The Shipping Dictionary

What do all these acronyms mean?

For a first time shipper understanding the shipping lingo can be a headache to say the least.  Here are a few that may help you along the way.  

3PL - Third Party Logistics: A third party logistics provider, like FreightCenter.com, is an organization that provides services to a company or individual helping stream line their shipping or supply chain function.  In terms of our company, we increase sales for our carriers, while providing our customers with low cost, volume rates.  

BOL - Bill of Lading: The BOL is the  most important document you'll need when shipping.  It's the shippers responsibility to hand the BOL to the carrier when receiving the shipment.  The BOL will detail to and from locations, the freight class and description of the items being shipped.  

LTL - Less than Truckload: LTL is a shipping option used to transport freight over 100lbs but not as large as a full truckload. It allows you to use only the portion of the truck that you'll be needing.  Full truck loads require the entire truck to be filled to be economical for the carrier.  Truck carriers have strategically placed terminals across the U.S. where they consolidate their truck's freight to be picked up and delivered in the most efficient manner possible.  Freight shipped LTL will most likely be transported from one truck to another to be moved with other freight with the same destination.  

NMCF - The National Motor Freight Classification: The NMFC is an industry standard that compares all commodities that move via truck over the interstate.  These commodities are grouped into 18 classes from 50 to 500.  Each commodity has been evaluated on four characteristics, density, stow-ability, handling and liability.  When shipping freight your freight agents can help you classify your freight.  This class effects the manageability for your driver, thus effecting price.  Unfortunately, there is no way to change your class.  An improper class on your bill of lading will be recognized and charged at a later date from your carrier.

For questions about how to ship or where to get started visit:
www.FreigthCenter.com or call 800-716-7608