on behalf of the carrier at the point of shipment origin. The document shows point of origin, destination, route, consignor, consignee, description of shipment, and amount charged for the transport service. See Air Waybill.
Weight-distance Tax
A tax that bases the fee per mile on the registered gross weight of the vehicle. Total tax liability is calculated by multiplying this rate times miles traveled.
X,Y,Z
No Terms Yet.
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