Glossary of LTL (Less-than-Truckload) Freight Terms
Download PDF
Every industry has its own unique language and the shipping and freight industry is no different. Read below for a few of our favorites. LTL shipments can make the difference between freight that arrives damaged or damage free.
Every industry has its own unique language and the shipping and freight industry is no different. Read below for a few of our favorites.
Accessorial:
Additional services that enhance your shipping process; may be required or optional.
Bill of Lading (BOL):
A bill of lading is a legal contract for the movement of Freight. It has three roles:
- Evidence of the contract for carriage that details the amount, type and destination of the goods being shipped.
- Receipt that the goods have been properly loaded.
- Title of goods, which usually requires the carrier to turn over the goods to the consignee (receiving party) noted on the Bill.
Cargo Claim:
Claim for goods allegedly lost or damaged while shipment was in the carrier’s possession. Roadrunner offers an online claim tool that helps make submission easy.
Commodity:
Any kind of good that is shipped.
Concealed Loss:
Damages you are unable to see until the packaging is opened.
Consignee:
Recipient of freight being shipped.
Consignor:
Sender of shipment.
Corrected Bill of Lading:
Revised BOL necessary for any changes requested after the tender of goods, e.g., pieces, reference numbers, etc.
Delivery Receipt (DR):
The delivery receipt is verification of delivery – both counts and condition.
Density Calculator:
Tool used to determine density of a shipment and used in calculating a shipment’s freight class. Access Roadrunner’s Density Calculator here.
Dispatch:
The action of sending a driver on the route to pick up or deliver freight.
Dock:
Platform that is used to unload and load a trailer; typically it’s the same height as the trailer.
EDI or Electronic Data Interchange:
Electronic transmission of business documents between companies, e.g., pickup tender, invoice. Learn more about Roadrunner’s system integration here.
Freight:
Any boxed, palletized, or crated product being transported.
Freight Class:
Number ranging from 50 to 500 that classifies the commodities of a shipment.
Hazmat or Hazardous Material:
Material considered a health risk to human, machine, or environmental safety when transported.
Inspection Certificate:
If the actual class or description is found to be different than the BOL.
Lane:
Route that is commonly serviced by Roadrunner.
Lift Gate:
Hydraulic or electronic gate installed onto the back of a truck to assist in lifting heavy pallets.
LTL or Less-than-Truckload:
Goods weighing less than 10,000 lbs. from several different shippers, all combined into one trailer.
Linehaul:
Movement of goods between cities, terminals, etc. Does not include local pickup and delivery services.
NMFC or National Motor Freight Classification:
Industry standard tariffs published by the NMFTA containing rules and regulations for how products should be packaged and moved properly.
NMFTA or National Motor Freight Traffic Association:
Nonprofit membership organization that supports the motor carrier industry and provides industry-wide updates.
NOI or Not Otherwise Indicated:
Used when referencing classes and commodities through NMFTA.
Packing Slip:
A packing slip is a shipping document that travels with the freight from pickup location to point of final delivery. It details the contents of the shipment.
PRO or Progressive Rotating Order:
Typically, a 10-digit number associated with each shipment that can be used for tracking purposes.
POD or Proof of Delivery:
Document that is obtained at the point of delivery confirming count and condition of delivery. Consignee must sign receipt of delivery.
Reconsignment Request:
If shipper wishes to change the consignee address.
Supplemental Bill of Lading (SBOL):
A system generated document containing customer provided electronic data used as supporting documentation during the freight billing process.
Tariff:
Document stating rules regarding specific commodities, shipments, or lanes; can be used as a contract between consignee and shipper.
Terminal:
A building where shipments are prepared for transportation. Find your nearest Roadrunner terminal here.
TL or Truckload:
A full trailer of freight to be shipped from one customer.
Weight Certificate:
If the actual weight is found to be different from the weight stated on the BOL.
Whether you’re a seasoned shipper or new to the industry, it’s always helpful to review a few commonly used freight terms. Tell us, what’s your favorite?