What Does It Mean? POL? That Is Not Poland?
Logistics/Shipping often feels like it has its own language, with countless short forms that can keep us scratching our heads! To help you navigate the unique world of logistics literature, here is a list of terms with explanations you may have seen.
Air Waybill (AWB): A document containing detailed information about a shipment (Shipper and Receiver information, shipment details, special instructions, tracking information).
Chargeable Weight: The weight used to determine the cost of air freight, calculated as the greater of actual or volumetric weight.
Dimensional Weight (Volumetric Weight): A pricing method based on the volume of a shipment rather than its actual weight.
ULD (Unit Load Device): A container or pallet used to load cargo onto an aircraft.
IATA (International Air Transport Association): The trade association for the world’s airlines, setting standards for air cargo operations.
Dangerous Goods Declaration: A mandatory document for the transport of hazardous materials by air.
Freighter: An aircraft dedicated to cargo transport only.
Air Cargo Screening: Security checks performed on cargo before loading onto an aircraft.
Bill of Lading (BOL): A legal document issued by a carrier to acknowledge receipt of goods for shipment.
FCL (Full Container Load): A shipment that uses an entire container exclusively for one shipper.
LCL (Less-than-Container Load): A shipment that shares container space with other consignments.
TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit): A standard unit for measuring container capacity.
Reefer Container: A refrigerated container used for shipping perishable goods.
Port of Loading (POL): The port where goods are loaded onto a vessel.
Port of Discharge (POD): The port where goods are unloaded from a vessel.
Transshipment: Transferring cargo from one vessel to another at an intermediate port before reaching the final destination.
Manifest: A document listing all cargo on a ship, required by customs authorities.
Feeder Vessel: A smaller ship that carries cargo to and from regional ports to larger mainline vessels.
1PL, 2PL? What is PL?
1PL (First-Party Logistics): A company or individual managing and transporting their own goods without outsourcing. For example, a farmer storing and delivering their own produce.
2PL (Second-Party Logistics): Logistics services provided by asset-based carriers who own and operate the transportation or storage facilities. Example: A trucking company or a warehouse owner offering storage and transport services.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics): Outsourcing logistics functions to a service provider.
4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics): A logistics integrator that manages and coordinates all aspects of the supply chain, including managing 3PLs
We hope that the list provided will be helpful to you. However, if you require more information or need assistance with a shipment, Aviate Logistics is always here to help you with any questions you may have.
