This glossary provides a brief overview of essential freight and transportation terms in Canada / USA,
offering a foundation for understanding the complexities of the industry. Please note that this glossary
is not exhaustive and is intended to serve as a starting point for further exploration of the subject.

Bill of Lading (BOL): Also known as a waybill, a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported.

Brokerage: A third-party entity that connects shippers with carriers to facilitate the movement of
freight, often negotiating rates and ensuring smooth transactions.

Carrier: A company engaged in the transportation of goods, responsible for the movement and delivery
of freight from one location to another.

Consignor: The party responsible for sending the goods, also known as the shipper or sender.

Consignee: The recipient or receiver of the freight.

Customs Broker: An expert in customs regulations who assists with the clearance of goods through
customs, ensuring compliance with import and export requirements.

Drayage: The short-distance transportation of goods, typically between a port and a nearby facility,
often involving the use of trucks or smaller vehicles.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): The expected time when a shipment will reach its destination.

Freight: Goods, merchandise, or cargo that is transported by a carrier from one place to another.

FTL (Full Truckload): A transportation mode where the entire capacity of a truck is used to transport
one shipment, typically preferred for larger loads.

Freight Forwarder: A company that specializes in arranging the transportation and logistics of shipments
on behalf of shippers, often providing services such as documentation, customs clearance, and
cargo insurance.

Fuel Surcharge: An additional fee applied to freight shipments to account for fluctuations in fuel
prices, aiming to offset increased operating costs for carriers.
Intermodal Transportation: The use of multiple modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and
ships, to move freight from origin to destination, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

Logistics: The management of the flow of goods, information, and resources within a transportation
network to ensure efficient movement and timely delivery.

LTL (Less Than Truckload): A shipping method used for transporting smaller amounts of freight that
do not fill an entire truck. Multiple LTL shipments are consolidated to optimize truck space.

POD (Proof of Delivery): Documentation that confirms the delivery of goods to the recipient, often
including the recipient’s signature as acknowledgment.

Port Authority: An organization responsible for the operation and management of a port, facilitating
the movement of goods between different modes of transportation.

Tariff: A published schedule of rates, charges, and terms for the transportation of goods, outlining the
costs associated with specific services.