Glossary

A global organization, focused on quality excellence, that provides professional training, certifications, and knowledge to members. https://asq.org/

Organization of logistics professionals. Merged with APICS in 2015. APICS now rebranded as ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management). See ASCM.

The "voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight." Advocates for trucking company interests. https://www.trucking.org/

The tugboat, towboat and barge industry’s advocate for transportation on America’s waterways, oceans and coasts. https://www.americanwaterways.com/

Location in or outside a harbor suitable for anchoring. Also, a fee charged for anchoring. The act of anchoring or being at anchor.

An additional, protectionist, tariff a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value.

No discount rate is offered for large shipments. The same rate applies to all shipment sizes.

A notification, usually electronic, provided by the carrier when a shipment will arrive (or has arrived) at the destination.

Point of time when a vessel arrives at the anchorage location.

Artificial intelligence (AI) involves machine learning designed to mimic human intelligence to perform tasks and improve through the information collected.

Production process that is designed to manufacture products after receiving customer orders. Key parts are stocked and orders filled as received.

The putting together of a group of subassemblies and/or parts to make a major subdivision for the final product. A component used for a higher-level assembly.

Distributing costs based on causal relationships. Cost causal relationships are viewed by some as more relevant for management decision making.

Large non-profit association for supply chain professionals. Seeks to connect companies to supply chain thought leadership. https://www.ascm.org/

Classification labels used to provide additional information about something. Qualities or characterists assigned to items. Descriptions may be subjective.

To examine records to check for accuracy. Often used to determine if freight bills are correct.

A step-by-step record, electronic and/or paper, by which information (accounting or any other type) can be traced to its source.

The ability to get accurate results when performing an audit. The ease with which data can be verified.

Inspecting or verifying records, especially financial records. For freight bills, checking or verifying if the charges are correct.

Automated Indentification System. Bar coding and Radio Frequency Indentification (RFID) are technologies included in this area.

An integral part of the ACS, a voluntary program used in over 96% of entries, that permits qualified participants to file import data electronically with CBP.

A system that routes telephone calls. The criteria for routing can vary based on the types of issues and agent availability.

Driverless vehicles or robots used to transport items and perform material handling tasks in warehouse and distribution operations.

Involves a combination of technology, equipment and controls that handle, store and retrieve materials as needed. Designed to improve warehouse operations.

Monitors and continually adjusts the air pressure level in tires. PSI parameters can be set to maintain proper tire pressure even when the truck is moving.