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Unlock the world of shipping with our logistics glossary

We believe in simplifying complex language. Explore our glossary to make industry terminology simple and accessible.

Main terms

This glossary provides a brief overview of essential freight and transportation terms in Canada / USA, offering a foundation for understanding the complexities of the industry. Please note that this glossary is not exhaustive and is intended to serve as a starting point for further exploration of the subject.

Bill of Lading (BOL)
Also known as a waybill, a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being transported.
Brokerage
A third-party entity that connects shippers with carriers to facilitate the movement of freight, often negotiating rates and ensuring smooth transactions.
Carrier
A company engaged in the transportation of goods, responsible for the movement and delivery of freight from one location to another.
Consignor
The party responsible for sending the goods, also known as the shipper or sender.
Consignee
The recipient or receiver of the freight.
Customs Broker
An expert in customs regulations who assists with the clearance of goods through customs, ensuring compliance with import and export requirements.
Drayage
The short-distance transportation of goods, typically between a port and a nearby facility, often involving the use of trucks or smaller vehicles.
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
The expected time when a shipment will reach its destination.
Freight
Goods, merchandise, or cargo that is transported by a carrier from one place to another.
FTL (Full Truckload)
A transportation mode where the entire capacity of a truck is used to transport one shipment, typically preferred for larger loads.
Freight Forwarder
A company that specializes in arranging the transportation and logistics of shipments on behalf of shippers, often providing services such as documentation, customs clearance, and cargo insurance.
Fuel Surcharge
An additional fee applied to freight shipments to account for fluctuations in fuel prices, aiming to offset increased operating costs for carriers.
Intermodal Transportation
The use of multiple modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships, to move freight from origin to destination, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Logistics
The management of the flow of goods, information, and resources within a transportation network to ensure efficient movement and timely delivery.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
A shipping method used for transporting smaller amounts of freight that do not fill an entire truck. Multiple LTL shipments are consolidated to optimize truck space.
POD (Proof of Delivery)
Documentation that confirms the delivery of goods to the recipient, often including the recipient’s signature as acknowledgment.
Port Authority
An organization responsible for the operation and management of a port, facilitating the movement of goods between different modes of transportation.
Tariff
A published schedule of rates, charges, and terms for the transportation of goods, outlining the costs associated with specific services.

List of border certifications

At Trans Ontario, we prioritize safety, security, and efficiency. Our certifications reflect our commitment to excellence in cross-border shipping:

ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)
Our ACE certification streamlines electronic data exchange with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ensuring accurate and timely information sharing.
FAST (Free and Secure Trade)
Our FAST certification accelerates the border-crossing process for known low-risk shipments, reducing delays.
PIP (Partners in Protection)
Our PIP certification demonstrates compliance with Canadian security regulations, enhancing cargo security and expediting customs clearance.
C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
We’re proud to be a C-TPAT certified partner, focusing on supply chain security and facilitating smoother border crossings.
PAPS-USA (Pre-Arrival Processing System)
With our PAPS-USA certification, we expedite customs clearance for shipments entering the USA.
PARS-Canada (Pre-Arrival Review System)
Our PARS-Canada certification ensures efficient customs clearance for shipments entering Canada.
U-C Bonded
We provide U-C Bonded services, enabling us to handle freight that’s not staying within the country of arrival or needs customs clearance at a later date.

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Please note that we are a B2B company and do not ship personal effects from consumer to consumer.