Glossary

A type of insurance coverage that safeguards against all possible types of risks, except those explicitly listed as exceptions in the policy.

A tax applied to goods imported at prices substantially below their fair market value, often to safeguard domestic enterprises.

Systems or devices designed to cut down or remove the need for extended vehicle idling, thereby lessening fuel consumption and emissions.

It is a framework of rules and guidelines that facilitate interaction between different software systems.

The process where a neutral third party decides on a dispute, and the decision is considered binding on all parties involved.

Utilization of AI-driven algorithms to determine the most effective routes for goods transportation.

This financial indicator assesses the efficiency with which a company converts its assets into sales revenue.

A time-stamped series of transactions, often maintained for the purposes of regulatory compliance or audits.

Using digital overlays on real-world settings to assist in logistical operations like navigating warehouses.

Rail cars engineered to accommodate and transport automobiles make up this category.

Systems that facilitate the automatic joining of vehicles or railroad cars.

Equipment or software that classifies items according to certain criteria, like dimensions or final destination.

Rail cars engineered to accommodate and transport automobiles make up this category.

Systems that facilitate the automatic joining of vehicles or railroad cars.

Equipment or software that classifies items according to certain criteria, like dimensions or final destination.

These are vehicles capable of navigating without human intervention, often using sensors and complex AI algorithms.

This refers to the return trip of a vehicle, typically a truck, that has completed its primary delivery and is now transporting goods on its way back to the point of origin.

An economic metric capturing the difference between a country's exports and imports, usually expressed in monetary terms.

The technology where information about items is encoded in the form of a visual pattern (usually bars) that can be read by an optical scanner.

Freight transported in the underbelly compartment of a passenger airline, as opposed to a dedicated cargo plane.

A designated spot, usually at a dock or terminal, where ships can be anchored for loading and unloading activities.

Massive data sets that require specialized tools for analysis, often used in supply chain management for insights into efficiency.

Applying extensive data analytics to improve and optimize the rail shipping processes and operations.

A legally binding document detailing the type, quantity, and agreed-upon conditions for the transport of goods.

Alternate acronyms for the Bill of Lading, serving the same legal function for freight documentation.

A detailed list that details all the raw materials, components, and assemblies that are required in the process of manufacturing a product.

A conflict resolution method where the decision from a neutral arbitrator is legally enforceable for all parties involved.

A customs duty rate that cannot be changed without prior notification, providing a level of certainty for traders.

Packaging materials designed to naturally decompose over time, reducing environmental impact.

Authentication methods using unique biological traits like fingerprints or iris scans, often for securing access.

A digital ledger where transactions are grouped in blocks and cryptographically secure, providing tamper-proof records.

Using blockchain technology to enhance supply chain transparency, tracking, and security.

A secured storage facility where goods can be kept under customs control until duties are paid or goods are exported.

A point in the supply chain where limitations cause delays or reduced throughput.

A fully enclosed railcar generally used for shipping non-perishable goods.

Individual goods that are loaded and unloaded one piece at a time, as opposed to in containers or bulk.

A port facility specializing in the handling of break bulk cargo, including the loading and unloading processes.

A type of shipping company focusing on the transportation of break bulk cargo.

Unpackaged goods shipped in large quantities, like grain or coal, typically poured or dropped into a ship's hold.

The movement of unpackaged, large-quantity goods using specialized shipping methods.

Storing goods in large quantities, typically in a loose or unpackaged form, within a designated facility.

A surcharge levied to offset fuel price fluctuations in maritime shipping.

The transport of goods or passengers between two points within the same country by a foreign carrier.

The measurement and analysis of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by an organization, product, or service.

The act of investing in environmental projects to balance out the emissions generated by one's own activities.

Official scrutiny of goods, often by customs authorities, to ensure they meet regulatory requirements.

A comprehensive list of the cargo on a ship, including quantity and type of goods.

The process of inspecting cargo to ensure it meets security and safety regulations.

A series of steps to select and contract with a shipping service, usually involving evaluations based on price, reliability, and capability.

A transaction where the buyer pays for goods upon receipt of shipping documents, often through a bank.

Surveillance technology employing cameras to transmit footage to a specific set of monitors.

A specialized license allowing the holder to operate large commercial vehicles.

The point where the weight of a load is evenly distributed, crucial for stable transport.

A management system governing the movement and routing of trains from a central location.

An official document confirming the source country of goods for customs or trade purposes.

Here, the seller arranges and covers the cost of shipping and transport to the destination port specified by the buyer. Nevertheless, the buyer assumes the risk once the goods are loaded onto the ship.

A record of all parties that have possessed or controlled an item, essential for security and legal integrity.

Similar to CFR, except that the seller also arranges and pays for insurance coverage of the goods during transit. Risk shifts to the buyer as the goods are loaded onto the vessel.

This is an extension of CPT, where the seller also provides and pays for insurance. Despite this, the risk is transferred to the buyer when the goods are given to the initial transporter.

Circular Economy: optimization by reusing and recycling products.

A supply chain designed to incorporate recycling and reusing products and materials.

A shipping document stating that the goods have been received in an acceptable condition.

A retail model where consumers acquire products online, picking them up later at a physical location.

Specialized logistics for items that need to be kept at a specific temperature.

Packaging solutions designed to maintain temperature-sensitive goods during transit.

Facilities capable of storing perishable items at low temperatures.

A supply chain designed to incorporate recycling and reusing products and materials.

A shipping document stating that the goods have been received in an acceptable condition.

A formal review ensuring an organization's adherence to regulatory guidelines.

A customs duty comprising both a fixed and a variable component.

Secondary damages arising indirectly from a primary loss, often not covered by standard insurance.

The individual or entity designated to receive shipped goods.

A document accompanying a shipment outlining terms and conditions as well as goods details.

The person or entity responsible for shipping goods.

Merging smaller shipments into larger ones for cost-effective transport.

Specialized machinery designed to load and unload shipping containers from vessels.

A facility where goods are loaded into or unloaded from containers.

A security device used to deter and detect unauthorized access to shipping containers.

Preparing for unforeseen events that might disrupt operations, especially in logistics.

The per-unit revenue remaining after subtracting variable costs, generally used for internal profitability assessment.

Centralized hubs providing real-time data and analytics to manage complex supply chains.

A preferred shipping company with which a business has a long-term relationship.

Taxes on imported goods designed to offset subsidies provided by the exporter's country.

In this term, the seller covers the expense of transporting the goods to a pre-determined destination. However, the buyer takes on the risk once the goods are handed over to the first carrier.

Processes for conveying critical information during emergencies or disruptions.

The direct transfer of goods from an incoming vehicle to an outgoing one, minimizing storage time.

Utilizing a network of independent couriers for shipping, often coordinated through a digital platform.

A voluntary program where businesses agree to implement specific security measures in return for expedited customs processing.

Technology that automatically measures and weighs items for shipping calculations.

The financial risk arising from fluctuating currency exchange rates.

A platform or software for managing interactions and relations with customers.

Formal examination of a company's customs documentation and procedures for compliance.

A professional trained in customs regulations, aiding companies with import and export procedures.

The process of passing goods through a country or territory's customs for import or export, following all legal requirements.

Formal examination of a company's customs documentation and procedures for compliance.

An agreement between countries allowing free trade among themselves and a unified external tariff.

Determining the monetary value of imported goods for assessing duties and taxes.

Items classified as hazardous and subject to special handling regulations.

The act of investing in environmental projects to balance out the emissions generated by one's own activities.

The seller takes on the obligation of delivering the goods to a specified place, prepared for unloading at the destination. While the seller bears all costs and risks until arrival, they are not responsible for unloading.

A large repository of raw data, often used for big data analytics.

Storing data in a structured manner, often to facilitate business intelligence activities.

A shipping option that guarantees delivery on a specified day but not at a specific time.

In this arrangement, the seller undertakes to deliver the goods to the buyer at a designated place, taking care of all duties, costs, and risks. The goods are provided cleared for import, and the seller assumes all obligations until delivery is complete.

The operation of a commercial vehicle with no cargo or passengers, typically on a return trip.

Economic inefficiency resulting in loss of potential welfare or value.

The maximum weight a ship can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, and crew.

Cargo transported on the open deck of a ship, as opposed to inside containers.

An account where import duties and taxes can be temporarily deferred.

A document confirming the successful delivery of a shipment.

The timeframe within which delivery of goods is expected.

Fees levied for extended use of transportation equipment or facilities.

A bill specifying charges incurred for demurrage.

Technologies for identifying train derailments, often for safety measures.

Fees for holding shipping containers beyond the agreed-upon time.

Legislation aimed at standardizing fees and practices related to detention and demurrage.

A charge imposed for retaining a shipping container past the allowed time.

Digital technologies integrated into rail infrastructure for enhanced efficiency and safety.

Virtual replicas of physical systems used for simulation and analysis.

A pricing method based on an item's volume rather than actual weight.

The act of sending goods or vehicles to a specific location.

The designated period within which goods are scheduled to be dispatched.

An individual coordinating the movement of vehicles and goods in logistics operations.

Mechanisms for resolving disagreements, often through negotiation or legal means.

A system where locomotive units are dispersed throughout a train, improving operational efficiency.

A specialized facility where goods are processed and then shipped to retailers or end-users.

A document confirming the reception of cargo at a shipping dock.

Financial instruments guaranteeing payment to a seller, usually through a banking institution.

A service delivering goods from the sender's premises directly to the recipient's location.

Arranging two containers on a rail or sea freight one atop the other to maximize space.

Previously recognized as DAT, under this term, the seller not only delivers the goods to a specific place but also unloads them. All the risks and costs up to this point are borne by the seller.

A written order instructing a bank to pay a certain sum of money to a named person.

Short-haul transportation of goods, typically from a port to a warehouse.

Charges for short-distance hauling of cargo, often within a port or terminal.

Autonomous or remotely piloted aerial vehicles used to transport smaller packages.

A supply chain strategy where retailers ship directly from suppliers to consumers, bypassing stock storage.

Fees charged for the extended stay of containers at an inland terminal or dry port.

A sealed trailer that safeguards goods from elements but isn't temperature-controlled.

Materials such as wood or air pillows used to secure cargo during transit.

A refund of import duties when goods are later exported or meet specific conditions.

The time goods spend in a terminal waiting for next-phase transport.

Variable pricing models that adjust according to supply and demand factors.

Real-time adjustment of rail freight costs based on fluctuating market conditions.

Real-time adjustment of delivery routes due to variables like traffic and weather.

Cost benefits achieved by increasing production or service volume.

Electronic transfer of structured data between organizations, often for business transactions.

A paper-free freight system that relies on digital documents.

Digital tools that record driving hours for commercial drivers.

Digital confirmation of goods receipt, often captured on a mobile device.

Government-set limits on pollutant levels released from vehicles.

Train engines that operate without emitting greenhouse gases.

A comprehensive service covering all aspects of a logistics operation, from origin to destination.

Software for managing various business processes in an integrated manner.

Taxes levied on imports or exports based on their environmental impact.

Taxes levied on imports or exports based on their environmental impact.

Integrated software solutions to manage a business's operations and resources.

Procedures to resolve issues that couldn't be solved at the initial stages.

A progressive pricing system that increases rates over time or based on conditions.

Additional charges for fast-tracking a shipment.

Quick or priority shipping services, often at a premium cost.

Government regulations restricting the export of specific goods or technology.

Costs associated with exporting goods, including documentation and regulatory compliance.

A legal permit to export designated goods or services.

Under this term, the seller's responsibility is limited to making the goods accessible for pick-up at their premises or another designated location. The buyer then takes full responsibility for any risks, costs, or logistical considerations from that moment forward.

A provision in contracts for alternative arrangements if initial conditions aren't met.

In this term, the seller places the goods adjacent to the vessel at a specific port that both parties have agreed upon. Upon completion of this task, the buyer assumes full control over costs and risks.

The seller delivers the goods at a location that has been pre-agreed upon, and these goods are cleared for export. From that point, the carrier selected by the buyer takes custody of the goods, and the buyer assumes all subsequent responsibilities.

Stands for Full Container Load, indicating that one shipper owns all items in a container.

Secondary shipping services that move goods to a larger transport hub.

A unit of measurement in container shipping, referring to a standard 40-foot container.

A storage and inventory practice where the first items in are the first to be used or sold.

The initial phase of a supply chain, often from the manufacturer to the first storage facility.

Long-term, tangible assets used in the operation of a business.

Items prone to catching fire under certain conditions.

Containers with open sides and ends, often used for oversized or awkward cargo.

A type of open truck or trailer with a level bed and no sides or roof.

The U.S. government agency overseeing ocean-borne international transportation.

With FOB, the seller's task is to ensure that the goods are safely loaded onto the vessel at the departure port. Risk and responsibility transfer to the buyer the moment the goods are onboard.

Legal term for unforeseen circumstances preventing contract fulfillment.

A type of marine insurance offering limited coverage, usually only for large losses.

U.S. agency responsible for enforcing rail safety regulations.

Costs associated with exporting goods, including documentation and regulatory compliance.

Specific areas where goods can be imported, stored, and re-exported without customs duties.

Vertical distance that separates the waterline from the deck level of a ship, affecting its load-carrying capacity.

A person or company that arranges freight shipments but does not take ownership of the goods.

A pricing strategy that groups diverse items under a single freight classification.

A thorough examination of freight bills to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Intermediary between shipper and carrier that facilitates transportation arrangements.

A legal claim filed to recover losses due to damaged or lost freight.

A system of standardized classification for commodities being shipped, affecting the freight rate.

A shipping arrangement where the recipient pays the shipping costs upon delivery.

A firm that arranges the transport of goods across various carriers and modes.

The process of aligning cargo with an appropriate transport medium, ensuring efficient and cost-effective movement.

Shipping costs are paid by the shipper before the goods are transported.

Fluctuations in the cost of transporting goods due to various market factors.

An international or inter-territorial treaty that eliminates or reduces trade barriers, such as tariffs, between countries.

Additional fees added to shipping costs to cover fluctuating fuel prices.

Quick or priority shipping services, often at a premium cost.

A multilateral treaty aimed at reducing trade barriers and tariffs. Replaced by WTO in 1995.

A maritime principle where all parties share the loss equally if cargo is jettisoned to save the vessel.

Items shipped in various forms but not in bulk, often requiring individual handling.

Use of GPS to define geographical boundaries and trigger specific actions when crossed.

Utilizing geo-fencing technology to monitor and manage rail equipment within a yard.

Coordinated oversight of international trade operations, including compliance with import/export regulations and documentation.

Items actively being moved from the origin to the destination point.

Sustainable practices within logistics aimed at reducing environmental impact.

A standardized coding system for classifying traded products.

Codes used internationally for calculating import duties.

An abbreviation for hazardous materials, substances that pose risks to health, safety, or property.

Containers taller than standard ones, offering more space for cargo.

Storage systems that maximize vertical space by stacking items high above ground.

Goods that are costly and often require additional security measures during transport.

A railcar with a bottom discharge commonly used for bulk commodities like coal or grain.

Expedited freight services using smaller vehicles for quicker delivery.

Regulations governing the working hours of commercial drivers.

Also known as Harmonized System Code, it's used for classifying traded goods.

Sustainable practices within logistics aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Organization providing guidelines and regulations for the airline industry.

A tax imposed on imported goods, calculated based on the item's value or other criteria.

All expenses related to bringing goods into a country, such as duties and administrative fees.

A permit required for bringing certain goods into a country.

A limit on the quantity of a specific product that can be imported into a territory within a given period.

A set of international rules defining the responsibilities of both parties (buyers and sellers) in international trade. Its most recent version is Incoterms 2020.

A facility where goods are received for further transport, located away from coastal ports.

A temperature-controlled container used for perishable or temperature-sensitive goods.

A logistics provider offering multiple services, often under a single tracking and billing system.

Using multiple forms of transport to move goods from origin to destination.

Containers designed for use across various modes of transport without unloading.

Goods transported using more than one mode of transportation.

Logistical services facilitating the transport of intermodal containers.

Software that tracks and manages goods, often in real-time.

The discrepancy between recorded and actual stock, often due to loss, theft, or error.

A metric quantifying how often a company's stock is sold and replenished over a given timeframe.

Network of physical objects equipped with sensors, connected to the internet.

Utilizing IoT technology to optimize various logistics processes.

International standards for treating wood packaging to prevent the spread of pests.

Organization providing guidelines and regulations for the airline industry.

A tax imposed on imported goods, calculated based on the item's value or other criteria.

All expenses related to bringing goods into a country, such as duties and administrative fees.

A permit required for bringing certain goods into a country.

A limit on the quantity of a specific product that can be imported into a territory within a given period.

A set of international rules defining the responsibilities of both parties (buyers and sellers) in international trade. Its most recent version is Incoterms 2020.

A facility where goods are received for further transport, located away from coastal ports.

A temperature-controlled container used for perishable or temperature-sensitive goods.

A logistics provider offering multiple services, often under a single tracking and billing system.

Using multiple forms of transport to move goods from origin to destination.

Containers designed for use across various modes of transport without unloading.

Goods transported using more than one mode of transportation.

Logistical services facilitating the transport of intermodal containers.

Software that tracks and manages goods, often in real-time.

The discrepancy between recorded and actual stock, often due to loss, theft, or error.

A metric quantifying how often a company's stock is sold and replenished over a given timeframe.

Network of physical objects equipped with sensors, connected to the internet.

Utilizing IoT technology to optimize various logistics processes.

International standards for treating wood packaging to prevent the spread of pests.

An inventory management approach aiming for timely order fulfillment without excess stock.

Metrics employed for assessing the effectiveness of processes or actions in business operations.

Verification processes to identify customers, required for compliance reasons, often in financial sectors.

The total financial sum incurred to bring goods to a customer, including shipping, duties, and handling fees.

Evaluation of shipping routes to optimize cost, time, and reliability.

The last phase of a delivery process, where goods are moved from a local distribution center to the end user.

Specified time for loading or unloading cargo at a port without additional charges.

A shipment that doesn't fill an entire container, typically combined with other consignments.

The duration from when an order is placed until it's received by the customer.

A management approach focusing on waste reduction and streamlined operations in the logistics chain.

Shipments that are too small to fill a truck but too big for parcel carriers.

A bank document assuring payment from the buyer to the seller.

A guarantee to protect against potential losses or damages in transactions.

Legal process undertaken to resolve disputes involving the breach of laws or contracts.

The transportation of live animals adhering to specific safety and humane regulations.

Systems that keep track of cargo conditions such as temperature or weight during transit.

Techniques for maximally utilizing cargo space and weight capacities in vehicles.

A service where packages are delivered to secure lockers for customer retrieval.

A professional responsible for overseeing and managing logistics operations.

A centralized location where goods are received, processed, and redistributed.

The structuring and optimization of a supply chain, including transportation routes and storage locations.

An organization specializing in the orchestration of various supply chain operations, such as warehousing, shipping, and transportation.

A form of artificial intelligence that allows systems to learn patterns and make decisions.

A type of freight train that carries a mix of different cargo types rather than focusing on one kind.

Legal claim against a ship or its cargo to ensure payment or performance.

Proportion of total sales in a market that belongs to a particular company.

A large box containing several smaller boxes or units of a product for shipping.

A conflict resolution method involving a neutral third party.

A status or level of treatment accorded by one state to another in trade matters.

Regular updates on critical stages or events during a shipment's lifecycle.

A single transport run that stops at multiple locations for pickups and/or deliveries.

A document detailing the safety information for the handling of materials.

Documentation for goods transported through various means like sea, air, or land.

A system enabling the management of cargo across different modes of transport.

The use of multiple modes of transport for delivering a single shipment.

The conditions under which a net payment is due for a vendor.

A rate estimate given without commitment, subject to change.

A relatively low tariff meant to deter specific behaviors rather than generate revenue.

A firm that arranges ocean freight shipping but doesn't own vessels.

The act of shipping goods by sea via shipping containers.

Times when demand for services is at its lowest, often accompanied by lower prices.

Periods when demand for shipping or transport services is low.

A logistics model that integrates various shopping methods available to consumers.

A person responsible for hand-carrying sensitive or critical items on a flight.

The frequency with which services are provided as scheduled.

A kind of trade arrangement in which goods are shipped before payment is due.

A container with an open top to accommodate tall or irregularly shaped cargo.

Monitoring the progress of a shipment from origin to destination.

Cargo that doesn't fit within the standard dimensions of a container.

Term for discrepancies between shipped and received goods.

A detailed document listing all items in a shipment.

A wooden or plastic platform on which goods are stacked for shipping.

Manual or powered device for lifting and moving pallets.

The action of loading goods onto pallets for shipping.

A shipment that occupies part of a truck or container but is billed at a less-than-truckload or less-than-container rate.

A freight shipping term for a shipment that takes up part of a truck but less than a full truckload.

Periods when the demand for a service is at its highest, often accompanied by higher prices.

Daily charges imposed for extended use of shipping equipment.

Items such as food and medicine that must be transported under specific conditions.

The tangible process of storing and moving goods along the supply chain.

The process of picking items from inventory and packing them for shipment.

The risk of financial loss in international business due to political instability.

Fees incurred for keeping containers at a port beyond the free time.

The port from which goods are exported or shipped out.

The location where imported goods enter a country and undergo customs inspection.

A set of specific criteria designed for tracking and directing the motion of railway vehicles.

The act of fulfilling all customs requirements before arriving at a destination country.

Use of historical data for predicting future events, often enabled by machine learning.

Maintenance based on predicting when machinery or equipment is likely to fail.

Reduced tariff rates applied to goods from certain countries.

A supplier given priority status due to reliability, quality, or other factors.

A shipment for which the sender has paid the freight charges in advance.

Storage premises exclusively owned and operated by a single organization for its own needs.

Specialized freight shipping of oversized or high-value pieces of equipment.

Logistics activities specifically designed for the movement of project cargo.

Preliminary validation of a business idea or model, usually conducted through a pilot or test project.

Electronic confirmation that a shipment has been received.

Documented confirmation of cargo receipt.

A tariff designed to protect local industries from foreign competition.

A shared storage facility where various clients can rent space on a short-term basis.

Systematic activities for ensuring the quality of products or services.

Specific stages where quality is checked during production or service.

Points in the logistics chain where the quality of goods is verified.

Isolation or restriction on the movement of goods or people for health reasons.

A landing or platform for loading and unloading ships.

Charges for detaining railcars beyond a specified period.

A third-party logistics provider for shipping goods via railway.

Streamlining operations and costs in rail freight transport.

The spacing between the inner faces of two parallel rails on a railway track.

A short track connected to a railway for loading, unloading, or storing railcars.

The schedule of charges and regulations for rail services.

An area with tracks for storing, loading, and unloading railcars.

Adherence to regulations on chemicals in the European Union.

Instantaneous data analysis and reporting for making immediate decisions.

The immediate tracking of goods or equipment as they move.

Instantaneous tracking and data availability concerning a shipment's status.

The risk of financial loss in international business due to political instability.

Entities specializing in outsourced services that span warehousing, transporting goods, and fulfilling orders fall under this category.

The act of investing in environmental projects to balance out the emissions generated by one's own activities.