With over three decades of experience in trucking and warehousing, Sandhar Trucking has a list of freight terminology and technical terms that you will want to know when shipping goods.

Like every industry, the transport sector has its own technical jargon when communicating about a shipment. We understand that things can get a little confusing if you’re not familiar with them. But fright not, we’re here to help break down technical terms that are commonly used when transporting freight in Canada.

Bill of Lading (BOL, BL, B/L)

This is an important shipping document between the transportation company and the shipper and is given to the carrier at the time of freight pick up. It contains all the necessary information for the shipment including product description, the size, the weight, the origin, the destination, and much more.

Bonded Sufferance Warehouse

A warehouse that has been authorized by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to allow for intact container examinations. Duties are deferred while goods are here and have not yet been released by the CBSA.

Canada Customs Tariff

A listing of tariff rates and related information for products being imported into Canada. Based on the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, the Customs Tariff is administered by the (CBSA).

Carrier

A company or operator that is in the business of transporting goods including Less-than-truckload (LTL) or Full-truck-load (FTL) freight.

Consignee

The person or company that will be receiving the shipment.

Consignor

The individual person or company who is sending out the shipment. They are the ones handing off the goods to the transportation company.

Customs Broker

They are an individual, partnership, or company that is licensed and helps importers and exporters with meeting government regulations regarding imports and exports.

Deadheading

Transporting a container that is empty while it is returned to its point of origin.

Demurrage

This is the period when the cargo vehicle or ship is still being chartered or controlled by a third party past the agreed time. Demurrage fees are charges payable to the owner as compensation for the extra use of the vessel.

Drayage

The movement of freight over short distances. This may be between the port, yard, warehouse, and rail.

eManifest

Developed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), this portal allows the trade community to electronically transmit their pre-arrival information through the Internet.

Full Truckload (FTL)

The transport of a full container of goods that has one dedicated shipment. The journey is reserved for one shipment only.

Less-than-Truckload (LTL)

Transporting shipments from different customers in one single truck. Consolidation is typically based on geographic destinations.

Manifest

A document with a list of goods transported by the carrier that lists the shipper, consignee, weight, and description of goods.

Pallet

A flat structural platform, made of plastic or wood, used to secure boxes and loose goods while being transported.

Waybill

A document prepared by the carrier that shows relevant shipment information such as the contents, destination, route, consignor, consignee, weight, shipment description, charges, and special instructions.

Moving your precious cargo from A to B may seem fairly straightforward at first, but the logistics of doing it efficiently and most cost-effectively is greatly dependent on staying informed and on top of changes.
With over three decades of experience in the trucking and warehousing industry, we are well-versed with the current logistic landscape in both Canada and globally. We also have a list of reliable and professional partners that we highly recommend. From LTL/FTL services in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec to bonded sufferance warehousing in Vancouver, we are here to help you with your logistics needs. Contact us today at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com to learn more.