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A
AOG (Aircraft on Ground)
A situation in aviation logistics where an aircraft cannot fly due to maintenance or parts shortages, necessitating urgent part delivery.
Assurance of Service
A guarantee from a logistics provider regarding the timeliness and quality of their services.
Automated Manifest System (AMS)
A U.S. Customs system used to track cargo entering the U.S. and ensuring compliance with regulations.
ATA Carnet
An international customs document that allows the temporary importation of goods without paying duties.
AFR (Air Freight Rate)
The charge levied for transporting goods by air, usually calculated per kilogram or cubic meter.
All-Risk Insurance
Comprehensive insurance that covers loss or damage to goods during transit, excluding specific exclusions.
Advance Freight
A prepayment of freight charges, often required before shipment.
Accessorial Charges
Extra fees for services beyond the standard freight rate, such as loading and unloading.
Awb (Air Waybill)
A document issued by an airline that serves as a receipt for cargo and a contract of carriage.
Air Freight
The transport of goods via aircraft. It's often used for high-value, low-volume shipments requiring fast delivery.
B
Backhauling
The process of transporting goods on a return trip from a delivery location back to the point of origin.
Breakbulk Cargo
Cargo that must be loaded individually, and not in containers, including heavy or oversized items.
Bulk Cargo
Cargo transported in large quantities without packaging, typically loose or liquid.
Bill of Entry
A document filed with customs authorities to declare the nature of goods being imported or exported.
Box Rate
A freight charge calculated based on the dimensions of the shipping container or box.
B/L (Bill of Lading)
A legal document between the shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods being shipped.
Bonded Warehouse
A secure warehouse where goods can be stored without payment of duties until they are released for sale.
Bill of Sight
A document declaring goods not yet fully examined by customs, allowing provisional clearance.
Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
A surcharge added to freight rates to cover fluctuations in fuel costs.
Booking Confirmation
A document or notification confirming the reservation of space for cargo on a shipping vessel or aircraft.
C
Cargo Insurance
Insurance coverage for loss or damage to goods while in transit.
Carrier
A company or individual that transports goods on behalf of shippers.
Containerization
The practice of using standardized containers to transport goods, enhancing efficiency and security.
Charter Party
A contract between the shipowner and the charterer specifying the terms for the use of a vessel.
Cold Chain
A temperature-controlled supply chain necessary for transporting perishable goods.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
A shipping agreement where the seller covers the cost, insurance, and freight to transport goods to the destination port.
CFS (Container Freight Station)
A facility where cargo is consolidated or deconsolidated for shipping, typically involving the handling of containers.
Cross-Docking
A logistics practice where incoming shipments are directly transferred to outgoing vehicles without being stored.
Customs Clearance
The process of preparing and submitting documents to facilitate the import or export of goods through customs.
Certificate of Origin
A document declaring the country where the goods were manufactured, often required for customs clearance.
D
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
A shipping arrangement where the seller pays for transportation but not customs duties upon delivery.
DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn)
A global logistics company specializing in international shipping and courier services.
Demurrage
Charges incurred when cargo remains in a shipping terminal beyond the allotted time.
Distribution Center
A facility designed to receive, store, and distribute goods efficiently to various destinations.
Direct Shipping
A method of transporting goods directly from the supplier to the end customer without intermediate stops.
Drop Shipping
A retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock but transfers customer orders directly to a manufacturer or wholesaler.
Duties and Tariffs
Taxes imposed by governments on the import and export of goods, often calculated as a percentage of value.
Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT)
A measure of a ship's carrying capacity, including cargo, fuel, crew, and provisions.
Delivery Order
A document issued by a consignee or shipper instructing a carrier to release cargo to a designated party.
Dynamic Pricing
A strategy where shipping rates are adjusted based on demand, competition, and market conditions.
E
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
An estimate of when a shipment is expected to arrive at its destination.
ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)
An estimate of when a shipment is expected to leave its origin point.
Exhibition Freight
Transportation of goods for trade shows or exhibitions, often requiring special handling and timing.
Export Declaration
A document submitted to customs detailing goods being exported, required for legal compliance.
E-commerce Logistics
Logistics operations tailored for online retail, focusing on fast and efficient delivery of consumer goods.
End-to-End Logistics
A comprehensive approach to logistics management that encompasses all steps from production to delivery to the final consumer.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
The electronic transfer of data between organizations, streamlining communication and documentation.
Empty Container Return
The process of returning empty shipping containers to the port or depot after unloading.
Ex Works (EXW)
A shipping arrangement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer bears all transportation costs and risks.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
An evaluation process for understanding the potential environmental impacts of a logistics operation.
F
Freight Rate
The charge for transporting goods, typically calculated based on weight, volume, or distance.
Freight Bill
An invoice issued by the carrier detailing the cost of transporting goods, typically used for payment purposes.
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipping term used when a full container is used for a single shipment, optimizing shipping efficiency.
Fulfillment Center
A facility where online retailers store inventory and manage order processing, packing, and shipping.
Freight Insurance
Insurance that covers the loss or damage of goods during transportation.
Freight Forwarder
A company or individual that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers, handling logistics and documentation.
Flatbed Truck
A type of truck with a flat platform used to transport oversized or heavy loads that cannot be accommodated in standard containers.
FOB (Free On Board)
A shipping arrangement where the seller pays for transportation to the port, and the buyer assumes responsibility once the goods are loaded onto the vessel.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
A shipping term for smaller shipments that do not fill a full container, often combined with other cargo.
Freight Consolidation
The process of combining multiple shipments into one shipment to reduce shipping costs.
G
Gated Terminal
A shipping terminal with controlled access points for the security and efficiency of cargo handling.
Go Live
The point at which a logistics system or process becomes operational and begins functioning as intended.
Gross Weight
The total weight of a shipment, including the cargo and packaging materials.
Grain Cargo
Bulk cargo consisting of grain or similar agricultural products transported in bulk carriers.
Gantry Crane
A type of crane used in ports for loading and unloading containers from ships.
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
A trade program that provides reduced tariffs for certain products from developing countries.
GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade)
An international agreement aimed at promoting international trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers.
Gross Tonnage (GT)
A measure of the overall internal volume of a ship, used for assessing fees and regulations.
Green Logistics
Logistics practices focused on reducing the environmental impact of transportation and warehousing.
Global Trade Management (GTM)
Software and processes designed to manage and streamline international trade compliance and logistics.
H
Hinterland
The inland area served by a port, where goods are transported to and from via road or rail.
Hotshot Freight
Urgent shipments that require immediate delivery, often using expedited services.
Handling Charges
Fees associated with the physical handling of cargo, including loading and unloading.
HBL (House Bill of Lading)
A bill of lading issued by a freight forwarder that serves as a receipt for cargo.
Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)
Substances that pose risks to health, safety, or the environment during transportation.
Hub and Spoke Mode
A logistics model where a central hub connects to multiple distribution points (spokes) to optimize routes and reduce costs.
High Cube Container
A shipping container that is taller than standard containers, allowing for increased cargo volume.
Hazardous Cargo Manifest
A document listing all hazardous materials in a shipment, required for compliance with safety regulations.
Hold Harmless Agreement
A contract that releases one party from liability for damages or losses incurred during logistics operations.
Health and Safety Regulations
Laws and guidelines governing workplace safety and health standards in logistics and transportation.
I
Import Declaration
A document submitted to customs authorities declaring the nature and value of imported goods.
Go Live
The point at which a logistics system or process becomes operational and begins functioning as intended.
Gross Weight
The total weight of a shipment, including the cargo and packaging materials.
Grain Cargo
Bulk cargo consisting of grain or similar agricultural products transported in bulk carriers.
Gantry Crane
A type of crane used in ports for loading and unloading containers from ships.
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
A trade program that provides reduced tariffs for certain products from developing countries.
GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade)
An international agreement aimed at promoting international trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers.
Gross Tonnage (GT)
A measure of the overall internal volume of a ship, used for assessing fees and regulations.
Green Logistics
Logistics practices focused on reducing the environmental impact of transportation and warehousing.
Global Trade Management (GTM)
Software and processes designed to manage and streamline international trade compliance and logistics.
J
JIT (Just-In-Time)
An inventory management strategy that aligns production schedules with demand, minimizing inventory costs.
Joint Venture
A partnership between two or more companies to undertake a specific project or business activity.
Joint Freight Forwarding
A collaboration between freight forwarders to combine shipments and reduce transportation costs.
Just-in-Sequence (JIS)
A supply chain strategy where components are delivered in the exact order needed for production, enhancing efficiency.
Journey Log
A record detailing the transportation route, stops, and activities during the shipment of goods.
Janitorial Services
Cleaning and maintenance services required for warehouses and logistics facilities.
Job Order
A document that specifies the details of a particular shipment or project, including timelines and costs.
Job Costing
The process of tracking expenses and revenues associated with specific logistics jobs or projects.
Jockeying
The process of moving containers around a port or yard to facilitate loading and unloading operations.
Jettison
The act of throwing overboard cargo to lighten a ship in emergencies.
K
Key Supply Chain Partners
Critical stakeholders in the supply chain that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics operations.
Knowledge Management
The process of capturing, sharing, and utilizing knowledge within an organization to improve logistics operations.
Key Accounts
Major clients or customers that contribute significantly to a company's revenue and require tailored logistics services.
KPI Dashboard
A visual representation of key performance indicators, helping managers track logistics performance in real-time.
Knockdown
A shipping term referring to items that are shipped disassembled and require assembly upon arrival.
Kitting
The assembly of various components into a single package or kit for shipping or sale.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Metrics used to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics operations.
Kilometer Rate
A freight rate based on the distance traveled, often used in trucking and road transport.
Kraft Paper
A type of paper used for packaging and shipping, known for its durability and strength.
Keep It Simple (KIS)
A principle advocating for straightforward logistics solutions that minimize complexity and cost.
L
Letter of Credit (L/C)
A financial document issued by a bank guaranteeing payment to a seller once certain conditions are met, often used in international trade.
Lead Time
The time taken from placing an order to its delivery, crucial for inventory management and planning.
Lift-on/Lift-off (Lo-Lo)
A method of loading and unloading containers using cranes or lifting equipment, often used at ports.
Logistics
The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the flow of goods, services, and information from origin to consumption.
Loading Dock
An area where cargo is loaded onto or unloaded from transport vehicles, often equipped with specialized equipment.
Last Mile Delivery
The final step in the delivery process, where goods are transported from a distribution center to the end customer.
Lumper Service
A service provided by workers who assist in loading or unloading cargo, typically for a fee.
Logistics Management
The process of planning, executing, and controlling the efficient movement and storage of goods.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
A shipping method used for smaller shipments that do not require a full truckload.
Land Bridge
A transportation route that connects two points via land rather than sea, facilitating intermodal shipping.
M
Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
A production planning process that manages inventory levels, production schedules, and material purchasing.
Management Information System (MIS)
A system for collecting, processing, and managing logistics-related data for decision-making.
Materials Handling
The movement, protection, and control of materials and products throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.
Multimodal Transport
The movement of goods using multiple modes of transportation under a single contract.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
The smallest amount of product that a supplier is willing to sell, impacting inventory management.
Manifest
A document listing all cargo on board a ship or aircraft, used for customs and logistics purposes.
Manifest System
A system for tracking cargo shipments using detailed manifests that list all items being shipped.
Milkrun
A logistics strategy where a vehicle makes multiple stops to collect or deliver goods on a predetermined route.
Master Bill of Lading
A bill of lading issued by the carrier to the freight forwarder, covering multiple shipments.
Mixed Cargo
A shipment consisting of different types of goods transported in a single container or transport unit.
N
National Customs System (NCS)
A system that facilitates and streamlines customs processes and compliance for international trade.
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)
A freight forwarder that does not own vessels but operates as a carrier by issuing bills of lading.
Network Optimization
The process of analyzing and improving logistics networks to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Non-Conformance Report (NCR)
A document used to report and address deviations from established quality standards in logistics operations.
Neutralization
The process of offsetting costs or risks associated with logistics operations, often through partnerships or agreements.
Net Weight
The weight of the goods themselves, excluding packaging and containers.
Nexus
A connection or link between a business and a jurisdiction that may create tax obligations.
Notification of Arrival
A communication sent to inform relevant parties about the arrival of a shipment at its destination.
Negotiated Rates
Shipping rates agreed upon by both the shipper and the carrier, often based on volume or contract terms.
Nomination
The process of officially designating a freight forwarder or carrier for a specific shipment.
O
Ocean Freight
The transportation of goods by sea, typically in containers, used for international shipping.
Order Fulfillment
The complete process of receiving, processing, and delivering orders to customers.
On-Demand Delivery
A logistics service that allows customers to request and receive deliveries at their convenience.
Overage
A situation where the quantity of goods received exceeds the amount ordered or expected.
Order Tracking
The process of monitoring the status and location of a shipment throughout the logistics chain.
Outsourcing
The practice of hiring third-party logistics providers to handle specific logistics functions, such as warehousing or transportation.
Overseas Shipping
The transportation of goods across international waters, often requiring compliance with customs regulations.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Technology used to convert different types of documents into machine-readable text, enhancing data management in logistics.
Outbound Logistics
The process of moving goods from a business to its customers, including transportation and distribution.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
A company that produces parts or equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer.
P
Parcel Delivery
The transport of small packages or parcels, typically through courier services.
Palletization
The process of stacking and securing goods on pallets for efficient storage and transportation.
Port Authority
A governmental or quasi-governmental organization responsible for the management and operations of a port.
Physical Inventory
A method of counting and verifying actual inventory levels to ensure accuracy in stock records.
Proforma Invoice
A preliminary invoice provided to a buyer before goods are shipped, outlining expected costs.
POD (Proof of Delivery)
A document or electronic record confirming that goods have been delivered to the recipient.
Pipeline Management
The process of overseeing the flow of goods through the supply chain, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery.
PO (Purchase Order)
A document issued by a buyer to a seller, outlining the details of a purchase, including quantities and prices.
Packing List
A detailed document listing all items included in a shipment, used for verification during shipping and customs clearance.
Payable on Receipt
A payment term indicating that payment is due as soon as goods are received.
Q
Quotation
A formal statement of the estimated cost of services or goods, provided by a logistics provider to a potential client.
Quality Assurance (QA)
A systematic process ensuring that logistics operations meet specific quality standards.
Quayside
The area adjacent to a dock where ships are loaded and unloaded.
Quarantine
A period during which goods are isolated to prevent the spread of pests or diseases, often required for agricultural products.
Quantitative Analysis
The use of statistical methods to analyze logistics data and improve decision-making.
Queue Management
The process of managing the flow of goods and vehicles at ports or warehouses to minimize delays.
Quick Response (QR)
A logistics strategy aimed at reducing lead times and improving responsiveness to customer demands.
Quality Control (QC)
The process of ensuring that logistics operations adhere to defined quality standards and practices.
Quotation Request
A document submitted to suppliers or logistics providers to obtain pricing and service details for potential shipments.
Quota Management
The process of monitoring and managing import/export quotas to ensure compliance with regulations.
R
Rate Confirmation
A document confirming the agreed-upon shipping rate between a shipper and a carrier.
Reefer Container
A refrigerated shipping container used for transporting perishable goods at controlled temperatures.
Receipt of Goods
The acknowledgment of the delivery of goods, typically documented for inventory and auditing purposes.
Remittance
The payment sent by a buyer to a seller, often related to invoices for goods or services rendered.
Routage
The planning and management of transportation routes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
A technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects, enhancing inventory management.
Retail Logistics
The management of the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers, focusing on inventory management and distribution.
Route Optimization
The process of determining the most efficient path for transporting goods, reducing costs and transit times.
Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)
A process that allows customers to return goods to a seller for replacement or refund.
Risk Assessment
The process of identifying and evaluating potential risks in logistics operations to implement mitigation strategies.
S
Shipper
The person or company that sends goods for transport, responsible for providing accurate shipping information.
Storage Fees
Charges incurred for storing goods in a warehouse or storage facility.
Sourcing
The process of identifying and selecting suppliers for goods and services in logistics.
Settlement
The finalization of payments and transactions related to logistics services.
Stock Keeping Unit (SKU)
A unique identifier for a specific product, used in inventory management and tracking.
Shipping Cost
The total expense incurred for transporting goods, including freight charges, insurance, and handling fees.
Subcontractor
A third-party service provider hired to perform specific logistics tasks on behalf of a primary contractor.
Supply Chain Visibility
The ability to track and monitor the movement of goods through the supply chain in real-time.
Shipping Instruction
A document detailing how goods should be shipped, including mode of transport, destination, and handling requirements.
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
The management of the flow of goods and services, encompassing all processes from sourcing to delivery.
T
Tender
A formal offer to provide goods or services, often in response to a request for proposals (RFP).
Transshipment
The transfer of cargo from one vessel or transport mode to another during transit to its final destination.
Transit Time
The time it takes for goods to travel from the point of origin to the destination.
Tariff
A schedule of rates charged for the transportation of goods, often varying by weight, distance, and cargo type.
Tracking Number
A unique identifier assigned to a shipment, used for monitoring its status during transit.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
A service provider that manages logistics functions on behalf of clients, including transportation and warehousing.
Terminal Handling Charges (THC)
Fees associated with the loading and unloading of cargo at a terminal.
Transportation Management System (TMS)
Software used to plan, execute, and optimize the transportation of goods.
Time-sensitive Freight
Cargo that must be delivered within a specific timeframe to meet business or customer needs.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
A financial estimate that includes all costs associated with acquiring and operating a product or service over its lifespan.
U
Underwriting
The process of assessing risk and determining the terms and pricing of insurance coverage for logistics operations.
Upstream Supply Chain
The portion of the supply chain that involves sourcing raw materials and components.
UCC (Universal Commercial Code)
A set of laws governing commercial transactions in the United States, relevant to logistics contracts.
Unit Load Device (ULD)
A container used to consolidate cargo for air transport, optimizing space and handling.
Unloading Charges
Fees associated with unloading cargo from a transport vehicle at the destination.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
A process of verifying that a logistics software system meets user requirements before going live.
Usage-based Pricing
A pricing model based on the amount of service or resources consumed, common in logistics and freight services.
Unconsolidated Freight
Cargo that is shipped without being combined with other shipments, often resulting in higher costs.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
A comprehensive set of laws governing commercial transactions, impacting logistics contracts and operations.
Utility Warehouse
A logistics facility designed for the storage and distribution of utility-related products, such as energy or telecommunications equipment.
V
Value-added Services (VAS)
Additional services offered by logistics providers to enhance the value of core transportation and warehousing functions.
Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA)
An agreement between shipping lines to share vessel capacity on specific routes to optimize efficiency.
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
An inventory management strategy where suppliers manage and replenish stock based on agreed-upon levels.
Volume Discount
A price reduction offered for bulk purchases or shipments, incentivizing larger orders.
Virtual Warehouse
An inventory management strategy where a company tracks stock stored in multiple locations as if it were in a single warehouse.
Vehicle Routing
The process of determining the most efficient routes for delivery vehicles, optimizing fuel and time.
Validation
The process of confirming that logistics operations meet specified requirements and standards.
Value Chain
The full range of activities involved in delivering a product or service, from design to distribution.
Vendor
A supplier or manufacturer that provides goods or services to a company.
Vessel Arrival Notification (VAN)
A communication sent to inform relevant parties of a vessel's arrival at a port.
W
Waybill
A document that accompanies a shipment, detailing the route and contents, used for tracking and payment.
Wholesaler
A business that buys goods in bulk from manufacturers and sells them to retailers or other businesses.
Work Order
A document that specifies tasks to be performed in the warehouse or logistics operations.
Working Capital
The funds available for day-to-day operations, critical for managing logistics and supply chain costs.
Withdrawal Order
A request to remove goods from inventory, often used in fulfillment and distribution operations.
Warehouse Receipt
A document issued by a warehouse acknowledging the receipt of goods for storage.
Wrap-around Labels
Labels designed to cover multiple sides of a package, often used for shipping and handling instructions.
Weighted Average Cost (WAC)
An inventory valuation method that assigns an average cost to all units in stock, regardless of purchase date.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Software that helps manage warehouse operations, including inventory control and order fulfillment.
Weight Break
A threshold in shipping rates where charges decrease for heavier shipments, incentivizing bulk shipping.
X
X-ray Inspection
A security measure used in logistics to scan cargo for contraband or hazardous materials before shipping.
X-chaining
A logistics strategy that integrates multiple supply chain partners for enhanced collaboration and efficiency.
X-Dock (Cross-Dock)
A logistics facility where incoming shipments are immediately transferred to outgoing transportation, reducing storage time.
X-Load
A shipping term referring to a cross-loading process where cargo is transferred from one transport vehicle to another.
X-Functionality
Features in logistics software that allow for integration and automation of processes across various systems.
X-Site Storage
Temporary storage solutions used in logistics for goods that require additional handling or processing.
X-Rate
A term used to refer to exchange rates impacting international shipping costs and transactions.
X-Trans
A term referring to transportation services that cross international borders, often involving customs compliance.
X-Reference
A cross-referencing system used to link related logistics documents or records for easier tracking.
X-Stream Transport
A logistics service focusing on expedited shipping options for time-sensitive deliveries.
Y
Yield Management
A pricing strategy used in logistics to maximize revenue by adjusting prices based on demand and capacity.
Yard Management
The process of overseeing and controlling the flow of trailers and containers in a shipping yard or terminal.
Yellow Freight
A term often used to refer to freight shipments that are subject to specific regulations or standards.
Yield Ratio
A metric used to assess the efficiency of logistics operations, comparing revenue generated to costs incurred.
Yard Management System (YMS)
Software that facilitates the management of yard operations, optimizing trailer and container movement.
Yardstick
A standard used to measure performance or efficiency in logistics operations.
Yes/No Decision Matrix
A tool used in logistics planning to evaluate options based on predefined criteria.
Yoke
A term used in logistics to refer to a framework that supports or stabilizes cargo during transport.
Yardstick Pricing
A method of pricing based on industry standards or competitor pricing in logistics services.
Yard Space Utilization
A measure of how effectively yard space is used for storing and moving cargo.
Z
Zero Defects
A quality management philosophy aiming for no defects in logistics operations, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Zoning
The practice of organizing storage areas in a warehouse or facility to optimize space and efficiency.
Z-score
A statistical measurement used in logistics to assess the relative position of a shipment or inventory item.
Z-Labeling
A labeling system that categorizes products based on specific criteria, aiding in inventory management.
Zonal Storage
A warehousing strategy that divides storage space into zones for better organization and retrieval of goods.
Z-Metric
A performance measure used in logistics to evaluate operational efficiency or productivity.
Z-Track
A tracking system that monitors shipments in real-time, providing visibility and accountability.
Zone Pricing
A pricing strategy that sets different prices for shipping based on geographic zones.
Z-Rate
A specific freight rate applied to shipments based on distance, weight, and other factors.
Zero Inventory
A strategy aimed at maintaining no inventory on hand, relying on just-in-time delivery methods.