Logistics Terms Glossary

Bekah Tatem

By Bekah Tatem, Sr. Content Writer

Last Updated August 4, 2025

5 min read

In this article, learn about: 

  • Common logistics acronyms 

  • Key shipping documents and transportation terms 


The supply chain world is full of terms, acronyms, and shorthand—and logistics is no exception. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most commonly used logistics terms to help you navigate the jargon with confidence.  

Acronym/Term 

Definition 

3PL 

Third-party logistics provider. 

Accessorial 

Additional services outside of transportation, like liftgate services or inside delivery. 

Air Freight 

The transportation of goods via aircraft. 

Advance Shipment Notice (ASN) 

A shipping document that notifies the recipient of an incoming shipment.  

Backhaul 

When a truck carries freight on its return trip from a delivery. 

Barcode 

A machine-readable code that is used to identify products or packages in a system.  

Bill of Lading (BOL) 

A shipping document passed between the shipper and the carrier, detailing shipment information.  

Buyer 

The person responsible for purchasing goods, often on behalf of a retailer.  

Carrier 

The party responsible for transporting goods to a destination.  

Carton 

A shipping container, usually made of corrugated cardboard, used to package multiple items. 

Case Pack 

The number of identical items packed together in a single case, typically in a box or carton. 

Collect Shipping 

Shipping arrangement where the buyer pays the freight charges. 

Consignee 

The recipient of a shipment. 

Consignor 

The sender of a shipment. 

Consolidation 

The process of combining small shipments into one larger shipment, often to reduce transportation costs.  

Container 

A large, metal box used to move goods via truck, train, or ship. 

Cross-Dock 

A logistics strategy where goods are transferred from inbound to outbound trucks. 

Dead Freight 

Space on a freight that was booked but not used.  

Deadhead 

When a carrier is on route without cargo, typically after a delivery has taken place.  

Direct Store Delivery (DSD) 

A fulfillment method where a carrier delivers goods directly to the storefront, instead of a warehouse or distribution center. 

Distribution Center (DC) 

A retailer facility, typically a warehouse, that receives and stores goods.  

Dock 

The loading and unloading area of a warehouse. 

Drop Ship Delivery 

Shipments that are sent directly from the supplier to the customer. 

Drop Trailer 

When a trailer is dropped off at a warehouse/facility and will be unloaded at a later time. 

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 

The direct computer-to-computer exchange of standard formatted business transactions between one or more business partners. 

Full Truck Load (FTL) 

A shipping method where a truck’s entire capacity is reserved for one shipment.  

Freight Broker 

A freight broker serves as an intermediary between a shipper and a freight carrier. 

Freight Class 

A classification system that determines shipping rates based on density, stowability, handling, and liability. 

Global Location Number (GLN) 

A unique number that is used to identify a location. 

Hazardous Material 

Refers to substances/products that pose health or safety risks when handling or transporting. 

Inbound 

An incoming shipment at a warehouse/DC/store. 

Inner Pack 

A smaller grouping of products packed inside a case or carton. 

Intermodal 

The use of multiple methods of transportation for a shipment. 

ISO 668 

An international standard that defines dimensions and ratings for intermodal shipping containers. 

Landed Cost 

The total cost of a product, factoring in purchase price, shipping, duties, taxes, and handling fees. 

Last Mile Delivery 

The final leg of a shipment’s journey. 

Lead Time 

The time between an order being placed and received.  

Liftgate 

A platform on a truck that moves heavy objects from the ground to the height of the truck. 

Live Delivery 

A delivery where the truck driver waits while the shipment is unloaded. 

Live Load 

A process where the truck driver waits while the trailer is loaded. 

Less Than Truckload (LTL) 

A shipping method where freight doesn’t require an entire truck and is combined with other shipments. 

Masterpack 

A large outer carton that contains several inner packs. 

Mixed Pallet 

A pallet that contains multiple products, instead of a single type. 

National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) 

A system that standardizes freight classes to determine shipping rates. 

National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) 

The organization that oversees the NMFC and issues SCAC codes. 

Ocean Freight 

Freight that is transported via sea. 

Outbound 

Refers to a shipment that is leaving a facility. 

Overage 

When a retailer receives more product than what was ordered.  

Over, Short and Damaged (OS&D) 

Refers to discrepancies in a shipment. 

On Time In Full (OTIF) 

A compliance metric that tracks if shipments arrive at the right time and in the right amount.  

OTR (Over-the-Road) Freight 

Freight transported via trucks over highways. 

Pallet 

A platform, without sides, that is used to stack, store, and move goods. 

Proof of Delivery (POD) 

A shipping document that confirms the goods were received.  

PO (Purchase Order) Number 

A unique number that identifies a purchase order.  

Prepaid shipping 

Shipping method where the supplier pays for the freight costs.  

PRO (Progressive Rotating Order) Number 

A tracking number assigned to a shipment by the carrier.  

Rail Freight 

Freight that is transported via trains. 

Routing Guide 

Shipping instructions/requirements provided by a retailer.  

Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) 

A unique 2-4 digit code that identifies transportation companies.  

Seal Number 

Number for a seal/lock placed on trailers or containers to prevent tampering or theft. 

Shipper 

The party where a shipment originates from. 

Shortage 

When a retailer/consignee receives less product than what was ordered.  

Tariff 

Tax imposed on imported or exported goods. 

TI/HI 

The pattern in which boxes are stacked on a pallet. 

Trailer 

The cargo section of a truck used to transport goods. 

Warehouse 

A facility that stores goods until they are ready for distribution or sale. 

Waybill 

A document that outlines details of a shipment.  

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