Glossary Of Shipping And Transportation Terms
Here are some terms you might hear as you step into the world of freight.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Accessorial Services ~
Additional fee-based services above and beyond the standard freight service that are charged to a shipment. Examples could include Ground Delivery or Liftgate Pickup.
Certificate of Insurance ~
A document that offers proof of insurance for a shipment.
Claim ~
A procedure in which a shipper can place a demand upon a carrier for the payment of damages to shipment items or the refund of overcharges made in the billing process.
COD ~
Collect on Delivery; payment must be made to the carrier on behalf of the shipper before the freight can be released to the consignee.
Commodity ~
Basically, any item being shipped.
Consignee ~
The individual or entity to whom the freight is being shipped.
Consignor ~
The individual or entity shipping the freight.
Density ~
Is a physical property of all objects that measures the amount of mass in a given volume. Density is used to determine the class at which to rate a commidity item.
Freight Bill ~
Shipping document that details the shipment, weight, taxes and charges, and the payment terms, whether prepaid or collect.
Fuel Surcharge ~
An additional charge based on the nationwide average of on-highway diesel prices.
Hazardous Material ~
Items that are deemed to be hazardous by the U.S. DOT are subject to this classification. Additional charges are typically incurred due to the special handling requirements.
Household Goods ~
Special classification for freight that is generally said to be personal effects. Shipments of this type tend to be based on Household Goods pricing.
Less than Truckload ~
Generally, any shipment that is less than 10,000 pounds or that does not fill an entire truck load.
LTL ~ See Less than Truckload.
National Motor Freight Classification System ~
A system used to price commodity items based on density, stowability, liability, and ease of handling. Shipment items fall into 1 of 18 NMFC classes.
NMFC ~ See National Motor Freight Classification System.
Origin ~
Geographical location in which a shipment originates.
Overage ~
Occurs when the actual piece count exceeds the count detailed on the shipping document.
POD ~ See Proof of Delivery.
Proof of Delivery ~
A document generated by a carrier that provides details about the delivery of a shipment.
Rate ~
The charge assessed for actual freight.
TL ~ See Truckload.
Truckload ~
Generally, any shipment 10,000 pounds or heavier or that fills an entire trailer.
Waybill ~
A description of goods contained within a shipment.
