freightcalcsFreight glossary
Plain-English definitions of the freight and logistics terms behind the calculators. Part of freightcalcs.com.
Plain-English definitions of the freight and logistics terms behind the calculators. Part of freightcalcs.com.
Nineteen of the most-searched shipping terms, grouped by topic. Each links to a fuller explanation with examples.
Accessorial charges — Extra carrier fees beyond the base line-haul rate — liftgate, detention, residential and more.
Demurrage vs detention — The difference between demurrage and detention, and how to avoid both.
Drayage — The short-haul truck move between ports, rail ramps and warehouses.
Tare weight — The empty weight of a pallet, container or packaging — and why it affects billing.
FCL vs LCL — Full-container vs less-than-container ocean load, and when each is cheaper.
LTL vs FTL — Less-than-truckload vs full-truckload: cost, speed and when to switch.
Floor loading — Loose-carton floor loading vs palletized freight — the trade-offs.
Cross-docking — Moving goods straight from inbound to outbound with little or no storage.
What is a 3PL — What a third-party logistics provider does and when to use one.
Freight forwarder vs broker — How a freight forwarder differs from a freight broker.
Skid vs pallet — The difference between a skid and a pallet, and when each is used.
Pallet overhang — Why cartons hanging past the pallet edge cause damage and chargebacks.
Cube utilization — How efficiently cargo fills the available cube — and the ~80% target.
Case pack — The number of selling units packed in a single case.
Master carton — The outer shipping carton that holds inner packs and units.
Dunnage — Void-fill and bracing that protects freight in transit.
Bill of lading — The core shipping document (BOL): what it is and what it covers.
What is NMFC — The NMFC system that assigns LTL freight classes.
Weight or measure — How ocean LCL bills the greater of weight or measure (W/M).