Air Ride
Air suspension

Backhaul
A return trip or a movement in a direction of or for a purpose secondary importance.

Bill of Lading
A contract stating that a carrier has received certain freight and will be responsible for its delivery. A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. Usually prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the carrier, it serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.


Break-bulk distribution center
A warehouse where large shipments are sent by the shipper. Then the shipment is broken down by specific customers and each consignee receives what was ordered. This concept is used to save freight costs.

Cartage
Local hauling of freight.

COFC (Container-on flatcar)
Piggyback traffic, or when containers are shipped on rail flatcars.

Consignee
The receiver of a shipment.

Consignor
The shipper of goods.

Containers
Large boxes, often 8 feet high, 8 feet wide, and from 20 - 55 feet long. These containers can be transported by rail, truck, air, or water carrier, although air containers are often smaller.

Contract carrier
Found in the trucking industry. A contract carrier provides specialized service to each customer based on a contractual arrangement.

Customs house brokers
Companies that help buyers bring imports into a country. They prepare the customs reports, arrange transportation, etc.

Delivery "window”
The span of specified time within which a scheduled delivery must be made.

Distribution center
A warehouse with an emphasis on quick turnaroundt, such as is needed in supporting marketing efforts.

Drayage
Local trucking.

Duty
A tax imposed on imports by the customs authority of a country. Duties are generally based on the value of the goods (ad valorem duties), some other factor such as weight or quantity (specific duties), a combination of value and other factors (compound duties).

Expedited shipment
Carrier attempts to have a shipment move more quickly than normal.

Export declaration
A form filled out by a U.S. exporter for governmental statistical and export-control purposes.

Freight Forwarder
An independent business which handles export shipments for compensation. Your freight forwarder can be among the best sources of information and assistance on U.S. export regulations and documentation, shipping methods, and foreign import regulations.

Hazardous cargo
Poses hazards to handlers or to other cargos and, because of this, requires special attention. Its carriage is subject to additional regulations.

"Hazmat"
Hazardous materials, or hazardous cargo.

Inbond
Cargo on which taxes or duties have yet to be paid. The owner must post a bond or use a bonded carrier or warehouse to guarantee that materials will not be sold until taxes or duties are paid.

Logistics
The flow of materials and services and the communications necessary to manage that flow.

LCL
Less than container load.

LTL
Less than trailer load.

Materials handling
The efficient movement of products into and out of warehouses and transportation vehicles. Often uses pallets or skids as part of the building-block method. It also applies to large movements of bulk materials.

Materials management
Movement of raw materials, parts, and components to the production plan.

Pallet
The small platform, usually 40 x 48 inches, on which goods are placed for handling in a warehouse.

"Pull" inventory system
Goods moving so slowly through an inventory system that the buyer must take action to speed the flow of goods in his direction

"Push" inventory system
To the buyer it appears that the product is being pushed toward him, and he must act to stop or slow the flow.

Shipment consolidation
Freight rates are less expensive per pound shipped when large shipments are given to the carrier at one time. Therefore, shippers try to consolidate shipments bound for the same general area.

Tare weight
Weight of the empty container or vehicle.

Tariff
A book containing a carrier's charges for transportation services, or the charges assessed on items imported into a country.

Terminal
A carrier or public facility where freight (or passengers) is shifted between vehicles, or modes.

Tracing
A carrier's attempt to find a misplaced or delayed shipment.