Freight Glossary
Plain-language definitions for common freight and logistics terms — a quick reference for shippers at every level.
BOL (Bill of Lading)
The legal contract between shipper and carrier. Documents the shipment details, terms of carriage, and serves as a receipt for goods.
FTL (Full Truckload)
A shipment that fills an entire trailer. You pay for the whole truck regardless of whether it's completely full.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)
A partial shipment that shares trailer space with other shippers' freight. You only pay for the space your freight occupies.
PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System)
Canada/U.S. system for electronically pre-clearing truck shipments at the border. RRA Trucking files PAPS before all cross-border moves.
ACI (Advance Commercial Information)
Canada's electronic pre-arrival reporting system for commercial truck shipments. Required before arrival at Canadian border.
ISF (Importer Security Filing)
U.S. Customs 10+2 filing requirement for ocean freight. Must be filed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at the foreign port.
Bonded Carrier
A carrier licensed to transport goods under customs bond — enabling movement of uncleared goods between approved facilities and across borders with reduced delays.
CBSA
Canada Border Services Agency. The federal agency responsible for managing the flow of goods and people at Canadian ports of entry.
CBP
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating international trade and enforcing customs laws.
HS Code (Harmonized System)
An internationally standardized numerical system for classifying traded goods. Required on all commercial import/export documentation.
Accessorial Charges
Additional fees beyond the base freight rate — e.g., fuel surcharge, detention, liftgate, inside delivery, or re-delivery.
Detention
A charge applied when a carrier's equipment (truck/trailer) is held at a shipper or receiver location beyond the agreed free time.
CUSMA / USMCA
Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (formerly NAFTA). The free trade agreement governing most cross-border trade between the three countries.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
Incoterm where the seller assumes all responsibility for delivery including duties, taxes, and customs clearance at the destination.
Drayage
Short-distance movement of freight — typically from a port, rail terminal, or warehouse to a nearby facility.
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
Mandatory digital device in commercial trucks that records driver hours of service (HOS) to ensure compliance with driving regulations.
POD (Proof of Delivery)
Documentation confirming a shipment was delivered — typically a signed delivery receipt or digital confirmation.
Intermodal
Freight transportation using two or more modes — typically truck and rail — without handling the cargo itself when changing modes.
SCAC Code
Standard Carrier Alpha Code — a unique 2–4 letter identifier assigned to transportation companies. RRA Trucking Ltd. SCAC: RRAK.
Tarping
The process of covering flatbed freight with a tarp to protect it from weather and debris during transit.