Glossary

The charge by the carrier to the shipper based on the number of miles the commodity is shipped. It usually includes a base rate and fuel surcharge.

The completion of a scheduled event that marks a defined phase within a project or the flow of goods.

A port to port shipment that is moved in two legs instead of one: first by water with an intermediary stop, and then by railroad to the destination. Or vice versa.

The shipment weight the carrier’s tariff specifies as the lowest weight required to use the TL or CL rate. The rate discount volume does not apply for lower weights.

Shipments that contain both regulated and exempt commodities or have items described in and rated under two or more rate items within a tariff.

The percentage of total transportation that is carried by each mode of transport and often broken out by mileage, weights, and revenue.

A business that offers transportation services via motor vehicle and is typically responsible for the movement and delivery of goods.

A basic logistical function, the physical transfer of goods from one location to another.

The ability to conduct business using a variety of currencies for pricing and billing.

The ability to conduct business using a variety of languages, verbal and written.

Persons who are certified and able to perform a variety of tasks.

A BOL that provides for carriage of goods by more than one mode of transport with each carrier responsible for loss or damage during its respective segment.

One with production or marketing operations in more than one country, and requires coordination activities across multiple borders.

A railroad pricing incentive that offers a lower rate for shipping more than one carload at a time.

See North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

See National Industrial Transportation League (NITL).

See National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).

See Not otherwise specified/Not elsewhere specified (NOS/NES).

See New Product Introduction (NPI).

See Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC).

Serves as the shippers voice to engage all sectors of the industry to develop a modern, safe and efficient freight transport system (in the U.S.). https://www.nitl.org

Formerly an industry association that represented common and charter bus firms and now known as the American Bus Association.

A system that provides descriptions and classifications of commodities and rules for domestic movement primarily by LTL motor carriers in the U.S.

Better known as Amtrak, it is a for-profit corporation that operates intercity passenger rail services in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

Governmental ownership, financing, and operation of a business entity.