FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS Glossary

The world of logistics and supply chain management has a jargon all its own.  Supply chain management professionals need to “talk the talk” when they speak with supply chain partners and other logistics providers. Here are some definitions of many of the specialized terms that commonly need explaining.

TERM DIRECTORY

#-C   |   D-F   |   G-L   |   M-Z

FEATURED TERMS

ABI

ABI is a common abbreviation for Automated Broker Interface, an opt-in U.S. Customs program available to importers and brokers as a way to reduce the potential for import data errors. According to the CBP, 96 percent of all import entries are filed using the ABI.

Demurrage

Demurrage is a charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship in respect of failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.

FTZ

A foreign trade zone is an area adjacent to ports of entry where imported goods can be packed, unpacked, and evaluated without being subject to local import duties.

 

#-C

4PL Software

Automated Commercial Environment

Bill of Lading

Cloud Logistics Software

Consignor

Cross-Docking

Air Waybill

Automated Manifest System

Bill of Materials

Common Carrier

Container Freight Station

Customer Relationship Management

Automated Broker Interface

Application Program Interface

Carrier

Consignee

Cost of Goods Sold

Customs Software

D-F

Delivery Duty Paid

Electronic Export Information

Free on Board

Forty Foot Equivalent Unit

Demurrage

Electronic Air Waybill

Free Trade Agreement

Full Container Load

Detention

Electronic Data Interchange

Foreign Trade Zone

Full Truckload

G-L

Harmonized Tariff Schedule

Importer of Record

International Organization of Standardization

Last Mile Delivery

In-Bond Shipment

Importer Security Filing

Interstate Commerce Commission

Less Than Container Load

Intermodal

International Air Transport Association

Just-in-Time

Less-Than-Truckload

M-Z

Port of Entry
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit

Purchase Order

Standard International Trade Classification

Vendor Managed Inventory
Schedule B Number

Straight Bill of Lading