Glossary

Supply chain glossary.

Plain-English definitions of the freight, shipping and logistics terms you meet every day, from A to Z.

ABC analysis

ABC Analysis is a method used in supply chain management to categorize inventory into three groups—A, B, and C—based on their importance.

Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)

An Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN), sometimes referred to as Advance Ship Notice, is a notification sent by a supplier or manufacturer to a customer or retailer to provide detailed information…

Agile supply chain

An agile supply chain is a flexible and responsive approach to supply chain management that enables organizations to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, customer demands, and disruptions.

Air waybill (AWB)

An air waybill (AWB) is a vital logistics document used in air freight transportation.

Arrival notice

An arrival notice is a notification sent by a carrier or freight forwarder to inform consignees or recipients that a shipment has arrived at its destination port or facility.

Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)

An Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a tracking system used in the maritime industry to monitor the location and movement of ships.

Backhauling

Backhauling is a transportation logistics practice where trucks carry a return load on their way back from delivering goods to their destination.

Backorder

In the realm of supply chain management, "backorder" refers to a situation where a customer places an order for a product that is temporarily unavailable in the seller's inventory.

Bay plan

A container vessel bay plan is a detailed diagram that shows the exact location of all containers on a ship.

Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO)

A Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO) is the entity with ownership or a beneficial interest in transported goods.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

A bill of lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by a carrier or its agent to acknowledge receipt of goods for shipment.

Blank sailing

Blank sailing is a term used in the shipping and logistics industry to describe the situation when a shipping line cancels a scheduled port call or an entire voyage.

Blind shipment

A blind shipment refers to a logistics practice where certain details about the shipment, such as the sender, receiver, or contents, are intentionally obscured or withheld from one or both parties…

Bonded warehouse

A bonded warehouse is a secured facility authorized by customs authorities where imported goods can be stored, manipulated, or undergo manufacturing operations without payment of duty.

Booking confirmation

A booking confirmation in shipping is a formal logistics document issued by a carrier or freight forwarder to confirm that space has been reserved for cargo on a vessel, flight, or truck.

Booking request

A request for reservation of space and equipment for a particular vessel/voyage and possibly inland transport.

Break bulk cargo

Break bulk cargo refers to goods that are individually packaged or bundled, rather than being transported in containers or in bulk.

Buffer stock

Buffer stock, also known as inventory buffer or stock buffer, refers to the extra inventory held by a company to mitigate the risk of stockouts caused by uncertainties in supply and demand.

Bulk cargo

Bulk cargo refers to commodities that are transported unpackaged in large quantities, typically stored and handled in bulk form, rather than in individual units or containers.

Bullwhip effect

The bullwhip effect, also known as demand amplification or whiplash effect, is a phenomenon that occurs in supply chains where small fluctuations in demand at the consumer level lead to…

Capesize Ship

A Capesize ship is a large bulk carrier vessel that is too big to pass through the Panama or Suez Canals.

Cargo release

The action of allowing cargo to leave the container yard typically authorized by the carrier.

Cargo survey

A cargo survey is an inspection process used to assess the condition and quantity of cargo before, during, or after transportation.

Carrier

A shipping carrier is an organization that provides transportation services for goods.

Carrier haulage

Carrier haulage refers to a transportation arrangement where the carrier, typically the ocean shipping line or its designated transport provider, is responsible for arranging and paying for the…

Carrier scorecard

A carrier scorecard is a performance measurement tool used by supply chain and logistics professionals to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of their freight carriers.

Certificate of origin

A certificate of origin is a document issued by an authorized body or organization that certifies the country in which the goods being shipped were manufactured, produced, or processed.

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)

CIF, or Cost, Insurance, and Freight, is an international shipping agreement used in the transportation of goods.

Commercial invoice

A commercial invoice is a crucial document used in international trade transactions to provide details of the goods being shipped and their corresponding value.

Commodity

In shipping, a commodity refers to raw materials or goods that are transported in large volumes.

Consignee

In the realm of supply chain and logistics, the term "Consignee" refers to the individual, company, or entity to whom a shipment of goods is delivered.

Consignment inventory

Consignment inventory is a supply chain arrangement where a supplier (consignor) retains ownership of goods while they are held at a customer's (consignee's) location.

Consignor

In shipping and logistics, a consignor refers to the entity or person who is the sender or shipper of goods.

Container depot

A container depot is a facility where empty shipping containers are stored, repaired, or maintained when they are not in use.

Container discharge

Container discharge refers to the process of unloading shipping containers from a vessel at a port or terminal.

Container freight station

A container freight station (CFS) serves as a vital link in the global supply chain, facilitating the consolidation, deconsolidation, and temporary storage of cargo transported in shipping containers.

Container grade

Shipping containers are graded based on their condition, durability, and suitability for transporting goods.

Container packing certificate

A container packing certificate is a document that verifies the proper packing and loading of goods into a shipping container.

Container rollover

A container rollover occurs when a shipping container is not loaded onto its scheduled vessel and is instead 'rolled over' to a subsequent vessel.

Container stripping

Container stripping, also known as container devanning, refers to the process of unloading cargo from a shipping container after it has reached its destination.

Container stuffing

Container stuffing refers to the process of loading cargo into a shipping container in preparation for transport.

Cross docking

Cross docking is a logistics strategy where incoming goods from suppliers are unloaded from incoming trucks or containers and directly loaded onto outbound trucks or trailers, with minimal or no…

Customs broker

A customs broker is a licensed professional who specializes in facilitating the clearance of goods through customs barriers for importers and exporters.

Customs clearance

Customs clearance refers to the process of fulfilling the legal requirements necessary to facilitate the import or export of goods across international borders.

Customs manifest

In international container shipping, a customs manifest serves as a crucial document that lists in detail all the bills of lading issued by a carrier, its agent or master for a specific voyage and…

Cut-off

The latest point in time where a container has to be delivered to a terminal to be loaded on a vessel, or where certain documentation has to be provided by the Shipper.

Cycle counting

Cycle counting is a methodical approach to inventory management where a subset of inventory is counted on a continuous basis, typically throughout the year.

Dangerous goods declaration

A dangerous goods declaration (DGD) is a legal document required for the transportation of hazardous materials or dangerous goods by air, sea, road, or rail.

DAP (Delivered At Place)

DAP, or Delivered At Place, is a term used in international trade that specifies the seller's obligation to deliver goods to a designated location in the buyer's country.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping terms dictate that the seller assumes all responsibilities and costs associated with delivering the goods to the buyer's specified destination.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)

DDU, or Delivered Duty Unpaid, is an international shipping term that defines the responsibilities of the seller and buyer.

Deadheading

Deadheading is a term used in the transportation industry to describe the practice of operating a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or a trailer, without any cargo or paying passengers.

Deadweight tonnage

Deadweight tonnage (DWT) is a measure of a ship's carrying capacity, representing the total weight of cargo, fuel, crew, provisions, and other materials that the vessel can safely carry.

Demurrage

Demurrage refers to the additional charges imposed on the owner or operator of a vessel, freight car, or truck for delaying the use of equipment or facilities beyond the agreed-upon time.

Detention charges

Detention charges are fees incurred when a carrier's equipment, such as containers or trailers, is held beyond the agreed-upon free time at a facility, such as a port, terminal, or warehouse.

Digital twin

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object, process, or system.

Dimensional weight

Dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight, is a pricing technique used by shipping carriers to calculate the cost of shipping packages based on their volume rather than just their actual…

Dock receipt

A dock receipt is a logistics document issued by a carrier or its agent to acknowledge the receipt of goods at a shipping dock or terminal for transportation.

DPU (Delivered At Place Unloaded)

DPU, or Delivered at Place Unloaded, is an international shipping term that specifies the seller's responsibility to deliver and unload goods at a designated location in the buyer's country.

Draft (Draught)

A ship’s draft (also spelled draught) is the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the ship’s hull (usually the keel).

Drayage

Drayage refers to the transportation of goods over a short distance, typically within the same metropolitan area or between nearby facilities.

Drop shipping

Drop shipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock.

Dry bulk cargo

Dry bulk cargo refers to unpackaged, loose commodities that are shipped in large quantities and typically consist of raw materials.

Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)

Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is a fundamental concept in inventory management that determines the optimal quantity of goods a company should order to minimize total inventory costs.

EDI booking

In shipping, EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange.

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

An Electronic Product Code (EPC) is a unique identifier used to distinguish individual items, cases, or pallets in the supply chain.

EORI number

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses engaged in international trade within the European Union (EU) and certain other…

Equipment

Used for storing cargo in/on during transport.

Equipment discharge / load report

Confirmation & receipt of the equipment loaded/discharged on a vessel during a port call.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)

In shipping, ETA refers to the anticipated arrival time of a vessel, truck, or aircraft at a specified port or delivery location.

Exception

A shipping exception refers to any unexpected event or issue that disrupts the normal flow of a shipment, causing a delay or deviation from the scheduled delivery.

Expedited freight

Expedited freight refers to a specialized service in logistics and supply chain management aimed at transporting goods quickly and efficiently to meet tight delivery deadlines.

EXW (Ex Works)

EXW, or Ex Works, is one of the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

FAS (Free Alongside Ship)

FAS, or Free Alongside Ship, is an international shipping term that specifies the seller's responsibilities and costs up to the point where goods are placed alongside the buyer's chosen vessel at…

FCA (Free carrier)

FCA, or Free Carrier, is an Incoterm (International Commercial Term) used in international trade to define the point at which the seller's obligations are fulfilled and the buyer assumes…

FCL Freight

FCL (Full Container Load) freight refers to the transportation of cargo that fills an entire shipping container, dedicated to a single shipper.

Feedermax Ship

A Feedermax container ship is a small to medium-sized feeder vessel used to transport containers between regional ports and larger, deep-water ports where larger container ships (such as Panamax…

Feeder operator

An entity operating a feeder service - ref.

Feeder vessel

A container feeder vessel, also known as a feeder ship, is a relatively small cargo vessel that is specifically designed for transporting containers between smaller ports or terminals to larger…

Fill rate

Fill rate in supply chain management refers to the measurement of how fully customer demand for a product or service is met through the availability of inventory.

Flags of Convenience

A "Flag of Convenience" (FOC) refers to the practice of a ship's owner registering a merchant vessel in a country other than the owner’s country of origin to benefit from more favorable…

FOB (Free on board)

FOB, or Free on Board, is a term used in international trade to indicate when ownership and liability for goods transfer from the seller to the buyer.

Fourth Party Logistics (4PL)

4PL, or Fourth Party Logistics, refers to a logistics model where a single organization, known as the fourth-party logistics provider, takes on the responsibility of managing and coordinating the…

Free trade zone

A free trade zone (FTZ) is a designated area within a country where goods can be imported, stored, manufactured, or exported without being subject to the usual customs duties and tariffs.

Freight forwarding

A freight forwarder is a vital link in the supply chain, specializing in the coordination and management of international shipments.

Freight visibility

Freight visibility (also called shipment visibility) refers to the ability of supply chain professionals to track and monitor the movement of freight shipments throughout the supply chain.

Full truckload (FTL) freight

Full truckload (FTL) freight refers to shipments that occupy the entire capacity of a truck trailer.

Gate-out

"Gate-out" refers to the movement when a container leaves a container yard, terminal or another restricted/controlled area.

German Supply Chain Act

The German Supply Chain Act, also known as Lieferkettengesetz, is a landmark legislation enacted to promote corporate social responsibility and ensure ethical practices throughout global supply…

GLEC framework

The GLEC (Global Logistics Emissions Council) framework is a globally recognized standard developed to measure and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from logistics activities.

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique identifier assigned to products in the supply chain to facilitate efficient tracking and management from production to point of sale.

Goods Receipt Note (GRN)

A Goods Receipt Note (GRN) is a document used in the process of confirming the receipt of goods from a supplier or vendor.

Green logistics

Green logistics refers to the process of minimizing the environmental impact of logistics and supply chain activities, including transportation, warehousing, packaging, and distribution.

Handysize Vessel

A Handysize ship is a type of small to medium-sized bulk carrier typically used for transporting a wide variety of goods, including grains, coal, fertilizers, and other bulk cargo.

Haulage equipment

Gear used to do inland transportation of a container.

Haulage requirements

Specifications for a haulier set by a carrier in regards to a specific work order, e.g.

Haulage type

The joint term for merchant and carrier haulage.

Haulier

A road haulier, also known as a trucking company or a carrier, is a business or individual that transports goods by road using trucks or lorries.

House Bill of Lading (HBL)

A House Bill of Lading (HBL) is a transportation document issued by a freight forwarder or Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) to acknowledge receipt of goods for shipment.

Hub and spoke model

In supply chain logistics, a hub and spoke model refers to a system where goods or services are transported through a central hub to various spoke locations.

Import duty

Import duties, also known as tariffs, are taxes imposed by a country's government on goods brought into the country from abroad.

Inbound logistics

Inbound logistics refers to the process of receiving, handling, and storing raw materials, components, and goods from suppliers to a business or manufacturing facility.

Inbound visibility

Inbound supply chain visibility refers to the ability to track and monitor the movement of goods, materials, and shipments as they move from suppliers to a company's receiving or manufacturing…

INCOTERMS

INCOTERMS, short for International Commercial Terms, are a set of standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities and obligations…

In-gauge cargo

In-gauge cargo refers to freight that fits within the standard dimensions and weight limits set by transportation regulations.

Inland transport request

An inland transport request (ITR) is a formal request made by a shipper or consignee to arrange the movement of cargo from a port or terminal to an inland destination, or vice versa.

Intermodal transportation

Intermodal transportation is a logistics strategy that involves using multiple modes of transport, such as trucks, trains, ships, and planes, to move goods from origin to destination.

International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)

The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) is an international treaty established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1972.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping and maritime safety.

Inventory turnover

Inventory turnover refers to the efficiency with which a company manages its inventory by measuring how often inventory is sold and replaced over a specific period.

ISO 14083

ISO 14083:2023 is an internationally recognized standard focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurement and reporting in freight transport.

Last mile delivery

Last mile delivery refers to the final leg of the logistics journey, where goods are transported from a distribution center or fulfillment center to the end destination, typically a residential…

Late submission

When a shipper submits documentation after a defined deadline set by the carrier.

Laytime

Laytime is the period of time granted to a vessel for loading and unloading cargo at a port.

LCL Freight

LCL (Less than Container Load) freight refers to the transportation of goods that do not fill an entire shipping container.

Lead logistics provider (LLP)

A Lead Logistics Provider (LLP), also known as a Lead Logistics Integrator (LLI), is a supply chain management term referring to a specialized third-party logistics (3PL) provider that takes on a…

Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight

Less than truckload (LTL) freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire truck trailer but instead occupy only a portion of the available space.

Letter of indemnity

In shipping, a letter of indemnity is issued by a shipper or consignee to the carrier, indemnifying them against any potential losses or liabilities arising from the release of cargo without the…

Load board

In the realm of supply chain and logistics, a load board serves as an online platform or marketplace where shippers and carriers can connect to facilitate the transportation of freight.

Load / discharge confirmation

This is the confirmation sent to the customer, shipper or consignee, that the equipment has been loaded/discharged.

Load list

List of containers sent by the carrier or its agent to the terminal to instruct which containers must be loaded on a specific vessel/voyage.

Load / loading of container

The action of lifting any cargo or container on board of the vessel for transportation.

Load optimization

Load optimization in logistics refers to the process of efficiently arranging and maximizing the use of available space within transportation vehicles or shipping containers.

Load tender

In the realm of supply chain and logistics, a load tender refers to the formal request made by a shipper or a consignee to a carrier or transportation provider to transport goods or freight from…

Logistics 4.0

Logistics 4.0, also known as the fourth industrial revolution in logistics, refers to the integration of advanced digital technologies and data-driven solutions to revolutionize traditional supply…

Logistics document management

Logistics document management refers to the process of handling, organizing, and storing various documents involved in supply chain and logistics operations.

Logistics route optimization

Logistics route optimization involves the strategic process of determining the most efficient and cost-effective routes for transporting goods and materials from origin to destination.

Logistics service provider

A Logistics Service Provider (LSP) is a company or organization that offers specialized logistics and supply chain management services to support the transportation, storage, and distribution of…

Logistics visibility

Logistics visibility refers to the ability of supply chain professionals to track and monitor the movement of goods and assets throughout the supply chain in real-time.

Manifest corrector

The manifest corrector is used to make changes to a manifest after the manifest in question has been submitted to the relevant authorities.

Marine insurance

Marine insurance offers protection for shipments and vessels involved in maritime trade.

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)

A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to ships, coastal stations, and other maritime communication equipment.

Master Bill of Lading (MBL)

A Master Bill of Lading (MBL) is a transportation document issued by the ocean carrier or its agent to acknowledge receipt of goods for shipment.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is a systematic approach to managing the manufacturing and procurement of materials necessary for production.

Merchant haulage

Merchant haulage refers to a scenario in transportation logistics where the party responsible for arranging and paying for the inland transportation of goods (e.g.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, refers to the smallest quantity of goods or products that a supplier is willing to sell or a buyer is willing to purchase in a single order.

Multimodal transport

Multimodal transport refers to the transportation of goods using two or more modes of transport under a single contract.

Neopanamax Ship

A Neopanamax vessel is a large ship designed to fit through the expanded Panama Canal locks, which were opened in 2016 as part of the canal’s modernization project.

Network / vessel capacity

The operational capacity of a vessel on a specific voyage.

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)

NVOCC stands for Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier.

Off dock storage

Off dock storage refers to the practice of storing cargo containers or goods at a location separate from the port terminal or container yard where they were initially unloaded from a vessel.

On-time in-full (OTIF)

OTIF stands for On-Time In-Full, a key performance indicator (KPI) used in supply chain management to measure the percentage of orders delivered to customers both on time and in full.

Order accuracy

Order accuracy in logistics and warehousing refers to the precision with which customer orders are fulfilled, ensuring that the right products, quantities, and specifications are delivered as…

Order lead time

Order lead time, often referred to simply as lead time, is a crucial concept in supply chain management that defines the duration between the initiation of an order and its fulfillment.

Out-of-gauge cargo

Out of gauge cargo, often abbreviated as OOG cargo, refers to shipments that exceed the standard dimensions or weight limitations for transportation containers or transport vehicles.

Packing list

A packing list is a document that itemizes the contents of a shipment.

Panamax Ship

A Panamax-class ship is a vessel that is specifically designed to fit through the original locks of the Panama Canal.

PAPS number

A Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) number is a tracking number used in the United States for shipments that require pre-arrival customs processing.

PARS number

A Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) number is a unique identifier used in the Canadian border clearance process for shipments entering Canada.

POD (Port of Discharge)

POD (Port of Discharge) refers to the specific port where goods are unloaded from a vessel at the end of their sea voyage.

POL (Port of Loading)

POL (Port of Loading) refers to the specific port where goods are loaded onto a vessel for transportation.

Port

A facility with piers or docks.

Port call

A port call in shipping refers to a scheduled stop made by a vessel at a port for the purpose of loading, unloading, or conducting maintenance operations.

Port congestion

Port congestion occurs when there is a significant backlog of vessels waiting to enter or leave a port, or when there are delays in cargo loading and unloading processes within the port.

Port of Entry (POE)

A port of entry refers to a designated location where goods and merchandise can legally enter a country for customs inspection and clearance.

Port pair

Port pair is a term used in the shipping and logistics industry to describe a set of two ports that serve as the origin and destination in a shipping route.

Post Panamax Vessel

A Post Panamax vessel is a ship that is too large to pass through the original locks of the Panama Canal.

Real-time transportation visibility (RTTV)

Transportation visibility refers to the ability of supply chain professionals to monitor and track the movement of goods and shipments in real time throughout the transportation process.

Reefer container

A reefer container, also known as a refrigerated shipping container, is a specialized shipping container used to transport temperature-sensitive cargo such as fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals,…

Re-export

Re-export refers to the process of exporting goods that were previously imported into a country without undergoing significant alteration or manufacturing processes within that country.

Release reference number

Reference number contained in the Cargo Release.

Reverse logistics

Reverse logistics refers to the process of managing the flow of products, materials, and information from the point of consumption back to the point of origin or other designated locations.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) shipping

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping is a method of transporting vehicles and other wheeled cargo by allowing them to be driven onto and off of specialized vessels, eliminating the need for cranes or…

Route plan

Plan for the end-to-end shipment of a shipment.

Safety stock

Safety stock, also known as buffer stock or reserve inventory, refers to the extra inventory held by a company above its average demand level.

Sanctions screening

Sanctions screening is the process of verifying that individuals, companies, and entities involved in a business transaction are not subject to any trade or economic sanctions imposed by…

SCAC Code

SCAC stands for Standard Carrier Alpha Code.

Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions refer to indirect greenhouse gas emissions generated by activities associated with an organization's value chain, including its upstream and downstream activities such as…

Seal

A single-use instrument used for securing container or freight car or truck doors.Seals have unique numbers for record purposes.

Sea Waybill

A sea waybill, also known as a non-negotiable sea waybill or direct ocean carrier bill of lading, is a document issued by the carrier to acknowledge receipt of goods and confirm the contract of…

Shipment

A Shipment is the realisation of a customer booking for which all containers have a common routing and details of scheduling.

Shipment visibility

Shipment visibility refers to the ability of supply chain and logistics professionals to track and monitor the movement of goods throughout the entire logistics process, from the point of origin…

Shipper

The shipper is the entity or party who is responsible for the shipment.

Shipping Alliances

A shipping alliance is a vessel sharing collaboration between multiple shipping companies used to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Shipping Instruction

An enrichment to the original booking shared by the shipper to the carrier.

Shipping lanes

Shipping lanes are predetermined routes used by ships and vessels for transporting goods and commodities across oceans and seas.

Shipping manifest

A shipping manifest is an essential logistics document, detailing all items being transported on a ship, airplane, or vehicle.

Short shipment

A short shipment refers to a situation in logistics where the quantity of goods received by the consignee is less than what was originally shipped or expected.

Slotting

Slotting in warehouse management refers to the strategic placement of products within a warehouse to optimize the efficiency of picking, packing, and shipping processes.

Special cargo

Joint term for cargo, which is not transported in a regular dry container or is considered dangerous goods.

Special equipment

All container types other than regular Dry or Reefer containers.

Stockout

A stockout occurs when a business runs out of a particular item or product, leading to its temporary unavailability for sale or distribution.

Stowage

Stowage in shipping refers to the process of loading and arranging cargo within a vessel in a way that ensures safety, efficiency, and optimal use of space.

Supplier risk management

Supplier risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with a company's suppliers to ensure continuity and reliability in the supply chain.

Supply chain 3.0

Supply Chain 3.0 represents the evolution of traditional supply chain management practices into a more advanced and interconnected model, driven by digital technology and data analytics.

Supply chain 4.0

Supply Chain 4.0, an integral part of the broader concept of Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0, represents a paradigm shift in supply chain management driven by digital technologies and advanced…

Supply chain automation

Supply chain automation involves the use of technology and software systems to streamline and optimize various processes within the supply chain, including inventory management, order fulfillment,…

Supply chain collaboration

Supply chain collaboration refers to the strategic partnership and cooperation among different entities within the supply chain, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, warehouses and…

Supply chain control tower

A supply chain control tower is a centralized hub or platform that provides end-to-end visibility and orchestration of supply chain operations in real-time.

Supply chain data

Supply chain data refers to the information generated and collected throughout the entire supply chain process, from procurement of raw materials to delivery of finished products to customers.

Supply chain finance (SCF)

Supply chain finance (SCF) refers to a set of financial solutions and practices aimed at optimizing cash flow and working capital management throughout the supply chain.

Supply chain network design

Network design in supply chain management involves creating a strategic framework that outlines the structure and operations of the supply chain.

Supply chain resilience

Supply chain resilience refers to the ability of a supply chain to withstand and recover from disruptions while maintaining continuous operations and delivering products or services to customers…

Supply chain risk management

Supply chain risk management refers to the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within a supply chain to ensure continuity and minimize disruptions.

Supply chain traceability

Supply chain traceability refers to the ability to track and verify the journey of products through every stage of the supply chain, from raw materials to the final consumer.

Supply chain visibility

Also referred to as end-to-end visibility, supply chain visibility refers to the ability of organizations to track, analyze, communicate and monitor the flow of goods as they move across the…

Supply planning

Supply planning is the process of aligning supply with demand to ensure that sufficient quantities of goods or materials are available to meet customer needs while minimizing costs and optimizing…

Terminal

A facility for loading, moving or discharging containers.

Terminal departure report (TDR)

Upon completion of operations on a particular vessel, a terminal departure report (TDR) is to be sent to the respective shipping lines.

Terminal move

Each terminal has a set number of moves, which can be performed on a vessel during a port call.

Trade lane

A trade lane (or trade route) refers to a specific pathway along which goods are transported between two or more locations, typically across international borders.

Transit time

Container shipping transit time refers to the duration it takes for goods or shipments to travel from their origin to their destination.

Transloading

Transloading refers to the process of transferring goods or cargo from one mode of transportation to another, typically from one type of truck or railcar to another, or from rail to truck and vice…

Transportation lead time

Transportation lead time refers to the duration it takes for goods to be transported from the point of origin to the final destination.

Transportation Management System (TMS)

A Transportation Management System (TMS) is a specialized software solution designed to streamline and optimize transportation and logistics operations within supply chains.

Transshipment

A transshipment is the process of transferring goods from one transportation vehicle or vessel to another during their journey from origin to destination.

Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU)

Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) is a standard unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to quantify the cargo-carrying capacity of container vessels.

Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)

An Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) is one of the largest types of container ships used in global shipping, designed to carry massive amounts of containers over long distances.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a supply chain management strategy where the supplier or vendor takes responsibility for managing the inventory levels of their products at the customer's or…

Verified Gross Mass (VGM)

Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a term used in the shipping industry to refer to the total weight of a packed container, including its contents and packaging materials.

Vessel

A floating structure with its own mode of propulsion designed for the transport of cargo and/or passengers.

Vessel bunching

Vessel bunching refers to the situation where multiple vessels arrive at a port simultaneously or within a short period, leading to port congestion and delays.

Vessel call sign

A vessel call sign is a unique identifier assigned to a ship for radio communication purposes.

Vessel omit

A vessel omit (sometimes called a port omission) occurs when a scheduled vessel does not call at a planned port during its voyage.

Vessel rotation

Vessel rotation in cargo shipping refers to the planned sequence of port calls that a shipping vessel makes on its route.

Vessel schedule

The timetable of departure and arrival times for each port call on the rotation of the vessel in question.

Vessel Sharing Agreements (VSA)

A vessel sharing agreement (VSA) is a cooperative arrangement between two or more shipping companies that allows them to share space on a vessel or a fleet of vessels for specific routes.

Voyage

A journey by sea from one port or country to another one or, in case of a round trip, to the same port.

Warehouse utilization

Warehouse utilization is a logistics KPI that refers to the effective use of available warehouse space for storing goods and inventory.

Work order

Order for specific transportation work carried out by a third party provider on behalf of the issuing party.

Yard management

Logistics yard management refers to the process of overseeing and controlling the movement of trucks, trailers, containers, and other vehicles within a yard or distribution center.

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