Fourth-party logistics (4PL)
Fourth-party logistics – A 4PL differs from third-party logistics in the following ways: (1) 4PL organization is often a separate entity established as a joint venture or long-term contract between a primary client and one or more partners; (2) 4PL organization acts as a single interface between the client and multiple logistics service providers; (3) All aspects (ideally) of the client’s supply chain are managed by the 4PL organization; (4) It is possible for a major third party logistics provider to form a 4PL organization within its existing structure.
Freight forwarder
Freight forwarder – A freight forwarder is an organization which provides logistics services as an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier, typically on international shipments. Freight forwarders provide the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to changing customer and consumer demands and international shipping (import/export) requirements.
Third-party logistics (3PL or TPL)
Third-party logistics – A 3PL provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities. In business, 3PL has a broad meaning that applies to any service contract that involves storing or shipping items.
Another definition: Third party logistics (Referred to as 3PL) is when a provider outsources collection, and or transportation, clearance or delivery to a 3rd party provider on behalf of their customer.
Air Waybill (AWB)
Consignee
The person or company named on the consignment note that is responsible for the receipt of the physical goods on delivery.
Cross Dock
A terminal or meet up place where goods or parcels are dropped off and instantly sorted into destination areas or dispatched directly onto another vehicle for delivery. An example would be vehicle 1 drops off 100 parcels and those parcels are then sorted into correct areas then placed into either vehicle 2 heading down south, vehicle 3 heading north, etc.
Customs Clearance
A process that the customs department of said country clears the goods for release and pickup after all duty and taxes have been made.
Dangerous Goods (DG)
Goods that are dangerous to people, animals or the environment and that need special care and/or rules when transporting. Dangerous goods may need to be labeled accordingly as well as having separate documentation held away from the actual goods in case of emergency. The paperwork with dangerous goods information may need to be accessible by the fire brigade for instance.
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
LTL Freight
Less than a truck load – when the truck is not full on pick up allowing more goods to be picked up along the way.
Another definition: LTL is the movement of a small amount of goods which does not fill an entire truck. Some transport companies specialise in LTL movements, whereas some only offer full container or truckloads.
POD
Proof of Delivery – a signature of the person that took receipt of the goods on delivery.
Another definition: Proof of delivery (POD) is obtained by carriers in the form of a physical signature by the recipient. It confirms that the receiver has taken delivery of their shipment. The POD is normally signed electronically and available online almost immediately with most carriers.
SCS
Supply Chain Services
Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight (Also referred to as volumetric weight) is calculated by multiplying the dimensions of a package and dividing them by the volumetric divisor. The value that’s returned is the dimensional weight in either kg or lbs. The courier then charges on either the volumetric or dimensional weight, whichever is the greater.
