Free resource

Freight & Logistics Glossary

412 plain-English definitions of dispatch, brokerage, compliance, Canadian and cross-border terms — each one taught in an academy lesson.

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14-hour window: The period after coming on duty in which driving is allowed.
Taught in US Hours-of-Service Rules (Property Carriers) · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
34-hour restart: A rest period that resets the weekly cycle.
Taught in US Hours-of-Service Rules (Property Carriers) · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
3PL: Third-party logistics provider offering one or more logistics services.
Taught in Brokers, 3PLs and Freight Forwarders · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals

A

Accessorial: An extra service or charge beyond basic transportation.
Taught in Truckload, LTL and Partial Shipments · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Accident register: The carrier's record of recordable crashes.
Taught in Accident Register and Reporting · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Account management: Maintaining and growing customer relationships.
Taught in Account Management and Retention · Freight Sales & Business Development
Accountability: Responsibility for outcomes.
Taught in Human Review, Privacy and Accountability · AI for Logistics
Accounts payable: Money owed to carriers and suppliers.
Taught in Invoices, Payments and Settlements · TMS & Logistics Technology
Accounts receivable: Money owed by customers.
Taught in Invoicing, Terms and Collections · Freight Finance & Accounting
Accounts receivable (A/R): Money customers owe the business.
Taught in Invoicing, Carrier Pay and Cash Flow · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Accrual: Recording revenue and expenses when earned or incurred.
Taught in Bookkeeping, Accruals and Reports · Freight Finance & Accounting
ACE: CBP's Automated Commercial Environment.
Taught in ACE e-Manifest and PAPS (into the US) · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
ACI: CBSA's Advance Commercial Information program.
Taught in Federal, Provincial and Border Requirements — Who Does What · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
ACI eManifest: Advance commercial information the carrier transmits to CBSA.
Taught in Customs Brokers, Importers and Release Processes · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Action: A step performed automatically.
Taught in Workflow Automation · AI for Logistics
Admissibility: Whether a person may legally enter a country.
Taught in Working with Canadian Carriers and Brokers · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Advance: The amount a factor pays upfront.
Taught in Factoring and Quick Pay · Freight Finance & Accounting
Adverse driving conditions: Unexpected conditions allowing a limited extension, under conditions.
Taught in Breaks, Sleeper Berth and Exceptions · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Aging: Grouping invoices by how long they've been unpaid.
Taught in Invoicing, Terms and Collections · Freight Finance & Accounting
Aging report: A list of unpaid invoices grouped by how overdue they are.
Taught in Invoicing, Carrier Pay and Cash Flow · Freight Brokerage Specialist
All-in rate: A single price including linehaul and fuel.
Taught in Quoting and Pricing Freight · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Allocated fixed cost: A share of fixed costs assigned to a load.
Taught in Gross Margin, Net Margin and Profit per Load · Freight Finance & Accounting
Anchor load: The key load around which a trip is planned.
Taught in Dedicated Lanes and Round Trips · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Annotation: A note explaining a log edit or event.
Taught in Reading and Auditing Driver Logs · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Annual inspection: The documented yearly inspection of each vehicle.
Taught in Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Annual review: The carrier's yearly review of a driver's record.
Taught in Driver Qualification Files · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Annualised cost: A fee expressed as a yearly rate for comparison.
Taught in Factoring and Quick Pay · Freight Finance & Accounting
Anomaly: Something that differs from the expected pattern.
Taught in AI Fraud-Risk Assistance · AI for Logistics
API: A defined interface for systems to exchange data.
Taught in Integrations: ELD, Load Boards, Accounting and APIs · TMS & Logistics Technology
Approval gate: A step requiring human confirmation.
Taught in SOPs and Automation · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Approval step: A point where a person must confirm.
Taught in Workflow Automation · AI for Logistics
AR aging: Unpaid customer invoices grouped by age.
Taught in Invoices, Payments and Settlements · TMS & Logistics Technology
Asset status: Whether equipment is available, in use or out of service.
Taught in Drivers, Trucks and Trailers in a TMS · TMS & Logistics Technology
Asset-based: A provider that owns trucks, trailers or warehouses.
Taught in 3PLs and Asset-Based vs Non-Asset · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Assumptions: The conditions a quote is based on.
Taught in Building and Presenting Quotes · Freight Sales & Business Development
Attachment: A document stored on a load record.
Taught in Document Management · TMS & Logistics Technology
Audit trail: The chronological record supporting decisions and claims.
Taught in Tracking and Status Updates · TMS & Logistics Technology
Audit-ready: Complete and organised enough to pass a review without searching.
Taught in Documentation Flow · Freight Brokerage Specialist

B

Backhaul: The return load from a weaker market, usually paying less.
Taught in Origin, Destination, Headhaul and Backhaul · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Backup provider: A provider used when primary carriers can't cover.
Taught in Handling Objections · Freight Sales & Business Development
Bad debt: Customer invoices that are never paid.
Taught in Margins and Profitability · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Balance sheet: A snapshot of assets, liabilities and equity.
Taught in Bookkeeping, Accruals and Reports · Freight Finance & Accounting
Base jurisdiction: The province or territory where a carrier is registered.
Taught in Transport Canada and the National Safety Code · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
BASIC: Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category.
Taught in CSA and the BASICs · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
BOC-3: Designation of process agents for legal service.
Taught in BOC-3, UCR and MCS-150 · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
BOL: Bill of lading — receipt for goods and contract of carriage.
Taught in Paperwork: BOL, Rate Confirmation, POD and Invoice · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Break-even: The rate at which revenue equals cost.
Taught in RPM, Cost per Mile and Break-Even Free preview · Freight Finance & Accounting
Broker authority: Permission to arrange interstate transportation for compensation.
Taught in What a Freight Broker Does Free preview · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Broker–carrier agreement: The master contract between a broker and each carrier.
Taught in What a Freight Broker Does Free preview · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Budget: A plan of expected revenue and costs.
Taught in Financial Planning and Growth · Starting a Logistics Company

C

C-TPAT: The US supply-chain security partnership program.
Taught in FAST, C-TPAT and PIP · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Cabotage: Moving domestic freight within a country by a foreign carrier — generally not permitted.
Taught in The Canadian Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
CAD / USD: Canadian dollars / US dollars.
Taught in Canadian Bills of Lading, Units and Currency · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Call to action: The single thing you ask the reader to do.
Taught in Email and LinkedIn Outreach · Freight Sales & Business Development
CAN-SPAM / CASL: US and Canadian rules for commercial electronic messages.
Taught in AI Lead Research and Email Drafting · AI for Logistics
Capacity: Available trucks and drivers.
Taught in Carrier Sourcing Strategies · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Capstone: A final project combining all earlier skills.
Taught in Capstone Briefing Free preview · Professional Logistics Certification
Cargo claim: A request for compensation for lost or damaged freight.
Taught in Cargo Claims Basics · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Cargo control number (CCN): The unique shipment reference linking manifest and release data.
Taught in Customs Brokers, Importers and Release Processes · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Cargo insurance: Coverage for the freight being hauled.
Taught in Insurance and Broker Bonds · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
CARM: CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management.
Taught in CBSA and the CARM System · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Carrier: The company that provides the truck, driver and transportation service.
Taught in How Freight Moves in North America Free preview · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Carrier fall-off: A booked carrier cancelling before pickup.
Taught in KPIs and Continuous Improvement · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Carrier rate: What the broker pays the carrier.
Taught in Dispatch and Rate Confirmations · TMS & Logistics Technology
Carrier sales: The function that finds and books carriers for loads.
Taught in Carrier Sourcing Strategies · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Carrier substitution: A different carrier than the one booked arriving for the load.
Taught in Fake Carriers, Spoofing, Cargo Theft and Payment Fraud · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Cash reserve: Money set aside for slow periods.
Taught in Tools and Financial Planning · Starting a Dispatch Service
CASL: Canada's anti-spam legislation.
Taught in Ideal Customer Profiles and Prospecting · Freight Sales & Business Development
CBSA: Canada Border Services Agency.
Taught in CBSA and the CARM System · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
CCMTA: The council coordinating motor transport standards across jurisdictions.
Taught in Transport Canada and the National Safety Code · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
CCN: Cargo control number identifying each shipment.
Taught in ACI eManifest (into Canada) · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Certificate holder: The party named on an insurance certificate to receive notices.
Taught in Carrier Onboarding and Qualification · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Certificate of insurance (COI): A document summarising active policies and limits.
Taught in Factoring and Insurance Companies · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Chain-up: Installing tyre chains as required in winter conditions.
Taught in Major Canadian Freight Lanes and Equipment · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Check call: A scheduled status update on the load's location and ETA.
Taught in Dispatchers and Drivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Churn: Customers lost over a period.
Taught in Account Management and Retention · Freight Sales & Business Development
Clean inspection: An inspection with no violations.
Taught in Roadside Inspections and Out-of-Service · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Clean POD: A proof of delivery with no exceptions.
Taught in Paperwork: BOL, Rate Confirmation, POD and Invoice · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Clearinghouse: The database of drug and alcohol program violations.
Taught in Drug & Alcohol Testing and the Clearinghouse · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Clocks: Remaining driving, window, break and cycle time.
Taught in Reading and Auditing Driver Logs · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Commercial invoice: The seller's invoice describing goods, value and origin for customs purposes.
Taught in Customs Brokers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Compliance calendar: A schedule of filings, renewals and reviews.
Taught in Compliance Foundations for a New Carrier · Starting a Logistics Company
Compliance review: An investigation of a carrier's safety management.
Taught in Safety Ratings and Audits · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Concealed damage: Damage discovered after delivery, not visible at the time.
Taught in Cargo Claims Basics · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Concession: Something given up in a negotiation.
Taught in Negotiation and Closing · Freight Sales & Business Development
Conditions of carriage: The legal terms governing a shipment, often printed on the BOL.
Taught in Canadian Bills of Lading, Units and Currency · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Confidence: How sure the system is about a value.
Taught in AI Document Extraction and Data Entry · AI for Logistics
Confidential data: Information not meant to be shared outside the company.
Taught in Human Review, Privacy and Accountability · AI for Logistics
Consignee: The party receiving the freight.
Taught in Shippers, Manufacturers and Receivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Consignor: Another word for shipper.
Taught in Shippers, Manufacturers and Receivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Consortium / TPA: A third party that manages testing programs for employers.
Taught in Drug & Alcohol Testing and the Clearinghouse · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Contingent cargo: Insurance that may respond when a carrier's cargo coverage fails.
Taught in What a Freight Broker Does Free preview · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Continuous / cycle: Reefer modes: always running, or cycling on and off.
Taught in Dry Vans and Reefers · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Contract rate: A pre-agreed price for a recurring lane, usually awarded through a bid.
Taught in The US Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Contribution: Revenue minus variable costs.
Taught in Fuel, Deadhead and Utilization · Freight Finance & Accounting
Control point: A step where rules are enforced.
Taught in Dispatch and Rate Confirmations · TMS & Logistics Technology
Conversion rate: The share of opportunities that move to the next stage.
Taught in The Freight Sales Process Free preview · Freight Sales & Business Development
Conveyance: The truck and trailer carrying the goods.
Taught in ACI eManifest (into Canada) · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Cooling-off period: The waiting time before a retake.
Taught in How the Certification Exam Works · Professional Logistics Certification
Core carrier: A carrier that regularly runs a broker's lanes.
Taught in Carrier Sourcing Strategies · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Corridor: A high-volume route connecting major freight markets.
Taught in How Freight Moves in North America Free preview · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Cost model: A structured estimate of all costs.
Taught in Operating Costs for Carriers · Freight Finance & Accounting
Cost of transportation: What the brokerage pays carriers.
Taught in Monthly P&L for a Brokerage · Freight Finance & Accounting
Cost per mile: All operating costs divided by total miles driven.
Taught in Carriers, Owner-Operators and Fleets · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Counter-offer: A proposed alternative rate.
Taught in Calling Brokers and Negotiating · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Cover: To secure a carrier for a load.
Taught in Covering, Dispatching and Tracking Loads · Freight Brokerage Specialist
CPM: Cost per mile across all costs and miles.
Taught in RPM, Cost per Mile and Break-Even Free preview · Freight Finance & Accounting
Credit limit: The maximum amount a customer may owe.
Taught in Contracts, Credit and Cash Flow · Starting a Freight Brokerage
Credit score: A rating of a broker's payment reliability.
Taught in How Load Boards Work · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
CRM: Customer relationship management system.
Taught in Pipeline Management and Follow-Up · Freight Sales & Business Development
Cross-border carrier: A carrier set up to operate in both countries.
Taught in Working with Canadian Carriers and Brokers · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Cross-dock: A facility that transfers freight between trucks with minimal storage.
Taught in Warehouses, Ports and Cross-Docks · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Crossing / port of entry: A border location where goods and vehicles are processed.
Taught in The Canadian Trucking Landscape Free preview · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
CSA: FMCSA's safety measurement and intervention program.
Taught in CSA and the BASICs · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Customer concentration: The share of revenue from the largest customers.
Taught in KPIs and Continuous Improvement · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Customs entry: The declaration of imported goods filed with the border agency.
Taught in Customs Brokers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
CVOR: Ontario's commercial vehicle operator registration and safety-monitoring system.
Taught in The Canadian Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Cycle: The rolling 7- or 8-day on-duty limit.
Taught in US Hours-of-Service Rules (Property Carriers) · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Cycle 1 / Cycle 2: The two Canadian weekly on-duty limit options.
Taught in Canadian Hours of Service · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Cycle hours: On-duty hours remaining in the weekly limit.
Taught in Capstone Briefing Free preview · Professional Logistics Certification

D

Data governance: Rules and ownership for managing data.
Taught in Data, Integrations and Security · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Days to pay: How long a broker actually takes to pay invoices.
Taught in Reload Potential and Lane Quality · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Days-to-pay: How long a customer actually takes to pay, on average.
Taught in Getting Paid: Terms, Factoring and Quick Pay · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Deactivation: Loss of active status for failing to meet a requirement.
Taught in BOC-3, UCR and MCS-150 · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Deadhead: Miles driven empty, earning no revenue.
Taught in Carriers, Owner-Operators and Fleets · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Deadhead %: Empty miles as a percentage of total miles.
Taught in What a Truck Dispatcher Does Free preview · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Debrief: A structured review after an exercise.
Taught in Capstone Debrief · Professional Logistics Certification
Decision-maker: The person who approves new providers.
Taught in Qualifying Shippers · Freight Sales & Business Development
Dedicated freight: Regular lanes run for one customer at agreed terms.
Taught in Dedicated Lanes and Round Trips · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Demurrage: Charges for containers held at a terminal beyond free time.
Taught in Rail, Intermodal and Drayage · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Detention: Payment for waiting time at a facility beyond the free time.
Taught in Dispatchers and Drivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Disabling damage: Damage that prevents a vehicle from leaving under its own power.
Taught in Accident Register and Reporting · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Dispatch: Assigning capacity to a load.
Taught in Dispatch and Rate Confirmations · TMS & Logistics Technology
Dispatcher–carrier agreement: The contract defining an independent dispatcher's services and fees.
Taught in Independent vs In-House Dispatch · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Document checklist: The list of documents required for a load type.
Taught in Document Management · TMS & Logistics Technology
Double brokering: Unauthorised re-brokering of a load, often with payment fraud.
Taught in Double Brokering and Identity Theft · Freight Brokerage Specialist
DQ file: Driver qualification file.
Taught in Driver Qualification Files · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Drayage: Short-distance trucking of containers to and from ports and ramps.
Taught in Rail, Intermodal and Drayage · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Driver settlement: The calculation of a driver's pay for a period.
Taught in Invoices, Payments and Settlements · TMS & Logistics Technology
Drop and hook: Exchanging trailers without waiting for loading.
Taught in Warehouses, Ports and Cross-Docks · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
DSO: Days sales outstanding — average days to collect.
Taught in Invoicing, Terms and Collections · Freight Finance & Accounting
Duplicate record: Two records representing the same company.
Taught in Master Data: Companies, Customers and Carriers · TMS & Logistics Technology
DVIR: Driver vehicle inspection report.
Taught in Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Dwell time: Time spent waiting or loading at a facility.
Taught in Deadhead, Regional, Long Haul and Short Haul · US Truck Dispatch Specialist

E

EDI: Electronic data interchange — standard business documents between companies.
Taught in Integrations: ELD, Load Boards, Accounting and APIs · TMS & Logistics Technology
Effective RPM: Rate per mile including deadhead.
Taught in Rate, Miles and RPM · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
ELD: Electronic logging device.
Taught in ELD Requirements and Duty Statuses · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Empty point: Where and when the truck becomes available.
Taught in Searching, Filtering and Shortlisting · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Endorsement: An addition to a licence permitting specific vehicles or cargo.
Taught in Power Only, Tankers, Car Haulers and Specialized · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Escalation: Handing a conversation to a person.
Taught in AI Customer Support · AI for Logistics
ETA: Estimated time of arrival.
Taught in Dispatchers and Drivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Examination: Physical inspection of goods.
Taught in Customs Delays, Holds and Inspections · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Exception: A note on the POD about shortage, damage or refusal.
Taught in From Tender to Delivery: The Freight Workflow · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Exchange rate: The value of one currency in another at a given time.
Taught in Canadian Bills of Lading, Units and Currency · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Exclusion: A situation or commodity a policy does not cover.
Taught in Insurance and Broker Bonds · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Expedited: Urgent, time-critical freight.
Taught in Hotshots, Box Trucks, Straight Trucks and Sprinter Vans · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Extra-provincial: Operating across provincial or international borders.
Taught in Transport Canada and the National Safety Code · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Extra-provincial carrier: A carrier operating across provincial or international borders.
Taught in The Canadian Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Extraction: Turning document content into structured data.
Taught in AI Document Extraction and Data Entry · AI for Logistics

F

Factoring: Selling invoices to a third party for immediate cash, minus a fee.
Taught in Factoring and Insurance Companies · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
FAST: Free and Secure Trade — expedited commercial processing.
Taught in FAST, C-TPAT and PIP · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
FAST card: A card for pre-approved commercial drivers in the FAST program.
Taught in Driver Eligibility and Admissibility · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
FCFS: First come, first served — no fixed appointment.
Taught in Calling Brokers and Negotiating · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Fictitious pickup: Cargo theft by a truck posing as the booked carrier.
Taught in Fake Carriers, Spoofing, Cargo Theft and Payment Fraud · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Financial security: A bond or trust fund protecting carriers and shippers if a broker fails to pay.
Taught in What a Freight Broker Does Free preview · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Fit score: A simple rating of how well a prospect matches your ICP.
Taught in Ideal Customer Profiles and Prospecting · Freight Sales & Business Development
Fixed cost: A cost that doesn't change with miles.
Taught in Operating Costs for Carriers · Freight Finance & Accounting
Flag: A marker that triggers extra checks or workflows.
Taught in Building Loads · TMS & Logistics Technology
Floor: The minimum acceptable price or margin.
Taught in Negotiation and Closing · Freight Sales & Business Development
FMCSA: The federal agency that registers and regulates interstate motor carriers and brokers.
Taught in The US Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
For-hire carrier: A carrier that transports others' goods for compensation.
Taught in USDOT Number and Operating Authority Free preview · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Forecast: Expected revenue from current opportunities.
Taught in Pipeline Management and Follow-Up · Freight Sales & Business Development
Free time: Waiting time included in the rate before detention starts.
Taught in Detention, Layover, TONU and Lumper · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Freight broker: An intermediary that arranges transportation by an authorised carrier for compensation.
Taught in Brokers, 3PLs and Freight Forwarders · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Freight class: An LTL rating based on density and handling characteristics.
Taught in Truckload, LTL and Partial Shipments · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Freight desert: A market with very few outbound loads.
Taught in Reload Potential and Lane Quality · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Freight forwarder: A company that assumes responsibility for transportation and often consolidates shipments.
Taught in Brokers, 3PLs and Freight Forwarders · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Freight mix: The blend of freight sources.
Taught in Customers, Dispatch and SOPs · Starting a Logistics Company
FTL: Full truckload — the whole trailer for one shipper.
Taught in Truckload, LTL and Partial Shipments · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Fuel surcharge: An amount that adjusts with a published fuel price index.
Taught in Quoting and Pricing Freight · Freight Brokerage Specialist

G

Gatekeeper: A person who manages access to the decision-maker.
Taught in Cold Calling That Works · Freight Sales & Business Development
Gross margin: Customer revenue minus carrier cost.
Taught in Margins and Profitability · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Gross profit (trip): Rate minus trip-specific expenses.
Taught in True Cost: Fuel, Tolls, Deadhead and Driver Hours · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Gross revenue: Total load revenue before expenses.
Taught in Independent vs In-House Dispatch · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
GST/HST: Canadian goods and services / harmonized sales taxes.
Taught in Taxes and Professional Advice · Freight Finance & Accounting

H

Hallucination: Plausible-sounding output that is false.
Taught in What AI Can and Cannot Do in Logistics Free preview · AI for Logistics
Handover summary: An internal summary for the next person responsible.
Taught in AI Shipment Summaries and Status Updates · AI for Logistics
Headhaul: A load out of a strong outbound market, usually paying more.
Taught in Origin, Destination, Headhaul and Backhaul · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Historical data: Your own past loads, used for analysis.
Taught in AI Load and Lane Analysis · AI for Logistics
Hold: A border agency decision not to release yet.
Taught in Customs Delays, Holds and Inspections · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Home time: Scheduled time the driver spends at home.
Taught in What a Truck Dispatcher Does Free preview · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Hotshot: A pickup truck pulling a flatbed or gooseneck trailer for expedited loads.
Taught in Hotshots, Box Trucks, Straight Trucks and Sprinter Vans · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Human in the loop: A person reviewing AI output before it's used.
Taught in Human Review, Privacy and Accountability · AI for Logistics
Hybrid: Combining an asset fleet with brokerage.
Taught in Choosing Your Logistics Model Free preview · Starting a Logistics Company

I

ICP: Ideal customer profile.
Taught in Ideal Customer Profiles and Prospecting · Freight Sales & Business Development
Ideal customer profile: A description of the shipper you serve best.
Taught in Finding and Qualifying Shippers · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Identity theft: Impersonating a legitimate company using its credentials.
Taught in Double Brokering and Identity Theft · Freight Brokerage Specialist
IFTA: International Fuel Tax Agreement.
Taught in Taxes and Professional Advice · Freight Finance & Accounting
Impersonation fraud: A criminal pretending to be a legitimate broker or carrier.
Taught in Rate Confirmations and Broker Verification · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Implementation: Setting up and rolling out a system.
Taught in Selecting and Implementing a TMS Free preview · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Importer of record: The party responsible for declaring goods and paying duties.
Taught in CBSA and the CARM System · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
In-house dispatcher: A dispatcher employed by the carrier.
Taught in Independent vs In-House Dispatch · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Incidental movement: A limited movement connected to an international trip, under conditions.
Taught in Cabotage and Equipment Rules · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Indemnity: A promise to cover certain losses.
Taught in Contracts, Credit and Cash Flow · Starting a Freight Brokerage
Independent dispatcher: A dispatcher who works for one or more carriers under contract rather than as an employee.
Taught in Dispatchers and Drivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Independent verification: Confirming information through sources you found yourself.
Taught in Double Brokering and Identity Theft · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Influencer: Someone whose opinion shapes the decision.
Taught in Qualifying Shippers · Freight Sales & Business Development
Intermodal: Moving a container or trailer by more than one mode without handling the freight.
Taught in Rail, Intermodal and Drayage · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Intervention: Regulatory action such as a warning letter or investigation.
Taught in CSA and the BASICs · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
IRP: International Registration Plan for apportioned vehicle registration.
Taught in Taxes and Professional Advice · Freight Finance & Accounting

J

Just in time (JIT): Delivering parts exactly when production needs them, with little inventory buffer.
Taught in Shippers, Manufacturers and Receivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals

K

Knowledge base: Approved information an assistant can use.
Taught in AI Customer Support · AI for Logistics
KPI: Key performance indicator — a measure of success.
Taught in What a Truck Dispatcher Does Free preview · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
KPI export: A data extract of key metrics from the TMS.
Taught in AI Reporting · AI for Logistics

L

Lane: An origin–destination pair.
Taught in Origin, Destination, Headhaul and Backhaul · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Large language model (LLM): An AI model that generates text by predicting likely words.
Taught in What AI Can and Cannot Do in Logistics Free preview · AI for Logistics
Layered defence: Several independent checks that together stop fraud.
Taught in Fake Carriers, Spoofing, Cargo Theft and Payment Fraud · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Lead: A potential customer not yet contacted or qualified.
Taught in The Freight Sales Process Free preview · Freight Sales & Business Development
Leased on: Operating under another carrier's authority and insurance.
Taught in Carriers, Owner-Operators and Fleets · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Least privilege: Giving users only the access they need.
Taught in Data, Integrations and Security · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Level I inspection: A full inspection of driver and vehicle.
Taught in Roadside Inspections and Out-of-Service · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Liftgate: A powered platform for loading and unloading without a dock.
Taught in Hotshots, Box Trucks, Straight Trucks and Sprinter Vans · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Line of credit: A bank facility to borrow as needed.
Taught in Factoring and Quick Pay · Freight Finance & Accounting
Live unload: Unloading while the driver waits.
Taught in Warehouses, Ports and Cross-Docks · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Load board: An online marketplace for available loads and trucks.
Taught in How Load Boards Work · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Load file: All records belonging to one load.
Taught in Documentation Flow · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Load record: The TMS entry for one shipment.
Taught in Building Loads · TMS & Logistics Technology
Load-to-truck ratio: Posted loads compared with posted trucks — a gauge of market tightness.
Taught in Origin, Destination, Headhaul and Backhaul · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Log graph: The 24-hour chart of duty statuses.
Taught in Reading and Auditing Driver Logs · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Look-alike domain: A web or email domain designed to imitate a real company.
Taught in Rate Confirmations and Broker Verification · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
LTL: Less-than-truckload — shared trailer moving through terminals.
Taught in Truckload, LTL and Partial Shipments · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
LTL consolidation: Combining small shipments into full loads for efficient border crossing.
Taught in The Canadian Trucking Landscape Free preview · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Lumper: A third-party unloading service paid per load.
Taught in Warehouses, Ports and Cross-Docks · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals

M

Managed transportation: Running a shipper's transportation function on its behalf.
Taught in 3PLs and Asset-Based vs Non-Asset · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Margin: Customer revenue minus carrier cost, in dollars or as a percentage of revenue.
Taught in Brokers, 3PLs and Freight Forwarders · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Margin leak: A recurring way money is lost between quote and payment.
Taught in Margins and Profitability · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Margin mix: The blend of high- and low-margin freight.
Taught in Broker Margins and Pricing · Freight Finance & Accounting
Margin per load: Gross margin earned on one load.
Taught in Broker Margins and Pricing · Freight Finance & Accounting
Master data: Core reference records used across transactions.
Taught in Master Data: Companies, Customers and Carriers · TMS & Logistics Technology
MC number: A US operating authority docket number used to identify carriers and brokers.
Taught in Calling Brokers and Negotiating · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
MCS-150: The form used to update a company's USDOT information.
Taught in BOC-3, UCR and MCS-150 · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Medical examiner's certificate: Proof a driver meets medical standards.
Taught in Driver Qualification Files · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Mismatch: A difference between manifest, release and documents.
Taught in PARS and Release on Minimum Documentation · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Mitigation: Actions that reduce further loss.
Taught in Cargo Claims Basics · Freight Brokerage Specialist
MPG: Miles per gallon of fuel.
Taught in True Cost: Fuel, Tolls, Deadhead and Driver Hours · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
MVR: Motor vehicle record from a licensing authority.
Taught in Driver Qualification Files · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist

N

Narrative summary: A short written explanation of data.
Taught in AI Reporting · AI for Logistics
National Safety Code (NSC): The set of safety standards for commercial vehicles, administered by provinces and territories.
Taught in The Canadian Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Net 30: Payment due 30 days after the invoice date.
Taught in Getting Paid: Terms, Factoring and Quick Pay · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Net margin: What remains after operating costs.
Taught in Margins and Profitability · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Net profit: What remains after all costs.
Taught in Monthly P&L for a Brokerage · Freight Finance & Accounting
New-entrant audit: A safety audit for newly registered carriers.
Taught in Safety Ratings and Audits · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Next step: A concrete action agreed at the end of a call.
Taught in Cold Calling That Works · Freight Sales & Business Development
Niche: A specialised segment of the market.
Taught in The Dispatch Service Business Model Free preview · Starting a Dispatch Service
Non-asset: A provider that owns no transportation equipment.
Taught in 3PLs and Asset-Based vs Non-Asset · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Notice of Assignment (NOA): Notification that payments must go to the factor.
Taught in Factoring and Insurance Companies · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals

O

Objection: A reason a prospect gives for not moving forward.
Taught in Handling Objections · Freight Sales & Business Development
On duty, not driving: Working time such as inspections, loading and fuelling.
Taught in US Hours-of-Service Rules (Property Carriers) · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
On-duty window: The period in which driving is allowed after a qualifying rest.
Taught in True Cost: Fuel, Tolls, Deadhead and Driver Hours · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Onboarding: Collecting a carrier's documents and agreement.
Taught in Carrier Onboarding and Qualification · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Open deck: Trailers without walls or a roof, loaded from the side or top.
Taught in Flatbeds, Step Decks and Conestogas · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Operating authority: Permission to operate as a for-hire carrier or broker in interstate commerce.
Taught in The US Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Operating cost per mile: All costs of running the truck divided by miles.
Taught in True Cost: Fuel, Tolls, Deadhead and Driver Hours · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Operating expenses: Costs of running the business.
Taught in Monthly P&L for a Brokerage · Freight Finance & Accounting
Operational capacity: How many loads the team can handle well.
Taught in Broker Margins and Pricing · Freight Finance & Accounting
Org chart: A diagram of roles and reporting lines.
Taught in Technology, SOPs and Staffing · Starting a Freight Brokerage
OTR: Over the road — long-haul operations.
Taught in Deadhead, Regional, Long Haul and Short Haul · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Out of service (OOS): An order preventing a driver or vehicle from operating until a problem is corrected.
Taught in Roadside Inspections and Out-of-Service · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Out-of-service rate: The share of inspections that took a vehicle or driver off the road.
Taught in Carrier Onboarding and Qualification · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Overflow freight: Loads an asset carrier can't cover with its own trucks.
Taught in Broker vs Dispatcher vs Carrier · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Oversize / overweight: Loads exceeding legal size or weight limits, requiring permits.
Taught in Power Only, Tankers, Car Haulers and Specialized · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Owner-operator: A driver who owns or leases the truck they operate.
Taught in Carriers, Owner-Operators and Fleets · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals

P

P&L: Profit and loss statement.
Taught in Monthly P&L for a Brokerage · Freight Finance & Accounting
Packing list: A detailed list of the shipment's contents and packaging.
Taught in Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Certificate of Origin · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
PAPS: Pre-Arrival Processing System number for US entries.
Taught in ACE e-Manifest and PAPS (into the US) · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
PARS: Pre-Arrival Review System for release processing.
Taught in Customs Brokers, Importers and Release Processes · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
PARS / PAPS: Pre-arrival shipment reference numbers for entries into Canada and the US respectively.
Taught in Customs Brokers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Partial: A mid-sized shipment sharing a truck with a few others.
Taught in Truckload, LTL and Partial Shipments · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Pass mark: The minimum score needed to pass.
Taught in How the Certification Exam Works · Professional Logistics Certification
Permission opener: An opening that asks for a moment of the prospect's time.
Taught in Cold Calling That Works · Freight Sales & Business Development
Personal conveyance: Off-duty personal use of the vehicle, under conditions.
Taught in ELD Requirements and Duty Statuses · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Personalisation: Tailoring a message to the recipient's situation.
Taught in Email and LinkedIn Outreach · Freight Sales & Business Development
PIP: Partners in Protection — Canada's equivalent program.
Taught in FAST, C-TPAT and PIP · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Pipeline: The stages opportunities move through toward becoming customers.
Taught in The Freight Sales Process Free preview · Freight Sales & Business Development
Playbook: A documented set of standard practices.
Taught in Building an AI Playbook for Your Team · AI for Logistics
Post-accident testing: Drug and alcohol tests required after qualifying crashes.
Taught in Accident Register and Reporting · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Posting age: How long a load has been listed.
Taught in How Load Boards Work · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Power of attorney: Written authority to act on someone's behalf.
Taught in Agreements, Records and SOPs · Starting a Dispatch Service
Power only: Tractor and driver only, pulling a supplied trailer.
Taught in Power Only, Tankers, Car Haulers and Specialized · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Power unit: A truck tractor; fleets are often measured by their number of power units.
Taught in Carriers, Owner-Operators and Fleets · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Practical miles: Realistic truck-routing distance, not a straight line.
Taught in Rate, Miles and RPM · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Pre-cool: Bringing the empty trailer to temperature before loading.
Taught in Dry Vans and Reefers · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Pre-departure check: A final verification of documents and data before the truck leaves.
Taught in Missing or Incorrect Documents · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Preferential treatment: Reduced or zero duty for qualifying goods.
Taught in Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Certificate of Origin · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Preventive maintenance (PM): Scheduled maintenance to prevent failures.
Taught in Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Primary / secondary inspection: The first booth check and any further examination.
Taught in How a US–Canada Shipment Crosses Free preview · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Private carrier: A company transporting its own goods.
Taught in USDOT Number and Operating Authority Free preview · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Process mapping: Documenting each step of a procedure.
Taught in SOPs and Automation · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Prompt: The instruction and information you give an AI tool.
Taught in What AI Can and Cannot Do in Logistics Free preview · AI for Logistics
Proof of delivery (POD): The signed document confirming the freight was delivered, with any exceptions noted.
Taught in How Freight Moves in North America Free preview · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Prospect: A company that may become a customer.
Taught in Ideal Customer Profiles and Prospecting · Freight Sales & Business Development
Public liability: Insurance covering injury and damage to others.
Taught in Insurance and Broker Bonds · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Pulp temperature: The temperature inside the product itself, checked at delivery.
Taught in Dry Vans and Reefers · US Truck Dispatch Specialist

Q

Q4 peak: The busy retail shipping season in the last quarter of the year.
Taught in Shippers, Manufacturers and Receivers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
QBR: Quarterly business review.
Taught in Account Management and Retention · Freight Sales & Business Development
Qualification: Deciding whether a carrier meets your standards.
Taught in Carrier Onboarding and Qualification · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Quick pay: Accelerated payment from a broker for a fee.
Taught in Getting Paid: Terms, Factoring and Quick Pay · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Quote-to-win rate: The share of quotes that become booked business.
Taught in Pipeline Management and Follow-Up · Freight Sales & Business Development

R

RACI: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed — a responsibility chart.
Taught in Federal, Provincial and Border Requirements — Who Does What · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Radius: The distance from the origin a search will include.
Taught in Searching, Filtering and Shortlisting · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Ramp: A rail terminal where containers are loaded onto and off trains.
Taught in Rail, Intermodal and Drayage · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Rate con: Rate confirmation — the load-specific agreement.
Taught in Paperwork: BOL, Rate Confirmation, POD and Invoice · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Rate confirmation: The written agreement for one load between broker and carrier.
Taught in From Tender to Delivery: The Freight Workflow · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Re-brokering: Passing a load to another carrier; prohibited without authorisation in most broker–carrier agreements.
Taught in Broker vs Dispatcher vs Carrier · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Receiver / consignee: The company that takes delivery.
Taught in How Freight Moves in North America Free preview · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Reconciliation: Checking that records match.
Taught in Bookkeeping, Accruals and Reports · Freight Finance & Accounting
Recourse: The carrier's obligation to buy back unpaid invoices.
Taught in Factoring and Quick Pay · Freight Finance & Accounting
Recourse / non-recourse: Whether the carrier or the factor bears the loss if the customer doesn't pay.
Taught in Factoring and Insurance Companies · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Recovery truck: A replacement truck sent to rescue a delayed load.
Taught in Covering, Dispatching and Tracking Loads · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Reefer: A refrigerated trailer with its own cooling unit.
Taught in Dry Vans and Reefers · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Referral: A new client introduced by an existing one.
Taught in Finding Carrier Clients and Staffing · Starting a Dispatch Service
Relay: Handing a trailer from one driver to another.
Taught in Driver Eligibility and Admissibility · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Release: Permission from the border agency for goods to proceed.
Taught in Customs Brokers · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Release on minimum documentation: Release based on key data, with full accounting later.
Taught in PARS and Release on Minimum Documentation · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Reload: The next load after delivery.
Taught in Reload Potential and Lane Quality · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Requirements: What a system must and should do.
Taught in Selecting and Implementing a TMS Free preview · Starting a TMS-based Logistics Operation
Reserve: Cash held for unexpected costs.
Taught in Financial Planning and Growth · Starting a Logistics Company
Resubmission: Sending corrected data to the border agency.
Taught in Missing or Incorrect Documents · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Retention policy: Rules for how long records are kept.
Taught in Agreements, Records and SOPs · Starting a Dispatch Service
Reusable prompt: A tested prompt template for a common task.
Taught in Building an AI Playbook for Your Team · AI for Logistics
Revenue per day: Load revenue divided by days of truck time used.
Taught in Deadhead, Regional, Long Haul and Short Haul · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Revenue per truck: Total revenue divided by trucks, per week or month.
Taught in TMS Reports and KPIs · TMS & Logistics Technology
Review checklist: The checks a person performs on AI output.
Taught in Building an AI Playbook for Your Team · AI for Logistics
RGN: Removable gooseneck trailer for heavy equipment.
Taught in Power Only, Tankers, Car Haulers and Specialized · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Risk flag: A signal that warrants further checks.
Taught in AI Fraud-Risk Assistance · AI for Logistics
RODS: Records of duty status.
Taught in ELD Requirements and Duty Statuses · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Root cause: The underlying reason a problem happened.
Taught in Capstone Debrief · Professional Logistics Certification
Round trip: A sequence of loads that returns the truck to base.
Taught in Dedicated Lanes and Round Trips · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Routing guide: A shipper's ranked list of carriers per lane.
Taught in 3PLs and Asset-Based vs Non-Asset · Freight Brokerage Specialist
RPM: Rate per mile on loaded miles.
Taught in Rate, Miles and RPM · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Ruleset: The hours-of-service rules an ELD applies.
Taught in Canada's ELD Requirement · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist

S

Safety fitness certificate: Provincial authorisation confirming a carrier meets NSC standards.
Taught in Provincial Authorities and Carrier Profiles · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Safety management controls: Policies and practices that keep operations compliant and safe.
Taught in Safety Ratings and Audits · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Safety profile: A carrier's record of inspections, convictions and collisions.
Taught in Provincial Authorities and Carrier Profiles · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Safety-sensitive function: Duties such as driving a commercial vehicle.
Taught in Drug & Alcohol Testing and the Clearinghouse · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Salvage: Recovering value from damaged goods.
Taught in Cargo Claims Basics · Freight Brokerage Specialist
SCAC: Standard Carrier Alpha Code identifying a carrier.
Taught in ACE e-Manifest and PAPS (into the US) · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Scorecard: A summary of performance metrics.
Taught in Account Management and Retention · Freight Sales & Business Development
Seal control: Procedures for applying, recording and checking trailer seals.
Taught in FAST, C-TPAT and PIP · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Seasonal load restrictions: Reduced weight limits on roads during spring thaw.
Taught in Major Canadian Freight Lanes and Equipment · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Secondary inspection: Further examination after the primary booth.
Taught in Customs Brokers, Importers and Release Processes · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Section bank: A pool of questions on one topic.
Taught in How the Certification Exam Works · Professional Logistics Certification
Securement: Straps, chains and devices that hold cargo in place.
Taught in Flatbeds, Step Decks and Conestogas · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Self-certification: The US model where manufacturers certify their own devices.
Taught in Canada's ELD Requirement · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Sequence: A planned series of outreach messages.
Taught in Email and LinkedIn Outreach · Freight Sales & Business Development
Service agreement: The contract between dispatch service and carrier.
Taught in Agreements, Records and SOPs · Starting a Dispatch Service
Service scope: What the dispatch service does and doesn't do.
Taught in The Dispatch Service Business Model Free preview · Starting a Dispatch Service
Settlement: Calculating and paying driver or owner-operator earnings.
Taught in What a TMS Does Free preview · TMS & Logistics Technology
Shift: The work period between qualifying off-duty periods.
Taught in Canadian Hours of Service · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Shipper: The company that has goods to move (also called the consignor).
Taught in How Freight Moves in North America Free preview · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Shipper load and count: A BOL note indicating the driver could not verify the count.
Taught in From Tender to Delivery: The Freight Workflow · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Short-haul exception: Relief from certain requirements for local operations, under conditions.
Taught in Breaks, Sleeper Berth and Exceptions · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Shortlist: A small set of top candidate loads.
Taught in Searching, Filtering and Shortlisting · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
SLC: Shipper load and count.
Taught in Paperwork: BOL, Rate Confirmation, POD and Invoice · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Sleeper berth: The rest compartment in a truck cab.
Taught in Breaks, Sleeper Berth and Exceptions · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
SOP: Standard operating procedure.
Taught in Technology, SOPs and Staffing · Starting a Freight Brokerage
South of 60°: Canada below the 60th parallel, where the standard rules apply.
Taught in Canadian Hours of Service · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Split sleeper: Dividing the required off-duty period into qualifying parts.
Taught in Breaks, Sleeper Berth and Exceptions · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Spoofing: Disguising communication as coming from a trusted source.
Taught in Fake Carriers, Spoofing, Cargo Theft and Payment Fraud · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Spot load: A one-off load priced at current market rates.
Taught in Dedicated Lanes and Round Trips · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Spot market: Freight priced and booked one load at a time.
Taught in The US Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Spread: The difference between what the shipper pays and the carrier receives.
Taught in Broker vs Dispatcher vs Carrier · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Status: The current stage of a load.
Taught in Tracking and Status Updates · TMS & Logistics Technology
Status update: A message reporting a load's progress.
Taught in AI Shipment Summaries and Status Updates · AI for Logistics
Step deck: A trailer with a lower main deck for taller freight.
Taught in Flatbeds, Step Decks and Conestogas · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Stop: A pickup or delivery location on a load.
Taught in Building Loads · TMS & Logistics Technology
Straight truck: A truck with the cargo box on the same chassis as the cab.
Taught in Hotshots, Box Trucks, Straight Trucks and Sprinter Vans · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Substance abuse professional: The professional who evaluates drivers after violations.
Taught in Drug & Alcohol Testing and the Clearinghouse · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Surety bond: A guarantee from a surety company backing a broker's obligations.
Taught in Insurance and Broker Bonds · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
System of record: The authoritative source for data.
Taught in What a TMS Does Free preview · TMS & Logistics Technology

T

Target margin: The gross margin percentage a brokerage aims to earn.
Taught in Quoting and Pricing Freight · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Target rate: The price a shipper hopes to pay.
Taught in Building and Presenting Quotes · Freight Sales & Business Development
Tarping: Covering open-deck freight with tarps.
Taught in Flatbeds, Step Decks and Conestogas · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Telematics: Vehicle data such as location and engine information.
Taught in Integrations: ELD, Load Boards, Accounting and APIs · TMS & Logistics Technology
Temperature download: A record of reefer temperatures during transit.
Taught in Documentation Flow · Freight Brokerage Specialist
Temporary admission: Customs treatment for equipment entering a country temporarily.
Taught in Cabotage and Equipment Rules · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Tender: An offer of a load to a carrier or broker.
Taught in From Tender to Delivery: The Freight Workflow · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Tender rejection: When a carrier declines a load it was offered under contract.
Taught in The US Transportation Ecosystem · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Third-party certification: Independent testing and approval of ELDs before use.
Taught in Canada's ELD Requirement · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
TMS: Transportation management system.
Taught in What a TMS Does Free preview · TMS & Logistics Technology
TONU: Truck ordered, not used — a fee when a load is cancelled after dispatch.
Taught in Paperwork: BOL, Rate Confirmation, POD and Invoice · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals
Tracking compliance: How consistently a carrier provides required location updates.
Taught in Tracking, Check Calls and POD · US Truck Dispatch Specialist
Tracking event: A timestamped record of progress or an incident.
Taught in Tracking and Status Updates · TMS & Logistics Technology
Transborder: Freight moving between Canada and the US.
Taught in The Canadian Trucking Landscape Free preview · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Trend: A consistent change over time.
Taught in TMS Reports and KPIs · TMS & Logistics Technology
Trial: A limited first engagement to prove performance.
Taught in Negotiation and Closing · Freight Sales & Business Development
Trigger: An event that starts an automated workflow.
Taught in Workflow Automation · AI for Logistics
Two-sided business: A business that must attract two groups — here, shippers and carriers.
Taught in Customer Acquisition and Carrier Network · Starting a Freight Brokerage

U

UCR: Unified Carrier Registration — an annual registration and fee.
Taught in BOC-3, UCR and MCS-150 · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Unassigned driving: Recorded driving with no driver logged in.
Taught in ELD Requirements and Duty Statuses · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
Unit number: A fleet's internal identifier for a truck.
Taught in Drivers, Trucks and Trailers in a TMS · TMS & Logistics Technology
USDOT number: The identifier linking a company to its safety record.
Taught in USDOT Number and Operating Authority Free preview · Carrier Operations & Compliance Specialist
USMCA / CUSMA: The trade agreement among the US, Mexico and Canada.
Taught in Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Certificate of Origin · US–Canada Cross-Border Logistics Specialist
Utilisation: How productively a truck is used, often loaded miles per week.
Taught in Fuel, Deadhead and Utilization · Freight Finance & Accounting

V

Validation: Checking extracted data against rules.
Taught in AI Document Extraction and Data Entry · AI for Logistics
Validity period: How long a quote remains available.
Taught in Building and Presenting Quotes · Freight Sales & Business Development
Variable cost: A cost that rises with miles or activity.
Taught in Operating Costs for Carriers · Freight Finance & Accounting
Verification: Independently checking a result.
Taught in AI Load and Lane Analysis · AI for Logistics
Verification status: Whether a carrier has passed qualification.
Taught in Master Data: Companies, Customers and Carriers · TMS & Logistics Technology
VIN: Vehicle identification number.
Taught in Drivers, Trucks and Trailers in a TMS · TMS & Logistics Technology

W

Weights and dimensions: Legal limits on vehicle weight, axle loads, length, width and height.
Taught in Major Canadian Freight Lanes and Equipment · Canadian Freight Operations Specialist
Working capital: Cash available to cover costs while waiting to be paid.
Taught in Getting Paid: Terms, Factoring and Quick Pay · North American Freight Industry Fundamentals