Transportation Industry Glossary

Accessorial:
Standard procedure for LTL and FTL shipping includes a truck driver backing up to a dock to be loaded by the consignor (shipper), and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the consignee. Any service that is not considered "standard procedure" will require additional fees and is referred to as an accessorial service or fee. These are all examples of accessorial services:

• Hazardous materials 
• Inside delivery 
• Liftgate service 
• Fuel Surcharge
• Arrival notification 
• Insurance 
• COD 
• Residential Pickup or Delivery

Arrival Notification:
A carrier notifies and schedules a delivery date and time with the consignee (receiver) for additional fees.

 

BOL (Bill of Lading):
Mandatory paperwork providing the driver and the truck line with all the details they need to process the shipment and bill correctly. 

 

Blind Shipment:
Keeps the originating location and receiving destination unaware of each other. Provides two separate Bills of Lading that share common BOL & PRO numbers. Both BOLs show the carrier's terminal as the shipper and the receiver. 

 

Class:
A number that identifies the approximate size, value and difficulty of transporting each particular type of product. The class is needed to determine a price. You will need to know width, height, depth and weight for your shipment. The system estimates a class determined by the measurements you enter. Please contact a customer service representative during business hours to confirm class, as the automated class is only an estimate. 

 

Expedited:
Hollis Transport Agency, Inc. offers expedited delivery through various channels in order to reduce the number of transit days. Choose expedited as your equipment type when rating your shipment. 

 

Flatbed:
A semi trailer with no sides and with the floor of the unit a standard height from the ground. 

 

Handling Unit:
Cartons or packages of identical size and weight are considered one handling unit. If there is more than one package and they are of differing type, size or weight they are considered multiple handling units. 

 

Inside delivery:
The driver is required to go inside (beyond the front door or loading dock) to pickup or deliver a load instead of remaining on the dock or in his truck. Additional fees are assessed. 

 

LTL:
LTL stands for Less Than Load. A typical LTL shipment ranges from 100 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. For larger loads, you may need TL (truckload) service. Our customer service department can help determine which option you need. 

 

NMFC Number:
The National Motor Freight Classification number is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a carrier. It is always helpful to have the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product you ship. 

 

PRO Number:
A number assigned by the carrier to reference your shipment. It is used for tracking your shipment.

 

Redelivery/Reconsignment Fee:
After any failed delivery attempt, the carrier will assess a fee. The fee is usually based on weight with a minimum charge.

 

Refrigerated (Reefer):
A reefer is a refrigerated trailer with insulated walls and a self-powered refrigeration unit; most commonly used for transporting food.

 

Residential Delivery:
If you do not have a commercial location that actually opens and closes at set times each day within a commercially zoned area, you will be considered a residence and extra fees will apply for pickup and delivery. 

 

Reweigh and Inspection Fee:
If the carrier suspects the weight of your shipment is inaccurate, they will charge a fee to reweigh and re-class the shipment.

 

Third Party Shipments:
The person who initiates the shipment, but is neither the originating nor the receiving destination. The third party makes the arrangements for the shipper and receiver.