Freight Glossary S–Z: Finish Strong with Freight Terminology
From Surcharge to Zone Skipping, these final letters in the freight glossary contain powerful terms that logistics professionals use daily. If you’ve followed our A–R editions, this final stretch from S to Z completes your mastery of freight language.
Each term is defined clearly and concisely. On digital platforms, hover over any term to view its definition instantly — or tap and hold on mobile. Let’s finish this glossary strong 💪🚛
Each term is defined clearly and concisely. On digital platforms, hover over any term to view its definition instantly — or tap and hold on mobile. Let’s finish this glossary strong 💪🚛
S – Terms that Start with S
- Shipper – The person or company sending the freight.
- Surcharge – An extra fee added to a base rate (e.g., fuel, peak season).
- Supply Chain – The end-to-end flow of goods, information, and finances.
- Short Shipment – A shipment with missing or undelivered items.
- Storage Charges – Fees for holding cargo beyond free time in a warehouse or port.
📦 “S” is loaded with essential terms every freight coordinator needs.
T – Terms that Start with T
- Tariff – A tax or duty on imported/exported goods.
- Terminal – A facility where freight is received, sorted, or transferred.
- Tracking Number – A unique code to monitor shipment status.
- Transit Time – The total time it takes for a shipment to travel from origin to destination.
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL) – A provider that manages transportation, warehousing, or fulfillment.
🚚 “T” is all about movement, time, and logistics services.
U – Terms that Start with U
- ULD (Unit Load Device) – A container used for air freight consolidation.
- Underbond Shipment – Cargo moving under customs control before clearance.
- Unloading Charges – Fees for removing goods from a transport unit.
- Unitization – Grouping cargo into units for easier handling.
- U.S. Customs – Government agency responsible for border regulation and compliance.
🛬 “U” connects air freight, customs, and unit efficiency.
V – Terms that Start with V
- Value-Added Services (VAS) – Extra services like labeling, kitting, or inspection.
- Vessel – A large ship used to transport cargo by sea.
- Volume Weight – The calculated weight based on a package’s dimensions.
- Verified Gross Mass (VGM) – The certified weight of a packed container.
- Vendor – A supplier or seller of goods.
⚖️ “V” is vital for ocean freight and operational extras.
W – Terms that Start with W
- Waybill – A document showing shipment details and carrier information.
- Warehouse Receipt – Proof that goods have been received into storage.
- Wharfage – A charge for using port space and infrastructure.
- White Glove Delivery – High-touch delivery service including setup or handling.
- Weight Break – A pricing method where costs change based on shipment weight tiers.
🏢 “W” includes warehousing, paperwork, and premium delivery services.
X – Terms that Start with X
- X-Dock (Cross-Docking) – A logistics process where incoming goods are transferred directly to outbound transport with minimal storage.
- X-Ray Inspection – Security screening method for cargo.
- Export Code (X-code) – Classification code used in certain export systems.
- XPS (Express Parcel Service) – Fast delivery service for small packages.
- X-factory – Term indicating that the shipment departs directly from the factory.
❌ “X” is rare but powerful in freight and security logistics.
Y – Terms that Start with Y
- Yard Management – Supervision of trailers, trucks, and containers at a facility.
- Yield – Revenue per unit of freight capacity.
- Yard Storage Fee – Charges for containers left at a terminal yard.
- Yellow Freight – A common nickname for LTL carriers (historically used in North America).
- Yard Hostler – Vehicle or operator that moves containers within a yard or terminal.
🚛 “Y” keeps freight flowing at the ground level.
Z – Terms that Start with Z
- Zone Skipping – A cost-saving shipping strategy by consolidating and injecting freight closer to final delivery zones.
- Zone Rate – A rate based on geographical zones.
- Zero Emission Logistics – Eco-friendly freight services with no carbon footprint.
- Z-Factor – A variable used in shipping rate formulas.
- Zip Code Routing – Optimizing delivery based on postal codes.
🌍 “Z” closes the glossary with innovation, routing, and sustainability.
Hover for Definitions
Each term in this digital glossary includes a hover-enabled tooltip for instant explanations. On mobile, just tap and hold to learn on the go — ideal for onboarding, training, or quick lookups.
Suggest a Term freight glossary s-z
Is there a freight term from S to Z we didn’t cover?
👉 Click here to Suggest a term. Help us grow the freight glossary with your input.