If you are new to logistics and trying to learn more about it, you may come across many terms that can be confusing. Don’t worry. Just keep reading.
In this blog, we list all the technical terms in logistics with a brief explanation so that you need not scratch your head or look up in the dictionary the next time your logistics partner talks technically.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Multimodal Logistics
Multimodal logistics refers to moving cargo from the point of departure to the destination via multiple modes of transport like air, land, and sea. A logistics company involved in this is known as a Multimodal logistics company, and Freighbrid is an example.
2. 3PL
3PL is nothing but third-party logistics, which is when a business entrusts freight forwarding, warehouse management, and order fulfillment with a third-party logistics company. For instance, Freighbrid is a third-party logistics company in Dubai that assists businesses in moving their goods from point A to B, managing their warehouse, optimising the supply chain, and more.
3. FTL (Full Truckload) & FCL (Full Container Load)
As the name suggests, a Full Truckload (FTL) is a type of shipment where an entire trailer is filled with dedicated goods of one business. Therefore, that particular business will have control over the trailer. Also, the truck won’t stop in between trips and will directly head to the destination. The concept of FCL is the same. The only difference is that a container is used in FCL.
4. LTL (Less Than Truckload) & Less than Container Load (LCL)
LTL is a shipping service for a small number of goods weighing less than 4000 pounds. Hence, LTL only requires part of the trailer, but usually, goods from one or more shippers will be consolidated in LTL shipments to consume the trailer’s space. On the other hand, when it’s a container instead of a trailer, it’s LCL.
5. CNOR (Consignor) & CNEE (Consignee)
These abbreviations might be new to you, but their full forms – Consignor & Consignee – would be familiar. While consignor means the person who is sending the goods, the consignee is the one who receives the shipment. You can often see these terms in some of the documents involved in logistics.
6. BOL/BL
BOL/BL means Bill of Lading. As you might already know, BOL is a legal document that bonds a carrier and shipper. A BOL typically comprises every detail like name, address of the shipper, recipient address, date, freight class, weight and more. BOL also acts as a receipt during the delivery of the goods. Furthermore, the shipper, receiver and carrier are obliged to sign in the BOL.
7. OS&D Report – Overage, shortage, and Damage Report
OS&D Report is a document filled out by the consignee to understand whether the goods they have received are not overaged, short, or damaged. While overage means the recipient has received more products than they are supposed to, a shortage means they haven’t received the correct amount of goods. The goods are considered damaged if they have any scratches, cuts, etc. or if they are not usable.
8. ATA & ATD
ATA & ATD refers to the Actual Time of Arrival and Actual Time of Departure, respectively. The former refers to the time when the shipment arrives at the delivery point, and the latter is the time when a shipment is dispatched.
9. Customs Declaration Form (CDF)
CDF is a document prepared by customs clearance agents to estimate, calculate and note down the customs duties to be charged. This particular document should be accurate and aligned with the manifest the carrier submits to the customs department.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s that! These are some of the commonly seen technical terms in the logistics field. We hope that now you have learned all the logistics terms and won’t be confused the next time you stumble upon them. Getting to know them is essential if you ever team up with a logistics team
Now, if you are looking for an expert logistics company to manage your logistics operation from top to bottom, feel free to approach us. Freighbrid is a multimodal logistics company with an extensive network worldwide. Our expertise includes air freighting, ocean freighting, freighting via road, warehouse management, customs brokering, and more. Presently, we assist a long list of clients, and our ultimate aim is to become the best logistics company in Dubai.