The freight and carriage business is one of the world’s longest standing industries. Without freight and carrier firms the majority of the world’s distribution of goods and supplies would come grinding to a halt. The following is a glossary of commonly used terms in the freight and carriage industry.

• All Risk coverage is the most common insurance policy taken out by freight companies. It covers loss from some natural damages but isn’t fully comprehensive.
• Break Bulk is a term used to describe any cargo not held in containers.
• Containers are used for hauling carriage. They are available in a variety of sizes and designed for ease of stacking and unloading from HGVs.
• Demurrage is a term used to describe excessive time wasted when unloading and loading shipments from ships.
• Export is the name given to any goods or cargo that is exported from one country to another.
• Forklift Trucks are commonly used at docks and ports for loading and unloading goods and cargo. If you are hoping to find employment in this line of work, having a forklift licence will strongly improve your chances.
• Gateway is a term used to describe prominent airports and docks or a dock where customs checks are present.
• HGV stands for heavy goods vehicles. HGVs are a good choice for carriage of cargo within Britain and can also carry containers for loading onto larger vehicles.
• Integrated Carriers are companies that offer more than one method of carriage. These could include by rail, sea or air amongst other distribution methods.
• Just In Time is a production and distribution method used to reduce accumulation of surplus stock. Shipments are closely synchronised to make sure the delivery is made at the right moment.
Knot is a unit of measurement used to measure the speed at which ships and boats travel.
• A Laden Vessel is the name given to a ship, plane or train that has been loaded with cargo.
• Marine Insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers losses from damages occurred out at sea.
• Onboard Computers are used in HGVs to monitor mileage, top speeds and other data.
• Project Cargo is the name given to unusually sized and shaped containers that need special care whilst hauling.
• RORO stands for roll on, roll off. RORO is a method of carriage where cargo is loaded and unloaded using ramps instead of cranes.
• A Shipping Mark is an ID number given to individual cargo shipments for reference.
• Tankers are used to carry large shipments of liquids such as oil.
• Undercarriage is another name for the landing gear of aircraft.