Here is a glossary of terms relevant to express courier and road freight:
Fast Courier: The service of quick delivery of packages and goods to their destination in a short time.
Shipper: The person or company that sends or arranges for the shipment of a product or package.
Consignee: The person or company that receives the delivered goods or package.
Carrier: The company or person responsible for picking up, transporting and delivering the goods to their destination.
AWB (Air Waybill): The air waybill containing the shipment information, including details of the goods, the route of transport and the terms of delivery.
CMR (Convention Relative au Contrat de Transport International de Marchandises par Route): The CMR Convention is an international legal document that regulates the international road transport of goods between countries.
Loading: The process of loading goods or packages into the transport vehicle.
Unloading: The process of unloading goods or packages from the transport vehicle.
Transport Vehicle: Motor vehicle used to transport goods on public roads, such as trucks, vans or delivery vehicles.
Collection point: The place where goods or packages are picked up to be transported to their destination.
Delivery point: The place where the goods or packages are delivered to the consignee.
Temperature-controlled transport: Transport of goods that require special temperature conditions to be kept safe, such as food or pharmaceuticals.
Consolidation: The process of combining several shipments or goods into a single shipment to reduce costs and optimize the use of space in transport vehicles.
Transfer Point: The place where goods are transferred from one transport vehicle to another, usually to continue their journey to their final destination.
Transport Insurance: The insurance policy that provides protection against damage or loss of goods during transport.
Track and Trace: The service that allows the monitoring and tracking of goods in real time, from pickup to final delivery.
Consolidation: The process of combining several small shipments into one shipment to reduce costs and optimize the use of space
Heavy Duty Vehicle: A road transport vehicle designed to carry heavy or bulky goods with a large load capacity.
Accompanying Document: The official document that accompanies the goods during transport and contains information about the consignor, consignee, description of the goods, quantity, value and other relevant details.
Delivery Fee: The cost charged for the service of delivering goods to their destination, which may vary depending on the distance traveled, weight, size and other specific criteria.
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): The estimated time of arrival of the goods or transport vehicle at the destination.
Transshipment: The transfer of goods or packages from one transport vehicle to another during transit, usually in the case of intermodal transport.
Intermodal transport: The use of several modes of transport, such as road, rail or sea, in a single journey to ensure the efficient delivery of goods to their destination.
Transport accessory: Additional equipment or accessories used to ensure the safety, security or protection of goods during transport, such as pallets, lashing straps or special packaging.
Transport permit: The official document issued by the competent authorities that allows a transport vehicle to legally travel on public roads with goods.
Shortest Path: The most efficient route or transportation route between the origin and destination that minimizes travel distance and time.
Sorting Center: The location where goods or packages are sorted and distributed to the appropriate transport vehicles for delivery.
Freight Rate: The calculated price or cost for freight transportation service, which may be determined based on weight, distance, freight class, and other specific criteria.
Truck with trailer: A road transport vehicle equipped with an attached trailer, used for the transport of goods in large quantities or of large dimensions.
Road charge: The charge levied by road transport authorities for the use of public roads by transport vehicles.
Contract of Carriage: The legal agreement between the shipper and the carrier that sets out the terms and conditions of carriage, including the responsibilities of the parties involved and clauses relating to price, insurance and limitation of liability.
Refrigerated truck: A specialized road transport vehicle, equipped with a refrigeration or thermal insulation system, used for the transport of perishable goods or goods that require temperature control.
Full Truckload (FTL): A transportation service where a truck is dedicated to a single shipment or customer and its capacity is fully utilized.
Less Than Truckload (LTL): A trucking service in which cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated into a single truck to efficiently utilize cargo capacity.
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): The estimated time of arrival of the goods or transport vehicle at the destination.
Temporary storage: The storage of goods in a warehouse or storage facilities for a limited period of time before they are delivered to their final destination.
International transport: The transport of goods between two or more countries, which involves compliance with the regulations and documents specific to each country crossed.
TIR (Transport International Routier): The international agreement governing international road transport, especially for goods crossing several countries.
Cross-docking: A method of logistics in which goods are transferred directly from inbound to outbound transport vehicles without being stored in a long-term warehouse.
Multimodal transport: Using several modes of transport (road, rail, air, sea) in a single journey to ensure efficient delivery of goods to their destination.
Customs Point: The location where customs formalities are carried out, including the inspection and processing of goods entering or leaving a country.
Consignee: The person or company appointed to receive and collect the goods from the carrier at the destination.
Shipping Broker: A company or individual that acts as an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier to facilitate shipping arrangements and associated documents.
Road transport document: The official document attesting to the carriage of goods on public roads and containing information about the consignor, carrier, consignee, description of the goods and other relevant details, as well as the necessary signatures and stamps.
Handling Charge: The cost charged for the operations of loading, unloading and handling goods during the transport process.
Transportation of dangerous goods: Transportation of goods that present a certain degree of danger to the safety and health of people, the environment or property, and that require compliance with special regulations and procedures.
Palletizing: The process of arranging and securing goods on pallets, using suitable packaging systems, to facilitate efficient handling and transport.
Transport Document (DTD): The document issued by the shipper that contains information about the goods, quantity, weight, conditions of carriage and other details necessary for the delivery and tracking of the goods.
Road Freight Rate: The calculated price or cost for road freight service, which may be determined based on distance, weight, volume and other specific factors.
Cargo Insurance: The insurance policy that provides protection against damage, loss or theft of goods during transport.
Transport terminal: A specialized infrastructure where loading, unloading, transfer and temporary storage of goods during transport are carried out.
ADR Regulation (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route): A set of international rules and standards governing the road transport of dangerous goods between European countries.
Roadway: The surface of the road or carriageway on which road transport vehicles travel.
Storage Charge: The cost charged for storing goods in a warehouse or storage facilities for a specified period of time.
Alternative routes: Alternative routes or transport routes used to avoid obstacles, blockages or traffic congestion on main roads.
Long-haul truck: A specialized road transport vehicle designed to cover long distances and carry goods over an extended period.
Door Delivery Service: The service of direct delivery of goods or packages to the address specified by the recipient, providing them with convenience and comfort.
Export documents: Documents required to register and declare exported goods according to customs regulations and procedures.
Rush Delivery Rate: The additional price charged for the service of quick or urgent delivery of goods within a short time.
Domestic shipment: Transport of goods within the same country, within national borders.
Logistics Operator: A company specializing in the management and organization of logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing and supply chain management.
TIR Carnet: The customs document used for the international road transport of goods under the TIR regime, which allows easy border crossing and simplification of customs formalities.
Document Handling Fee: The cost charged for the processing and handling of documents associated with the transportation and delivery of goods.
Transportation fleet: All transportation vehicles (trucks, vans, trailers, etc.) owned and used by a transportation company.
Pallet: A rigid platform or flat support, usually made of wood or plastic, on which goods can be placed and transported in an organized and efficient manner.
Groupage transport: Consolidation of several small shipments into a single transport to reduce costs and optimize the use of space in transport vehicles.
Tank truck: A specialized vehicle used to transport liquids or gases in a cylindrical or spherical tank.
Front-end loader handling: Using specialized equipment, such as a crane or front-end loader, to load and unload goods into transport vehicles.
Mileage Charge: The cost charged based on the distance traveled by the transport vehicle to deliver the goods to their destination.
Shipping Fee: An amount paid to a broker or intermediary for the services of arranging and managing shipments of goods.
Oversized transport: Transport of goods of exceptional size and weight, requiring special permits and police escort during transport.
Transit time: The estimated time required for the goods to travel the distance between the point of departure and the destination, including all stops and formalities.
Logistics platform: A distribution and storage center that has special facilities and services for the handling, storage and distribution of goods within a logistics network.
Tarpaulin truck: A road transport vehicle equipped with a flexible and durable tarpaulin used to protect and cover goods during transport.
Tracking Service: A system or facility that allows the shipper and consignee to monitor and track the condition and location of goods during transit.
Transfer point: The location where goods are transferred between different transport vehicles during an intermodal route or service.
Express Shipping: Express shipping service that ensures delivery in a very short time, usually within 24 hours or less.
Loading Manifest: The document that lists and describes in detail the goods loaded on a transport vehicle, including quantity, weight, dimensions and other relevant information.
Shipping Insurance Service: An offer or additional insurance package offered by shipping companies to protect goods against the risk of damage, loss or theft during transit.
Shipping Rate: The price or calculated cost for the shipping and handling services of the goods, which may include handling, packaging and other additional services.
On-time delivery: Delivery of goods in accordance with the agreement and terms set out in the contract of carriage, without delays or major problems.
Customs Regulations: The specific laws, regulations and procedures governing the import and export of goods through customs, including the necessary taxes, documents and controls.
Manual handling: The process of loading, unloading and arranging goods in transport vehicles, done manually by logistics and transport workers.
Traffic permit: The official document issued by the competent authorities attesting the right of a road transport vehicle to circulate on public roads, in accordance with the regulations and restrictions in force.
Platform truck: A road transport vehicle equipped with a solid platform without a tarpaulin, used for the transport of goods that do not require protection from the elements.
Point of unloading: The location where goods are removed or unloaded from the transport vehicle at their destination.
Certificate of origin: The document attesting to the country of origin of the goods and which may be necessary to comply with regulations and benefit from trade agreements or preferential tariffs.
Fuel costs: Expenses associated with the purchase of fuel for road transport vehicles, which can influence transport prices and rates.
Floor Delivery Service: An additional service offered by courier and road transport companies, which involves the delivery of goods to the floor specified by the consignee.
Loading Point: The location where goods are loaded onto the transport vehicle, either by means of a loading dock or by means of handling equipment.
Transporteur: The term used in the French language to designate a road transport company.
Track and trace system: A system for tracking and monitoring goods, which uses technology and communications to provide real-time information about their condition and location during transport.
Trailer: A non-self-propelled transport unit attached to a truck or other road transport vehicle used to carry additional cargo.
Door-to-door service: A complete transportation and delivery service that covers the entire logistics chain, from the collection of goods from the shipper to their delivery to the final destination specified by the consignee.
Collection Point: The location where the goods are collected by the carrier from the consignor for further transport and delivery.
Road charge: A charge levied for the use of road infrastructure by road transport vehicles, which contributes to the financing and maintenance of roads.
Return Shipment: A transportation arrangement in which the goods are delivered to the destination and then the goods or packaging are returned to the place of departure or another specified location.
Road transport insurance: An insurance policy that covers the risks associated with the transport of goods by road, including accidental damage, loss or theft during transport.
Incoterms: Standardized terms and conditions used in international trade contracts to establish the responsibilities and obligations of the parties involved in the process of transporting and delivering goods.
Distribution service: A logistics service that involves the distribution of goods to multiple final recipients at different locations using a road transport network and other delivery methods.
Excise stamp: A tax stamp applied to excise goods, such as alcohol or tobacco, in accordance with tax and customs regulations.
Express transport company: A company specialized in providing the services of express courier and road transport of goods in a short time and with fast delivery.
Multimodal transport: The process of using several modes of transport, such as road, rail, sea or air, to ensure the delivery of goods to their final destination.
Customs: Control point and authority responsible for checking and regulating goods entering or leaving a country, including processing documents and collecting customs duties.
Intermodal transfer point: A logistics node where goods are transferred between different modes of transport, such as trucks, trains or ships, within an intermodal network.
Delivery Point: The location specified by the consignee to receive the goods, which may be a residential address, a collection point or a business location.
Oversized transport: The transport of goods of exceptional dimensions and weights, which exceed standard limits and require special permits, attendants and special equipment.
Capillary distribution service: A logistics service that involves delivering goods to hard-to-reach or rural areas using smaller and more flexible vehicles.
Refreshment Point: The location where drivers and transport operators can take breaks, rest and refuel during long distance journeys.
Insurance Charge: The cost charged to cover risks and protect goods during transport by means of a transport insurance policy.
Handler: The person or worker responsible for handling and loading goods into road transport vehicles, using appropriate equipment and techniques to ensure their safety and integrity.
Estimated Delivery Time: The approximate time it takes for the goods to be delivered to their destination, taking into account distance, routes, transit time and other relevant factors.
Temperature-controlled cargo service: A service specializing in the transport of goods that require temperature-controlled conditions, such as food, pharmaceutical or temperature-sensitive products.
Road transport network: An infrastructure and system of routes and connections used to transport goods by road between different locations and destinations.
Cross-border transport: The transport of goods between two or more countries, crossing national borders and complying with the appropriate customs procedures and regulations.
Shipping agent: A person or company that acts as an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier, arranging and managing the shipment of goods.
Barcode: A unique identification system in the form of parallel vertical lines with variable widths and spacing, which allows the identification and tracking of goods during the transport and delivery process.
Forklift Handling: Using specialized equipment, such as a forklift, to lift, transport and store goods in transport vehicles or warehouses.
Transit Zone: A specially designated area at the border of a country where goods undergo customs control and import-export formalities before being allowed to enter or leave the country.
Gross tonnage: The total weight of a road transport vehicle loaded with goods, including the weight of the vehicle itself, the load and any accessories or additional equipment.
International Express Shipping Service: A fast international freight shipping service that ensures delivery in a short time to different countries and regions around the world.
Crane Handling: Using a crane or similar equipment to lift and place goods into transport vehicles or storage areas.
Professional driving licence: An official document certifying that a road transport vehicle driver has the necessary skills to drive heavy vehicles