Glossary of Logistics Terms

Operations Execution Excellence
Glossary of Logistics Terms
A.T.A. - Abbreviation for the "American Trucking

Association."
Barrel A round, metal cylinder (drum) used as a

container. Barrels should always be loaded on
cardboard dunnage.
Accessorial Charges - Charges that are applied in

addition to the base tariff or base contract rate.
Typically published in carriers' rules tariffs.
Barrel Wheeler or Barrel Truck A handcart designed

to move drums or barrels because their round shape
cannot be handled safely by any other means.
Act of God - An act beyond human control, such as

lightning, flood, or earthquake.
Base Rate - A tariff term referring to a rate less

accessorial charges, or simply the base tariff rate.
Base rates are usually shown "per hundred pounds"
and are often discounted by 40-70%.
Air Bag A durable bag inflated with air and used to

force and secure freight to the inside wall(s) of a
trailer.
Beyond - Used with reference to charges assessed for

cargo movement past a line-haul terminating point,
often involving a connecting or interline carrier.
All Short None of the freight is received with the

movement document.
Bilateral - A contract term meaning that both parties

agree to a contractual provision.
A.Q. (Any Quantity) - Usually refers to a rating that

applies to an article regardless of size or quantity. A
pricing term.
Bill of Lading (B/L) - An itemized list of goods

contained in a shipment. Multi-use documents that
are essential to conduct the day to day operations
when transportation of supplies, materials, and
personal property is required. These primary
documents are used to procure freight and express
transportation and related services from commercial
carriers, including freight forwarders.
ASC X12 - American Standards Committee X12

responsible for developing EDI standards for the
United States.
Assignment - A term commonly used in connection
with contract provisions or the bill of lading. It
involves the transfer of rights, title, and interest in
order to assign goods by endorsing the bill of lading.
Billing - Preparation of the freight bill, the primary

document for a common carrier shipment including a
description of the freight, number of pieces, and
charges. See "Freight Bill."
Astray Freight The freight is separated from the

movement document. See Free Astray.
B/L (Bill of Lading) - An itemized list of goods
contained in a shipment. Multi-use documents that
are essential to conduct the day to day operations
when transportation of supplies, materials, and
personal property is required. These primary
documents are used to procure freight and express
transportation and related services from commercial
carriers, including freight forwarders.
Bill-To Party - Customer designated as the party

paying for services.
Billed Weight - The weight shown on a waybill or
freight bill, i.e., the invoiced weight. Could be
different than the "Actual Weight."
Blind Shipment - A B/L wherein the paying customer
has contracted with the carrier where either the
shipper or consignee information is not provided.
Backhaul - Refers to a load of freight which permits a

trucker to return to his domicile with a loaded truck,
rather than an empty one.
Balloon Freight - Light, bulky articles.
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Blocking or Bracing - Wood or metal supports

(dunnage) to keep shipments in place to prevent
cargo shifting.
shipments on-time without any shortages or

damages.
Classification - A publication, such as the National
Motor Freight Classification (motor carrier), that
assigns ratings to various articles and provides bill of
lading descriptions and rules.
Bobtail - Movement of a tractor, without trailer, over

the highway.
Break Bulk - To unload and distribute a portion or all
of the contents of a rail car, container, or trailer.
COD - Abbreviation for "Collect (cash) On Delivery."

Refers to payment for the cost of the goods
themselves, not payment for the freight charges.
Break Bulk Terminal - A terminal designated to act as

an intermediate sorting point for interregional
freight. Example: Freight destined for Texas from a
Binghamton, NY terminal might go to Stroudsburg, PA
to be combined with other freight destined for Texas
from other eastern cities.
Collect Freight - A freight payment term where the

freight charges are paid by the consignee or third
party, not the shipper. The opposite of "Prepaid."
Different than a COD.
Commodity - Any article of commerce. Goods
shipped.
Broker - Any person who sells transportation without

actually providing it. A person who arranges for
transportation of loads for a percentage of the
revenue from the load.
Commodity Rate - A rate published to apply to a

specific article or articles.
Bulkhead - A partition separating one part of a ship,

freight car, aircraft, or trailer from another part.
Common Carrier - A transportation company which

provides service to the general public at published
rates.
CWT - Hundred weight, or one hundred pounds.
Concealed Damage - Damage that is not evident from

viewing the unopened package.
Carrier - Any person or entity who, in a contract of

carriage, undertakes to perform or to procure the
performance of carriage by rail, road, sea, air, inland
waterway or by a combination of such modes.
Connecting Carrier - A carrier which interchanges

trailers with another for completion of shipment
delivery.
Cart A four-wheeled vehicle used to move freight

on the dock. Carts are used to move one or several
shipments across the dock at the same time. Time
and labor are saved when large shipments are moved
together on a cart.
Consignee - A person or company to whom

commodities are shipped.
Consignor - A person or company shown on the bill of
lading as the shipper.
Cartage - Usually refers to intra-city hauling on drays

or trucks.
Container/Trailer - A vehicle designed without motive

power, to be drawn by another vehicle.
Chock - A piece of wood or other material placed at

the side of tires or cargo to prevent rolling or moving.
Claim - A demand made upon a party for payment on
account of a loss, damage, or overcharge sustained
through its alleged negligence.
Contract Carrier - For-hire carriers which provide

transportation under specific contracts or agreements
that do not fall within the legal boundaries of
common carriage.
Claim Prevention The continuous activity of every

employee in reducing the number of claims by
performing the basic requirements of shipping,
receiving, handling, transporting, and delivering
Cube Term used to describe how much loading

space (percentage) inside a trailer has been used or is
available. For example, a trailer that is loaded exactly
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Dolly - An auxiliary axle assembly having a fifth wheel

used for purpose of converting a semi trailer to a full
trailer. Dollies can be used to haul multiple trailers
behind a single power unit. Also referred to as a
Bogie.
halfway full would be called 50% cubed out of a

possible 100%.
Cubic Foot - 1,728 cubic inches. A volume contained
in a space measuring one foot high, one foot wide,
and one foot long (12" x 12" x 12").
Double Trailers - A combination of two trailers pulled

by a single power unit. Usually refers to a power unit
pulling two 28' trailers. See also Rocky Mountain
Doubles, Turnpike Doubles, and Twin Trailers.
DOT - Abbreviation for the Department of

Transportation.
Deadhead - One leg of a move without a paying cargo
load. Usually refers to repositioning an empty piece
of equipment.
Driver Collect - Where the delivering carrier's driver

collects the freight charges from the consignee "on
the spot" because the consignee has not established
credit privileges with the carrier.
Defensive Driving When a driver thinks ahead,

anticipates problems, expects the unexpected, and is
on the defensive while driving.
Dry Cargo - Cargo that is not liquid and normally does

not require temperature control.
Deficit Weight - The weight by which a shipment is

less than the minimum weight.
Dunnage Term that refers to materials such as

cardboard, pallets, plywood, foam rubber, air bags,
etc. and used for protecting freight while in-transit.
Delivery Receipt The control document used to

deliver freight to the consignee. The delivery receipt
(D/R) is signed by the consignee and the driver. Also
used as a receipt for collecting monies and for
recording delivery exceptions. A signed bill of lading
may also be used as a delivery receipt.
EDI - Abbreviation for "Electronic Data Interface."

Generic term for transmission of transactional data
between computer systems. EDI is typically via a
batched transmission, usually conforming to
consistent standards.
Density - The weight of cargo per cubic foot or other

unit.
Weight (in pounds) divided by [(Length" x Width" x
Height") divided by 1728].
ETA - Abbreviation for "Estimated Time of Arrival."

Empty A trailer that contains no freight.
Enroute - On the way.
Destination - the place where a carrier actually turns

over cargo to consignee or his agent.
Exception - Notations made when the cargo is

received by the customer, at carrier's terminal, or
loaded aboard a vessel. Exceptions show any
irregularities in packaging or actual or suspected
damage to the cargo. Exceptions are then noted on
the B/L, freight bill, or delivery receipt.
Detention - A penalty or accessorial charge against

shippers or consignees for delaying carrier's
equipment beyond allowed time. Demurrage applies
to cargo; detention applies to equipment. See Per
Diem.
Diversion - Changing the consignee or destination on
a bill of lading while shipment is still in transit (before
delivery). Also referred to as "Reconsignment"
Exempt Carrier - Motor carriers who are exempt from

regulation by the type of commodity hauled
(agricultural, newspapers) or the type of service
provided (in conjunction with air, local in nature).
Dock - A platform where trucks are loaded and

unloaded.
Export - Shipment of goods to a foreign country.
Dock Plate Metal plate used as a ramp between a

trailer and the dock platform.
FAK - Abbreviation for "freight all kinds."
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FCL - Abbreviation for "Full Container Load." Similar

to a Truckload.
carriers can provide truckload or less than truckload

service.
FOB - Abbreviation for "Free On Board." See also Free

On Board and Terms of Sale, FOB.
Gross Weight - Entire weight of goods, packaging,

and container, freight car, or container, ready for
shipment. Generally, 80,000 pounds maximum
container, cargo, and tractor for highway transport.
Fifth Wheel - The semi-circular steel coupling device

mounted on a tractor which engages and locks with a
chassis semi-trailer.
Harmonized Code - An internationally accepted and

uniform description system for classifying goods for
Customs, statistical and other purposes.
Force Majeure - The title of a common clause in

contracts, exempting the parties for non-fulfillment of
their obligations as a result of conditions beyond their
control, such as earthquakes, floods, or war.
Fork Lift - A machine used to pick up and move goods
loaded on pallets or skids.
Haz Mat - An industry abbreviation for "Hazardous

Material." These materials pose a threat to people,
equipment, or other cargo. Specific DOT instructions
for describing, labeling, and placarding must be
followed.
Four-Way Pallet - A pallet designed so that the forks

of a fork lift truck can be inserted from all four sides.
Header Term used to identify a shipment loaded in

front of the trailer, aka headload.
Free Astray - An astray shipment (a lost shipment

that is found) sent to its proper destination without
additional charge.
High and Tight Loading freight high in a trailer

utilizes the full cube of the trailer and allows more
freight to be loaded. Loading freight tight in a trailer
reduces the possibility of damage while enroute.
Free On Board (FOB - U.S. Domestic Use) - Shipped

under a rate that includes costs of delivery to and the
loading onto a carrier at a specified point.
Household Goods Also referred to as personal

effects.
Hubometer The meter on the wheel of a tractor
used to record mileage.
Free Time - That amount of time that a carrier's

equipment may be used without incurring additional
charges.
ICC - Abbreviation for "Interstate Commerce

Commission." The federal body formerly charged with
enforcing Acts of Congress affecting interstate
commerce. Replaced by the STB in 1997.
Freight - Any commodity being transported - or the

charges assessed for carriage of the cargo.
Freight Bill - An invoice. Document for a common
carrier shipment. Gives description of the freight, its
weight, amount of charges, taxes, and the party
responsible for payment.
Import - To receive goods from a foreign country.

In Bond - Cargo moving under Customs control where
duty has not yet been paid.
Freight Charge - The transportation charge for

transporting freight. Sometimes used synonymously
with "Rate."
Incentive Rate - A lower than usual tariff rate

assessed because a shipper offers a greater volume
than specified in the tariff. The incentive rate is
assessed for that portion exceeding the normal
volume.
Freight Broker - See Broker.

GBL - Abbreviation for "Government Bill of Lading."
Interchange Point - A location where one carrier

delivers freight to another carrier.
General Freight Carrier - A carrier which handles a

wide variety of commodities in standard trailers. Such
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Interline Freight - Freight which moves from point of

origin to destination over the lines of two or more
transportation companies.
LCV - Abbreviation for "Longer combination vehicle."

A tractor pulling at least two trailers.
LTL (Less than Truckload) - A quantity of freight less
than that required for the application of a truckload
rate. The historical definition of LTL freight is
"shipments under 10,000 pounds."
Intermodal - Used to denote movements of cargo

containers interchangeably between transport
modes, e.g., motor, water, and air carriers, and where
the equipment is compatible within the multiple
systems.
LTL Motor Carrier - Carrier which specializes in

transporting shipments under 10,000 pounds.
Interstate Traffic - Traffic having origin and

destination in two different states.
Label - Letters, numbers, and other symbols placed

on cargo packages to facilitate identification for
handling, transportation, and delivery. Affixed to one
or more sides of each package, and usually containing
the company names and addresses of the shipper and
consignee.
Intrastate Traffic - Traffic having origin, destination,

and entire transportation within the same state.
Invoice - An itemized list of goods shipped to a buyer,
stating quantities, prices, shipping charges, etc.
Landing Gear - A retractable support fixed on the

front part of a chassis; used to support the front end
of a chassis when the tractor has been removed.
JIT - Abbreviation for "Just in Time." In this method of

inventory control, warehousing is minimal or nonexistent; the container is the movable warehouse and
must arrive "just in time," not too early nor too late.
Line Haul - Movement of freight between cities,

excluding pickup and delivery service.
Johnson Bar A large, portable crowbar used on the

dock to pry up heavy freight.
Load Bars A tool used to secure freight in a trailer,

typically to keep cartons from falling.
Joint Rate - A rate applicable from a point on one

transportation line to a point on another line, made
by agreement and published in a single tariff by all
transportation lines over which the rate applies.
Load Factor The computed value of weight loaded

into trailers factored by the miles the trailer travels. If
trailers are loaded to fully capacity, the cost is lower
as fewer trailers are needed and fewer miles are
traveled per pound of freight.
Kilogram - 1,000 grams or 2.2046 pounds.
Loading Allowance A tariff allowance to a customer

for loading its shipments onto a carriers trailer,
thereby reducing the carriers labor cost. Usually a
fixed sum per hundredweight, conditioned on a
specific volume that must be tendered in a single day.
Usually, the customer files for (claims) the allowance
once each month. See also Unloading Allowance.
King Pin - A coupling pin centered on the front

underside of a chassis; couples to the tractor.
Knocked Down (KD) - Articles which are taken apart
to reduce the cubic footage displaced or to make a
better shipping unit and are to be reassembled. The
term KD may be used when merchandise in its setup
state is reduced by at least 1/3 for shipping.
Logistics - That part of the supply chain process that

plans, implements, and controls the efficient,
effective flow and storage of goods, services, and
related information from the point of origin to the
point of consumption in order to meet customers'
requirements.
Knocked Down Flat (KDF) - See Knocked Down. The

term KDF may be used when merchandise in its setup
state is reduced by at least 2/3 for shipping.
LCL - Abbreviation for "Less than Container Load."
The quantity of freight which is less than that
required for the application of a container load rate.
Loose Freight - Without packing. Sometimes used to

refer to freight that has not been palletized or
otherwise unitized, i.e., "loose cartons."
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Low-Boy - A trailer or semi-trailer with no sides and

with the floor of the unit close to the ground.
Nose - Front of a container or trailer; opposite of the

tail.
Manifest - Document that lists in detail all the bills of

lading issued by a carrier or its agent. A detailed
summary of the total cargo of a vessel. Used primarily
for Customs purposes.
Nose Load See Header.

Open Top Container - A container fitted with a solid,
removable roof, or with a tarpaulin roof so the
container can be loaded or unloaded from the top;
also known as "Rag Top."
Marking - Letters, numbers, and other symbols

placed on cargo packages to facilitate identification.
Operating Ratio - A measure of profitability based

upon operating expenses as a percentage of gross
revenues.
Meter - 39.37 inches.

Minimum Charge - The lowest charge that can be
assessed to transport a shipment, sometimes referred
to as the "Absolute Minimum."
Order Notify - A bill of lading term to provide

surrender of the original bill of lading before freight is
released; usually associated with a shipment covered
under a letter of credit.
Mule - A tractor used for moving (switching) trailers

around a warehouse/terminal dock or yard.
Origin - Location where shipment began its

movement. Also known as "Point of Origin."
Multimodal - Synonymous for all practical purposes

with "Intermodal."
OS&D - Abbreviation for "Over, Short, or Damaged."

Usually discovered at cargo unloading.
NAFTA - Abbreviation for the "North American Free

Trade Agreement." A free trade agreement,
implemented 1/1/94, between Canada, Mexico, and
the U.S.
Overage - Excess freight over the quantity believed to

have been shipped.
Overcharge - To charge more than the proper
amount according to the published or contracted
rates.
NMFC - Abbreviation for the "National Motor Freight

Classification." A publication that assigns ratings to
various articles and provides bill of lading descriptions
and rules.
P&D An acronym for pickup and delivery. LTL

freight systems typically have operations for pickup
and delivery within cities and freight flow operations
for transport of freight between cities.
Nested - Articles packed so that one rests partially or

entirely within another, thereby reducing the cubic
foot displacement, i.e., paper cups.
PARS - Abbreviation for "Pre-Arrival Review System."

A Canada Customs system that allows shipment
release information to be transmitted and processed
by Canada Customs before the goods arrive in
Canada. PARS speeds up the Customs clearance
process.
NOI - Abbreviation for "Not Otherwise Indexed."

Commonly used as part of a "catch-all" commodity
description in the NMFC.
NOIBN - Abbreviation for "Not Otherwise Indexed By
Name." Commonly used as part of a "catch-all"
commodity description in the NMFC.
POD - Abbreviation for "Proof of Delivery."

NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) - A
cargo consolidator in ocean trades who will buy space
from a carrier and sub-sell it to smaller shippers. The
NVOCC issues bills of lading, publishes tariffs, and
otherwise conducts itself as an ocean common
carrier, except that it will not provide the actual
ocean or intermodal service.
Packing List - Itemized list of commodities with

marks/numbers, but no cost values indicated.
Pallet - A platform with or without sides on which a
number of packages or pieces may be loaded to
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RVNX - Abbreviation for "Released Value Not

Exceeding." Usually used to limit the value of goods
transported. The limitation refers to carrier liability
when paying a claim for lost or damaged goods.
Allows shippers to receive a lower freight rate in
exchange for limiting the carrier's liability.
facilitate handling by a lift truck; often referred to as a

"Skid."
Pallet Jack A hand-operated, non-motorized forklift
tool.
Payee - A party named in an instrument as the
beneficiary of the funds.
Rag Top - A container fitted with a solid, removable

roof, or with a tarpaulin roof so the container can be
loaded or unloaded from the top; also known as an
"Open Top Container."
Payer - A party responsible for the payment as

evidenced by the given instrument.
Rate - The charge per hundred pounds, per piece, or

per shipment for transporting freight. Sometimes
used synonymously with "Freight Charge."
Perishable Freight Shipments which are subject to

decay or deterioration.
Per Diem - A charge based upon a fixed, daily rate.
Rate Basis - A formula of the specific factors or

elements that control the making of a rate. A rate
may be based upon a number of factors, e.g., weight,
measure, density, equipment type, package, box, etc.
Pickup - The act of picking up freight at the

consignor's shipping platform. The act of calling for
freight to be picked up by truck at the consignor's
shipping platform.
Rebate - An illegal form of discounting or refunding

that has the net effect of lowering the tariff price.
Piggyback - A transportation arrangement in which

truck trailers with their loads are moved via train to a
destination. Also known as Rail Pigs.
Reconsignment - Changing the consignee or

destination on a bill of lading while shipment is still in
transit (before delivery). Also referred to as
"Diversion."
Point of Origin - The place at which a shipment is

received by a carrier from the shipper. Also known
simply as "Origin."
Recooper To repair damaged cartons or containers.
Power Unit - The control and pulling vehicle for

containers, trailers, or semi-trailers. See also Tractor,
Truck.
Reefer - Slang term for "Refrigerated Trailer." A

temperature-controlled trailer.
Prepaid - A freight payment term where the freight

charges are to be paid by the shipper or a third party,
not by the consignee.
Released Value - Usually used to limit the value of

goods transported. The limitation refers to carrier
liability when paying a claim for lost or damaged
goods. Allows shippers to receive a lower freight rate
in exchange for limiting the carrier's liability.
Pro Number - Short for "Progressive Number." Also

known as "Freight Bill Number." A carrier invoice
number assigned for each shipment.
Remittance - Funds sent by one person to another as

payment. "Remittance Advice" includes all invoice
numbers being paid by each payment.
Proof of Delivery (POD) - A paper or electronic

document, verifying that a shipment was delivered.
The POD includes the shipment details, a consignee
representative's signature, the date received, and any
delivery exception notations, e.g., pieces short,
damaged.
Rocky Mountain Double - A combination vehicle

consisting of a tractor, a 45 to 48 foot semi-trailer and
a shorter 28 foot semi-trailer.
Route - The manner in which a shipment moves, i.e.,
the carrier(s) handling it and the points through
which it moves, and/or the points at which the
carriers interchange.
Pup - A short semi-trailer used jointly with a dolly and

another semi-trailer to create twin (or doubles)
trailers.
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Rug Pole A forklift attachment for handling

carpeting.
Shortage The number of pieces in a shipment are

fewer than the piece-count shown on the movement
document.
SCAC - Abbreviation for "Standard Carrier

Abbreviation Code." Identifies an individual common
carrier.
Shrink Wrap - Polyethylene or similar substance heattreated and shrunk into an envelope around several
packages, thereby securing them as a single pack for
presentation or to secure units on a pallet. Similar to
"Stretch Wrap."
SIC Code - Abbreviation for "Standard Industrial

Classification Code." A standard numerical code used
by the U.S. Government to classify products and
services. For example, SIC 42 includes Motor Freight
Transportation and Warehousing.
Single Shipment A shipment rated as less than 500

pounds and is picked up at one location with no other
shipments.
SL&C - Abbreviation for "Shipper's Load & Count."

Shipments loaded and sealed by shippers and not
checked or verified by the carrier.
Skid - Battens, or a series of parallel runners, fitted

beneath boxes or packages to raise them clear of the
floor to permit easy access of forklift blades or other
handling equipment; often referred to as a "Pallet."
STB - Abbreviation for the "Surface Transportation

Board." The U.S. Federal body charged with enforcing
acts of the U.S. Congress that affect common carriers
in interstate commerce. The STB replaced the ICC in
1997.
Slipsheet - A sheet of cardboard or plastic designed to

be used much like a pallet or skid, but less expensive,
thinner and lighter. A slipsheet allows for better cube
utilization of a trailer and greater payload, but
requires specialized equipment for loading and
unloading.
STC - Abbreviation for "Said to Contain." Used as a

notation on the bill of lading by a driver who is unable
to count the number of pieces on a palletized or
unitized shipment
Spotting - Placing a container where required to be

loaded or unloaded.
Seal - Metal strip or lead fastener used for locking

freight car or trailer doors. Seals are numbered for
record-keeping purposes.
Stacking - Loading cargo into a container.
Semi-Trailer - Truck trailer equipped with one or

more axles and constructed so that the front end
rests upon the back of a truck tractor.
Straight Truck - A vehicle with the cargo body and

tractor mounted on the same chassis. A straight truck
is a single tractor/trailer unit that has no "hinge"
between the tractor and trailer.
Shipment - A package or group of packages typically

sent from one shipper to one consignee on one bill of
lading.
Stretch Wrap - Polyethylene or similar substance

wrapped around several packages, thereby securing
them as a single pack for presentation or to secure
units on a pallet. Similar to "Shrink Wrap."
Shipper - The person or company who is usually the

supplier or owner of commodities shipped. Also
called Consignor.
Stripping - Removing cargo from a container.

Devanning.
Shipper's Load & Count (SL&C) - Shipments loaded

and sealed by shippers and not checked or verified by
the carrier.
Supply Chain - A logistical management system which

integrates the sequence of activities from delivery of
raw materials to the manufacturer through to
delivery of the finished product to the customer into
measurable components. "Just in Time" is an example
of supply chain management.
Shipping Order - Shipper's instructions to carrier for

forwarding goods; usually the triplicate copy of the
bill of lading.
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Surcharge - An extra or additional charge, i.e., fuel

surcharge (when the cost of fuel spikes
unexpectedly).
Triples A set of three 28-foot trailers, connected

with two converter dollies, used to transport LTL
freight.
Surface Transportation Board (STB) - The U.S. Federal

body charged with enforcing acts of the U.S. Congress
that affect common carriers in interstate commerce.
The STB replaced the ICC in 1997.
Truck - A motor vehicle designed to carry an entire

load. It may consist of a chassis and body; a chassis,
cab and body; or it may be of integral construction so
that the body and chassis form a single unit.
TL - Abbreviation for "Truckload." Quantity of freight

required to fill a truck. When used in connection with
freight rates, the quantity of freight necessary to
qualify a shipment for a truckload rate. Historical
definition is a shipment of 10,000 or more.
Truckload (TL) - Quantity of freight required to fill a

truck. When used in connection with freight rates, the
quantity of freight necessary to qualify a shipment for
a truckload rate. Historical definition is a shipment of
10,000 or more.
Tail - Back of a container or trailer; opposite of the

nose.
Turnpike Double - A combination vehicle consisting

of a tractor and two trailers of 45 to 48 feet.
Tariff - A publication setting forth the rules, rates, and

charges of companies.
Twin Trailer - A short semi-trailer (under 29' in

length) designed to be operated as part of a
combination vehicle with a tandem trailer of similar
length. See Double Trailers.
Tender - The offer of goods for transportation or the

offer to place cars or containers for loading or
unloading.
Two-Way Pallet - A pallet so designed that the forks

of a fork lift truck can be inserted from two sides only.
Terminal - A building or assigned area for the

handling and temporary storage of freight pending
transfer between locations.
Unclaimed Freight - Freight that has not been called

for or picked up by the consignee or owner.
Terms of Sale - The point at which sellers have

fulfilled their obligations so the goods in a legal sense
could be said to have been delivered to the buyer.
Thirteen shorthand expressions that set out the rights
and obligations of each party when it comes to
transporting the goods.
Undercharge - To charge less than the proper

amount.
Top Freight Fragile freight that must be loaded near

the ceiling of the trailer so that it will not be crushed.
Unloading - Removal of a shipment from a container.
Unitization - Loading one or more large items of

cargo onto a single piece of equipment, such as a
pallet.
Tractor - The control and pulling vehicle for

containers, trailers, or semi-trailers. See also Power
Unit, Tractor, and Truck.
Unloading Allowance A tariff allowance to a

customer for unloading its shipments from a carriers
trailer, thereby reducing the carriers labor cost.
Usually a fixed sum per hundredweight, conditioned
on a specific volume that must be tendered in a single
day. Usually, the customer files for (claims) the
allowance once each month. See also Loading
Allowance.
Trailer/Container - A vehicle designed without motive

power, to be drawn by another vehicle.
Volume Rate A rate (usually less expensive than the

LTL scale of rates) for large volume shipments.
Trace - 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.
Transport - To move cargo from one place to another.
-9-
Warehouse - A place for the reception, delivery,

consolidation, distribution, and storage or
goods/cargo.
Warehousemans Liability A warehouseman is
liable for loss or damage to goods caused by failure to
exercise reasonable care while the product is in his
possession. Under certain circumstances, the carriers
cargo claim liability reverts to that of a
warehouseman (usually when the carrier cannot
deliver a shipment and must store the product at
carriers location or at a public warehouse). The
interpretation of reasonable care and the
corresponding financial responsibilities in these
situations are sometimes vague and are often
determined by common law cases. In general,
warehousemans liability has proven to be less than
full common carrier liability.
Waybill - A document prepared by a transportation
line at the point of a shipment; shows the point of
origin, destination, route, consignor, consignee,
description of shipment and amount charged for the
transportation service. It may move with the
shipment or be forwarded to the agent at the transfer
point or waybill destination.
Yard - A classification, storage, or switching area.
Yard Mule or Yard Goat A tractor used for moving
(switching) trailers around a warehouse/terminal
dock or yard, aka a hostling tractor.
- 10 -

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