This freight glossary explains the terms shippers run into most often, in plain English. Freight has its own vocabulary, and knowing it helps you request accurate quotes and avoid surprises.
Core terms in our freight glossary
FTL (full truckload): a shipment that uses a trailer by itself.
LTL (less than truckload): a smaller shipment that shares trailer space with other freight.
Dry van: an enclosed, non-refrigerated trailer.
Reefer: a refrigerated trailer with a cooling unit.
Expedited: a time-critical shipment with prioritized scheduling.
Dedicated: planned, recurring capacity for a shipper’s regular lanes.
Freight glossary: documents and registration
BOL (bill of lading): the document that describes the shipment and serves as the contract and receipt between shipper and carrier.
MC number: a Motor Carrier number identifying a carrier’s operating authority.
USDOT number: an identifier assigned to commercial carriers for safety and compliance tracking.
FMCSA: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates motor carriers in the United States. You can look up carriers on the FMCSA SAFER System.
Freight glossary: shipment details
Pallet: a platform used to stack and move freight.
Freight class: a classification used in LTL pricing based on factors such as density and handling. Learn more at NMFTA.
Lane: a route between an origin and a destination.
Freight glossary: extra services and fees
Accessorial: an additional service beyond standard pickup and delivery, such as liftgate or inside delivery.
Liftgate: a hydraulic platform on a truck that lowers freight to the ground when there is no dock.
Detention: waiting time beyond an allowed period at pickup or delivery.
Appointment: a scheduled time window for pickup or delivery.
How to use this freight glossary
Keep this freight glossary handy when you fill out a quote request, review a bill of lading or compare quotes. If a term on your paperwork is not listed here, contact us and we will explain it. You can also read how to prepare a freight quote request or compare FTL vs LTL.