Freight Forwarding Glossary
Understanding the language of freight forwarding is essential for smooth and effective logistics operations. To assist you in navigating the complexities of the industry, we've compiled a comprehensive glossary of freight forwarding terms. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of logistics, our glossary is a valuable resource for clarifying key terminology.
A - Z Freight Forwarding Glossary
Freight Forwarder
A company or individual that arranges and manages the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers, often offering a range of logistics services.
Cargo
Goods or merchandise being transported from one location to another, typically in the context of international trade.
Container
A standardized metal box used for transporting goods by sea, road, or rail. Containers come in various sizes, including 20-foot and 40-foot options.
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipment that occupies and fills a standard shipping container, typically belonging to a single shipper.
LCL (Less than Container Load)
A shipment that doesn't fill a standard shipping container. Multiple shippers' cargo is consolidated into one container.
Consolidation
The process of combining multiple smaller shipments into a single larger one to optimize container space and reduce shipping costs.
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
A set of internationally recognized terms defining the responsibilities and obligations of buyers and sellers in international trade contracts.
Customs Broker
A professional or firm that assists in the customs clearance process by ensuring compliance with import and export regulations and facilitating the release of goods.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A legal document issued by a carrier that serves as a receipt for goods, a contract of carriage, and a title of ownership.
Demurrage
Charges imposed by carriers for the storage of containers or goods beyond the allotted free time.
Tariff
A schedule of rates, charges, and fees applied to specific services or goods, often used in international trade.
Drayage
A schedule of rates, charges, and fees applied to specific services or goods, often used in international trade.
Routing
The selection of transportation routes and carriers for shipping goods from the origin to the destination.
Why Use Our Freight Forwarding Glossary
Our glossary is a valuable reference for anyone involved in freight forwarding and logistics. It's designed to simplify industry terminology, enabling better communication and informed decision-making in the world of logistics.
Explore and Learn
Explore our glossary to expand your knowledge of freight forwarding terminology. If you have questions or need clarification on specific terms, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We're here to assist you in navigating the complexities of freight forwarding with confidence.