Use this glossary to learn about common less-than-truckload (LTL) freight terms and options you may encounter when creating and managing freight shipments in ShipStation.
These terms describe your freight and can affect its classification, handling, and shipping cost.
- Commodity
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The specific type of goods, products, or raw materials being transported in a freight shipment.
- Density
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The weight of a shipment relative to the amount of space it occupies. Density can help determine a shipment’s freight class.
- Freight Class
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A standardized classification used to categorize LTL freight for rating and handling. In North America, freight classes range from Class 50 to Class 500 and are based on factors such as density, handling, stowability, and liability.
- Handling Unit
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A single unit of freight prepared for transportation, such as a pallet, crate, drum, or other packaged unit. A handling unit can contain one or more commodities.
- NMFC Code
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A code from the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system used to identify and classify commodities
- Stackable
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Indicates that other freight can be safely placed on top of the handling unit.
These terms describe additional services or requirements that may apply to the pickup, transportation, or delivery of your freight.
- Accessorial
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An additional freight service that may be needed for pickup or delivery, such as liftgate service, inside delivery, or residential service. Accessorial services may affect the shipment rate.
- Delivery Service
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An additional service or requirement for delivering a freight shipment to its destination, such as residential delivery, scheduled delivery, or liftgate service. Delivery Services may affect the shipment rate.
- Liftgate Service
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A service that uses a hydraulic platform on the carrier’s truck to raise or lower freight when a loading dock or forklift is not available.
- Limited Access
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A pickup or delivery location that may require special arrangements because carrier access is restricted or limited.
- Pickup Service
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An additional service or requirement for picking up a freight shipment at its origin, such as a residential pickup, scheduled pickup, or liftgate service. Pickup services may affect the shipment rate.
- Shipment Service
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An optional service or special requirement that applies to the pickup, transportation, or delivery of a freight shipment.
These terms identify important freight documents and shipment information.
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
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A document that contains the details of a freight shipment and serves as the primary shipping document between the shipper and carrier.
- Packing List
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A document that lists the contents of a freight shipment, including the items and quantities being shipped.
- Pallet Label
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A label attached to a pallet or other handling unit that identifies the freight and helps the carrier route and track it during transit.
- PRO Number
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A carrier-assigned number used to identify and track a freight shipment.
- Proof of Delivery (POD)
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A document confirming that a freight shipment was delivered to its destination
- Rate Quote
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A document that shows the estimated cost and service details for an LTL shipment based on the shipment information provided.
- References
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Additional identifiers or information you can add to a freight shipment for your own records or business processes.