Freight Glossary

A

Accessorials

(Required and optional) enhance the shipping services you receive.

Air Waybill (AWB)

An air waybill is vital for shipping via air. The air waybill serves as a contract to outline the terms and conditions of the transport agreement between the shipper and the airline to ensure successful cargo handling during transit.

B

Bill of Lading (BOL)

A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried.

C

Carrier

A transportation company responsible for moving goods from one place to another.

Consignee

The person or company that is the final recipient of the shipment.

F

Freight Class

A classification system used to determine shipping costs based on factors such as weight, dimensions, density, and value.

I

Intermodal

Transportation involving multiple modes, such as rail and truck, without handling the freight itself when changing modes.

L

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)

A shipping service for smaller loads that do not require a full truck.

O

Overage, Shortage, and Damage (OS&D)

A freight claim filed when goods are damaged, missing, or extra items are received.

P

Pallet

A flat, portable platform used to stack, store, and transport goods.

Proof of Delivery (POD)

Documentation confirming that a shipment was delivered successfully to the consignee.

S

Shipper

The person or company responsible for initiating a shipment.

T

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

A company that provides outsourced logistics services, including warehousing, transportation, and distribution.

Truckload (TL)

A full truckload service dedicated to a single shipment, typically larger in size.

W

Waybill

A document issued by a carrier giving details and instructions about a shipment of goods.

Y

Yellow Freight

They are now known as YRC. Yellow Freight is a subsidiary of YRC Worldwide and YRC Freight, Inc.