The smooth operation of the shipping process depends not only on the fleet and infrastructure, but also on an understanding of the various terms commonly used during distribution.

Unfortunately, even today, many consumers and business owners are still unfamiliar with these terms. In fact, in addition to facilitating coordination, this knowledge also helps ensure that the shipping process runs smoothly, accurately, and with minimal issues.

There are at least 13 key terms in freight shipping that you need to know. Here is a complete explanation.

1. Delivery Order (DO)

DAn official document containing a request to a logistics or freight forwarding company to deliver goods to the recipient. This document serves as the basis for the shipping service provider to process the distribution of goods to their destination.

2. Partial Shipment (PS)

A shipping method carried out in several stages, rather than all at once. This approach is commonly used to ensure the volume of goods shipped aligns with the carrier’s capacity.

3. Bill of Lading (B/L)

One of the most important documents in ocean freight. This document serves as proof of the shipping line’s receipt of the goods, a contract of carriage, and proof of ownership of the goods during the shipping process.

4. Shipper

A shipper is the party sending the goods. A shipper may act as a manufacturer, distributor, exporter, or seller who hands over the goods to a logistics company for shipment to the destination address.

5. Shipping Schedule

This is the schedule of departure and estimated arrival times for the goods during the shipping process. This information helps both consumers and companies plan distribution and estimate when the goods will arrive at their destination.

6. Packing List

A document containing details of the shipment’s contents, such as the quantity of goods, product types, dimensions, weight, and the type of packaging used. This document also serves as a reference during inspections at warehouses, ports, and customs.

7. Shipping Mark

A code, symbol, or identification number affixed to the packaging to facilitate identification and sorting, and to reduce the risk of goods being mixed up.

8. Consignee (CNEE)

The party receiving the goods at the destination. The consignee’s information must be provided in full—including name, address, and phone number—to ensure a smooth shipping process.

9. Description of Goods

A complete description of the goods being shipped. It typically includes the type of goods, specifications, quantity, and product characteristics, which serve as the basis for determining shipping costs, insurance, and customs inspections.

10. Gross Weight and Net Weight

In the logistics industry, there are two types of weight measurements for goods:

• Gross Weight: The total weight of the goods including their packaging or wrapping
• Net Weight: The weight of the goods excluding packaging

Understanding both terms is crucial because they are frequently used as the basis for calculating shipping rates, particularly for cargo services.

11. Container Freight Station (CFS)

A facility for consolidating goods before they are loaded into or after they are unloaded from a container. CFS is widely used for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments.

12. Less than Container Load (LCL)

A shipping method used when the volume of goods does not fill an entire container. Goods from multiple shippers are consolidated into a single container to reduce costs.

13. Full Container Load (FCL)

Shipping using a single full container exclusively. FCL is the ideal choice for shipping large quantities because the process is faster, ensuring better protection of the goods.

Understanding various shipping terms will make it easier for you to communicate with logistics service providers, freight forwarders, or customers.

This understanding also helps minimize administrative errors, speed up the shipping process, and reduce the potential for complaints resulting from miscommunication regarding shipping status or documentation.

Safer Shipping with an Experienced Logistics Company

After understanding the various terms in freight shipping, choosing the right logistics partner is also a crucial step to ensure the smooth distribution of goods.

SELOG is here to meet that need with integrated end-to-end logistics services. This ensures that the entire freight shipping process—from start to finish—is more controlled and efficient.

The logistics business unit of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA)—which is also part of the Astra Group—has over 20 years of experience meeting all logistics service needs, ranging from trucking, shipping, freight forwarding, warehousing, to project cargo.

Every SELOG service is also supported by the digital technology Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS), which not only simplifies operations but also enhances business effectiveness and efficiency.

For more information about SELOG’s services, visit https://www.selog.astra.co.id/layanan and follow SELOG on social media:

• Instagram: @selog_astra
• LinkedIn: SELOG