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- TariffA published schedule of rates, charges, rules, and classifications used in trade and transport. In customs, a tariff is the duty rate assigned to a product code in the national tariff schedule, applied to imports based on HS code, origin, and any trade program. In freight, a carrier tariff lists base rates, minimums, accessorial charges, rating rules, and liability terms for a mode and lane. Tariffs state how weight, volume, or distance are calculated, what surcharges apply, and the documentation required, and they are referenced on quotes, bills of lading, and invoices.
- Temperature Controlled ShippingTransport of goods that must remain within a specified temperature range from pickup through delivery. Shipments use passive systems such as insulated containers with phase change gel packs or dry ice, or active systems such as refrigerated trucks, refrigerated ocean containers, and temperature controlled air containers. Pack out and equipment settings define target range, preconditioning steps, sensor placement, and expected hold time, and carriers record set point, readings, and exceptions at each handoff. Documents state temperature requirements, coolant quantities when used, and required marks for items such as dry ice, and shipments may include data loggers or telematics for audit records.
- Terminal Handling Charges (THC)Fees charged by a port or airport terminal for the handling of cargo and the use of terminal infrastructure. For ocean containers the charge typically covers lift on and lift off by cranes, yard moves and stacking, gate processing, and terminal security and documentation services. For air cargo it covers receipt, storage within free time, buildup or breakdown of unit load devices, and handover between airline, ground handler, and forwarder. Amounts and inclusions vary by location and contract and are shown as separate line items in carrier tariffs, quotes, and invoices, often applied at origin and at destination.
- Thermal PackagingPackaging designed to keep a product within a specified temperature range during storage and transport. A typical system combines an insulated container with coolant such as phase change gel packs or dry ice and may include liners, vacuum insulated panels, or molded foam to control heat flow. Pack out instructions define preconditioning temperatures, coolant mass, placement, payload volume, and expected hold time based on a tested thermal profile. Labels and documents state temperature requirements and any special handling such as dry ice marking and quantity, and shipments may include data loggers to record exposure.
- Third Party Logistics (3PL)An outsourcing model in which a shipper contracts an external provider to perform logistics functions such as warehousing, order processing, transportation, and returns. The provider operates facilities and equipment, uses warehouse and transportation management systems, and integrates with the shipper’s order and inventory systems for labels, tracking, and billing. Scope, performance measures, pricing, data requirements, and liability are defined in a written agreement. Activity is recorded through transactions such as receipts, picks, shipments, and freight invoices with audit trails for reconciliation.
- Time Slot ManagementThe scheduling and control of pickup and delivery appointment windows at warehouse docks. Calendars define capacity by door and time while bookings consider shipment type, expected duration, equipment needs, product handling rules, and available labor. Confirmations record date and window, door assignment, reference numbers, and site instructions, with rules for early arrival, late arrival, no show, and reschedule. Systems capture check in and check out timestamps to report adherence, dwell time, and door utilization.
- Track and TraceThe recording and retrieval of location and status history for shipments, handling units, or items across logistics networks. Data is tied to identifiers such as tracking numbers, bills of lading, Serial Shipping Container Codes, serial numbers, or lot numbers and is updated by scans and system events from pickup through delivery. Systems store timestamps, locations, and event codes including departed facility, arrived at terminal, customs released, out for delivery, and delivered with proof of delivery. Users can view the last known location, planned next step, and exceptions created by missed milestones or data mismatches.
- Trade Show LogisticsCoordination of shipping, handling, and on site services for exhibits and booth materials before, during, and after an event. Freight moves to an advance warehouse or directly to the venue according to target move in dates, with marshaling yard check in and material handling by the general service contractor often called drayage. Required documents include labels, bills of lading, and service orders for rigging, electrical, and material handling, and crates are marked for empty storage during the show. After teardown, carriers check in within the outbound window, pickup is released by a completed bill of lading, and any freight left without a carrier is rerouted per the event rules.
- Traffic ManagementThe planning and control of inbound and outbound freight movements for a shipper or logistics network. Duties include carrier selection under contracts and lane guides, routing and mode decisions, load building and consolidation, and pickup and delivery appointment scheduling. Teams tender shipments, monitor status events, manage exceptions such as service refusals or missed appointments, and keep records that match bills of lading, waybills, and invoices. The function maintains rate tables, accessorial rules, and performance reports and coordinates with warehouse operations, customer service, and accounting.
- Transit TimeThe elapsed time a shipment spends in transport between the departure scan and the arrival or delivery scan for a defined move. Carriers publish standard times by lane and service, and some services count only business days while others count calendar days. Measurement rules state the start and stop events, time zone handling, and whether intermediate dwell such as customs or terminal hold is included. Transit time is used for planning pickup and delivery windows, rating comparisons, and on time performance reporting.
- TransloadingTransfer of freight from one transport mode or equipment type to another during a through movement. Common cases include unloading import ocean containers to domestic trailers or railcars, or moving bulk products using conveyors or pumps. Tasks may include deconsolidation, count verification, relabeling, and rebuilding pallets to meet carrier or facility requirements and legal weight limits. Sites record container, trailer, and seal numbers and issue new bills of lading so custody and routing reflect the next leg.
- Transportation ComplianceConformance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements that apply to moving freight. Scope covers carrier and driver qualifications, vehicle inspection and maintenance, hours of service, weight and dimension limits, hazardous materials rules, insurance, and customs and security programs where applicable. Operational controls include documented routing guides, permit verification, load securement, temperature and sanitation requirements for food or pharma, and accurate shipment documentation such as bills of lading, waybills, and export entries. Records of licenses, certificates of insurance, training, electronic logging data, and incident reports are maintained for audits and status monitoring.
- Transportation Management System (TMS)Software used to plan, execute, and settle freight moves across modes. Core functions include rating, carrier selection, load building, routing, tendering, appointment scheduling, and shipment tracking with status events from pickup through delivery. The system maintains contracts, tariffs, lane guides, and accessorial tables, and produces documents such as bills of lading and shipping labels. Interfaces exchange orders, shipment details, and cost data with order management, warehouse, and accounting systems, and support freight audit and payment.
- Transportation Spend ManagementThe processes and controls used to plan, measure, and manage freight costs across modes, carriers, and lanes. Activities include carrier bid events and contract management, rate loading and lane guides, shipment rating and accruals, and freight audit and payment to validate invoices and resolve discrepancies. Analytics segment spend by mode, lane, service level, accessorials, and carrier to produce reports for budgeting and forecasting. Governance sets approval thresholds, surcharge tables, and compliance checks within transportation management and accounting systems.
- Truckload ShippingTransport of a shipment that uses a dedicated trailer from pickup to delivery without terminal consolidation. Rates are quoted by lane, equipment type, miles, and load requirements, and are confirmed in a rate confirmation that lists origins, destinations, dates, and accessorial terms including fuel surcharge. Common equipment includes dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed trailers with weight and dimension limits set by law and carrier policy. Movements are documented with a bill of lading, appointment times, and tracking references, and tenders specify live load or drop trailer and any special loading or seal instructions.