Freight shipping comes with its own language, and if you’re not in the industry every day, some of the terminology can feel confusing. At Jay’s, we believe that the more our customers understand, the smoother their shipping experience will be.
Here are a few key terms you'll often hear:
- Bill of Lading (BOL): The official contract between the shipper and the carrier. It lists details about the freight, where it’s going, and how it should be handled.
- Consignee: The person or business receiving the shipment.
- Consignor (or Shipper): The person or business sending the shipment.
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload): A shipment that doesn’t require a full truck—your freight shares space with other shipments.
- FTL (Full Truckload): When your shipment fills an entire truck. Ideal for large, time-sensitive, or high-value shipments.
- Accessorial Charges: Extra services outside of standard shipping (like liftgate delivery, inside delivery, or residential service).
- Liftgate A liftgate is a power-operated tailgate capable of lifting pallets from street level to the floor of a truck box or trailer. Shipper locations with no loading docks often have lift gates, as do many LTL truck fleets.
- Proof of Delivery (POD): The signed document showing your shipment arrived in good order at its destination.
- Pro Number: A carrier-assigned number used to identify a specific shipment in their system.
- Declared value: Simply the dollar amount you assign to your shipment to show its worth. It ensures your items are properly protected and handled with the care they deserve.
Why Knowing the Lingo Matters
Understanding these terms helps you communicate clearly, avoid surprises, and make the best shipping decisions for your business. Plus, when you know the difference between LTL and FTL, you sound like a shipping pro!
At Jay’s, we’re always here to explain the details and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Ready to Ship with Confidence?
Whether it’s LTL, FTL, a courier package, or anything in between, our team is ready to walk you through the process. With Jay’s, you get more than a carrier—you get a partner who speaks your language.
Please contact us today to get started.
English 
Chinese 
Hindi 
Urdu 
Panjabi 
Tagalog