Shipping Definitions
BOL: Bill of Lading, a document outlining the details of the shipment such as origin, destination, and a list of goods to be transportedÂ
Breakbulk: cargo that cannot fit in standard-size shipping containers
Carrier: the entity providing transportation services for the goods
Consignee: entity (business or individual) where goods are being shipped to
Demurrage Charges: fees incurred for equipment held by customer past the allowable free days
Detention or Delay Charges: fees assessed when there are delays during loading, unloading, and placement of equipment, beyond the allotted free time
DR: Delivery Receipt, the document the consignee signs to confirm receipt of the deliveryÂ
Driver Collect: billing method which indicates freight charges must be paid in advance of delivery or release of freight
Entity: refers to all forms of business and corporate entities and individuals
FCL: Full Container Load, an ocean shipping term referring to a shipper having enough cargo to fill a shipping container
Freight Charges Collect: billing method which indicates Consignee (recipient of goods) is responsible for payment of freight charges
Freight Charges Prepaid: billing method which indicates Shipper is responsible for payment of freight charges
Goods: refers to items that the Carrier is transporting and any boxes, crates, cradles, pallets, tanks, platforms, flatracks, and/or containers
HHG: Household Goods, personal effects from a residence
HM/HAZMAT: Hazardous Materials, referring to shipments of material that may cause serious injury or harm to a person or property when transported
LCL: Less-than-Container Load, an ocean shipping term referring to a shipment that does not fill a shipping container
Load: refers to goods in/on a single container, flatrack, platform, trailer, etc.
Parcel: packages less than 4 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet in size
POD: Proof of Delivery, a document signed at time of delivery identifying the date and time the shipment was delivered as well as who accepted the cargo
PRO: Shipment ID, shipment tracking number, or Freight Bill Number
Shipment: refers to all goods identified on a bill of lading or air waybill
Shipper:Â entity (business or individual) where goods are being shipped from
SLC: Shipper-Loaded Container, referring to a shipper having enough cargo to fill a shipping container, and loading the cargo into the container themselves
Storage Charges: fees incurred for freight held in storage past the allowable free-time