Freight Glossary G–L: Learn the Language of Logistics
In logistics, every term matters — especially when you're managing international shipments, customs forms, or customer expectations. That’s why we’ve expanded our freight glossary to include key terms from G to L.
Whether you're learning the trade or training your team, this glossary makes it easy to understand each term with clear definitions — many with hover-enabled explanations for quick reference on supported platforms.
Whether you're learning the trade or training your team, this glossary makes it easy to understand each term with clear definitions — many with hover-enabled explanations for quick reference on supported platforms.
Freight glossary
G – Terms that Start with G
- General Cargo – Goods that do not require special handling or conditions.
- Gross Weight – The total weight of a shipment including packaging and container.
- GRI (General Rate Increase) – A scheduled rate hike announced by carriers.
- Gateway – A major hub or point of entry/exit in international shipping.
- Groupage – Combining shipments from multiple shippers into one container.
📦 “G” terms are essential for general freight management and cost planning.
H – Terms that Start with H
- HAWB (House Air Waybill) – A document issued by a freight forwarder for air shipments.
- Handling Charges – Fees for physically moving or preparing cargo for shipment.
- Hazmat – Short for hazardous materials, requiring special handling and documentation.
- Hub – A central location where freight is collected, sorted, and redistributed.
- HS Code – Harmonized System Code used for customs classification worldwide.
🧯 “H” is where compliance and safety meet shipping efficiency .
I – Terms that Start with I
- Incoterms – International rules that define buyer/seller responsibilities in shipping.
- Inland Freight – Transport of cargo over land before or after ocean/air shipment.
- Inventory Turnover – The rate at which inventory is sold and replaced.
- Importer of Record (IOR) – The party legally responsible for customs compliance.
- Intermodal – Shipments moved using two or more transport modes (e.g., truck + rail).
🚚 Understanding “I” terms supports better planning across the supply chain.
J – Terms that Start with J
- JIT (Just-In-Time) – Inventory strategy that minimizes storage by delivering goods only as needed.
- Junction Point – A location where different transportation modes or networks connect.
- Jet Fuel Surcharge – Extra fee applied to air freight due to fuel cost volatility.
- Joint Rate – A combined rate for shipments involving two or more carriers.
- J-List – U.S. import-related classification list (rare but relevant for compliance teams).
⏱️ “J” is all about precision, timing, and cost control.
K – Terms that Start with K
- Kilogram (KG) – Standard weight unit used in freight measurement.
- Known Shipper – A shipper recognized and approved by regulatory authorities for air cargo.
- Knock-Down (KD) – Products shipped disassembled to save space or cost.
- Kitting – Combining individual items into a single package or SKU.
- Key Performance Indicator (KPI) – Metrics used to measure logistics efficiency and goals.
📐 “K” terms often tie into metrics, measurement, and packaging.
L – Terms that Start with L
- LCL (Less than Container Load) – Cargo that doesn’t fill a full container and is consolidated with others.
- Liftgate Service – A truck feature used for loading/unloading heavy cargo where no dock is available.
- Line-Haul – The long-distance segment of freight movement between hubs.
- Logistics Provider – A company that offers transportation, warehousing, or end-to-end supply chain services.
- Load Planning – The process of organizing cargo to maximize space and efficiency.
📊 “L” is where logistics strategy and freight operations come together.
Hover for Definitions freight glossary
On digital platforms, you can hover over terms to instantly view short definitions. On mobile, just tap and hold to reveal the explanation.
Perfect for learning on the go or training your team in real time.
Suggest a Term
Is there a freight term from G to L that we missed?
👉 Click here to Suggest a term. We’ll include it in our next glossary update (M–R).