Drayage has its own vocabulary. A dispatcher may discuss a pre-pull, chassis split, last free day, or empty return in the same conversation. For someone arranging container transportation, understanding those terms makes it easier to give clear instructions, compare quotes, and recognize problems before they delay a shipment.
This glossary explains the terminology commonly used in U.S. port and rail drayage. It covers equipment, shipment documents, terminal activity, charges, and everyday dispatch language.
Terms are organized alphabetically. Where a term can have several meanings, the definition explains what to confirm with your transportation provider. Charges and deadlines should always be matched to the applicable quote, contract, tariff, and current facility instructions.
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A
Accessorial Charge
An additional charge for a service or condition outside the agreed base transportation scope. Examples include extra stops, waiting time, chassis splits, and storage.
Appointment
A reserved time or window for a pickup, delivery, or equipment return. A terminal appointment and a warehouse appointment are separate arrangements.
Arrival Notice
A notification containing information about an incoming shipment. Receiving an arrival notice does not establish that the container is available for pickup.
Availability
The container’s operational status for collection. Before dispatch, confirm physical readiness, required releases, holds, payment status, and pickup authorization.
B
Backhaul
A load moving a truck toward its previous origin or usual operating area after another delivery. A backhaul can help reduce empty miles.
Bad Order
Equipment identified as defective or needing repair. In drayage, this commonly refers to a chassis or container that requires attention before use.
BCO — Beneficial Cargo Owner
The business that owns the freight being transported, such as an importer, manufacturer, or retailer.
Bill of Lading — BOL or B/L
A transportation document recording shipment details and carriage terms. Identify whether a reference belongs to the ocean shipment, an intermediary’s shipment, or the trucking movement.
Blocking and Bracing
Materials and methods used to restrain cargo inside a container or trailer. Proper securement helps prevent freight from shifting during transportation.
Bobtail
A tractor traveling without a trailer or chassis attached.
Bonded Warehouse
A customs-authorized facility where imported goods may be stored under bond, with duty payment deferred until applicable withdrawal requirements are met.
Booking
A reservation for transportation capacity or equipment. Export dispatch instructions commonly refer to an ocean carrier’s booking.
Booking Number
The reference assigned to a transportation reservation. It identifies the booking and should not be confused with the number printed on a container.
C
Cargo Weight
The weight of the goods being shipped. Confirm whether the stated figure includes pallets and packaging and whether it is expressed in pounds or kilograms.
Carrier
A company providing transportation. Specify whether you mean the trucking company, railroad, ocean carrier, or another carrier involved in the shipment.
Carrier Release — Freight Release
Confirmation that a carrier’s applicable release conditions have been satisfied. Customs clearance and terminal pickup readiness must still be checked separately.
CBP — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The federal agency responsible for U.S. customs and border enforcement, including import processing and cargo-related controls.
CFS — Container Freight Station
A facility used to receive, consolidate, unload, or separate containerized cargo. CFS operations commonly support shipments sharing container space.
Chassis
The wheeled frame that supports a shipping container during road transportation. The container and chassis are separate pieces of equipment.
Chassis Flip
Lifting a container onto another chassis. Confirm the location, equipment availability, and any charge before arranging the transfer.
Chassis Pool
A managed collection of chassis available to authorized users under specified operating and billing arrangements.
Chassis Rental — Chassis Usage
A charge for using a chassis. Confirm the billing period, minimum days, and the events that start and stop billing.
Chassis Split
An equipment arrangement requiring chassis pickup or return at a location separate from the container location. It may create additional stops and charges.
Commercial Invoice
The seller’s document describing the goods, transaction value, and other commercial details. It supports customs processing and differs from the trucking company’s freight invoice.
Consignee
The party named to receive a shipment. The consignee’s business address may differ from the warehouse where the truck must deliver.
Consignor
The party sending or tendering the goods for transportation.
Container
A reusable freight unit that can transfer between trucks, trains, and vessels while holding its cargo. Equipment type and size affect transportation planning.
Container Depot
A facility used for container storage, pickup, return, inspection, or repair. A depot must be authorized for the specific equipment transaction.
Container Number
The identification marked on a container. Standard ISO identification uses a three-letter owner prefix, an equipment-category letter, six serial digits, and a check digit.
Cross-Docking
Transferring freight from inbound equipment to outbound equipment with little or no extended storage. Sorting or consolidation may occur during the transfer.
Crosstown — Cross-Town Move
A container or trailer transfer between facilities within a metropolitan area, often connecting different rail terminals.
Customs Broker
A licensed professional or business authorized to conduct customs business on behalf of others. Customs brokerage and trucking dispatch serve different functions.
Customs Hold
A restriction requiring customs action or review before the affected movement can proceed. Ask which party is responsible for resolving it.
Customs Release
Customs authorization allowing the shipment to proceed under the applicable process. Other agency requirements, commercial holds, or terminal restrictions may remain.
Cutoff
The deadline for completing a required action. Export cargo, shipping instructions, and verified weight information may each have different cutoffs.
CY — Container Yard
An area where containers are handled or stored. In transportation terms, CY can also identify a container-yard service point.
D
Deadhead
Truck travel without revenue cargo, often while pulling empty equipment. Bobtail specifically means traveling without a trailer or chassis attached.
Delivery Order — DO
A document or electronic instruction directing or authorizing delivery of freight. Its exact function depends on the issuer and shipment arrangement.
Demurrage
In ocean-container operations, a charge associated with a container remaining at a marine terminal beyond the applicable free time. Identify rail storage separately.
Detention — Container Detention
A charge for equipment use beyond the allowed free time, commonly while a container is outside the terminal. Confirm the provider’s definition and clock.
Detention — Driver Detention
A trucking charge for waiting beyond an agreed allowance. It is different from an ocean carrier’s container detention charge.
Dispatch
The assignment and coordination of trucks, drivers, equipment, appointments, and shipment instructions.
Dispatcher
The person managing those assignments and responding to operating changes, delays, and driver updates.
Domestic Container
A container used in a domestic intermodal network. A 53-foot container is common in North American domestic service.
Drayage
The truck connection between a port, rail terminal, warehouse, depot, or related facility. It usually forms one part of a longer container journey.
Drop and Hook
Leaving one trailer or chassis-mounted container and collecting another that is ready. Confirm the equipment involved and any return requirements.
Drop and Pick
Leaving equipment at the receiver for unloading and returning later to collect it. Agree on collection timing and equipment charges before delivery.
Dry Run — Attempted Pickup
A truck trip that cannot complete the intended pickup. Examples include unavailable cargo, unresolved holds, or missing authorization. Billing depends on the agreed terms.
Dual Transaction
Completing two equipment transactions during one terminal visit, such as returning an empty container and picking up a loaded one.
Dunnage
Materials placed around cargo to protect, support, or separate it. Dunnage may include wood, airbags, padding, or other suitable materials.
Dwell Time
The time freight or equipment remains at a location. Specify the starting and ending events when measuring terminal, yard, or warehouse dwell.
E
EDI — Electronic Data Interchange
The exchange of structured business information between computer systems. Transportation companies use EDI for orders, shipment updates, and billing information.
EIR — Equipment Interchange Receipt or Report
The record documenting an equipment handoff, including identification, transaction details, and recorded condition. Retain pickup and return records.
Empty Release
Authorization to collect empty equipment for a particular booking or purpose. Confirm the equipment type and authorized pickup location.
Empty Return
Delivery of an unloaded container to its currently authorized return location. The correct destination may differ from the original pickup point.
Empty-Return Deadline
The applicable deadline for returning equipment before additional usage charges accrue. It should be tracked separately from the terminal pickup deadline.
ERD — Earliest Receiving Date
The first date a terminal will accept a loaded export container for a specific booking or service. Verify current instructions before dispatch.
ETA — Estimated Time of Arrival
The projected arrival time at a location. Specify whether the ETA refers to the vessel, train, container availability, or truck delivery.
ETD — Estimated Time of Departure
The projected departure time from a location. An estimate can change as transportation plans develop.
Export
Goods moving out of a country. Export drayage may involve empty pickup, delivery for loading, and loaded return to a terminal.
F
FCL — Full Container Load
A service arrangement using a container for the booked shipment instead of purchasing shared container space. The container does not have to be physically full.
FEU — Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit
A capacity measurement equivalent to one 40-foot container. One FEU equals two TEUs.
Flat Rack
A container platform with end structures and generally no permanent sidewalls or roof, used for cargo requiring open access or special dimensions.
Floor-Loaded Cargo
Goods loaded directly onto the container or trailer floor rather than on pallets. Receiving plans should account for the unloading method and labor required.
FMC — Federal Maritime Commission
The U.S. agency overseeing the international ocean transportation system, including specified ocean shipping practices and ocean transportation intermediaries.
Free Time
The allowance before a particular storage or equipment-use charge begins. Different charges can have different allowances and counting methods.
Freight Broker
A business arranging transportation with carriers on behalf of customers. Confirm which company is arranging the move and which carrier will perform it.
Freight Forwarder
A business coordinating shipments and related documentation. Its role depends on the service, transportation mode, and agreement with the customer.
FSC — Fuel Surcharge
A fuel-related component of transportation pricing. It may be a percentage, mileage-based amount, or another agreed calculation.
FTL — Full Truckload
A trucking service reserving the vehicle’s cargo capacity for a shipment. A customer may book FTL even when the trailer is not completely filled.
G
Gate Hold
A restriction preventing a terminal gate transaction. Determine the hold reason and the party authorized to clear it.
Gate Hours
The hours during which a facility processes specified transactions. Loaded pickups, empty returns, and other activities may have different schedules.
Genset — Generator Set
A generator supplying electricity to a refrigerated container when another power source is unavailable, including during certain road movements.
Grounded Container
A container positioned on the ground or in a stack instead of on a chassis. Pickup requires the appropriate lifting and equipment arrangements.
Gross Container Weight
The combined weight of the container and everything packed inside it. This is different from the total weight of the tractor, chassis, and loaded container.
H
Hazard Class
The classification describing a material’s principal transportation hazard. A hazard class and a UN identification number provide different information.
Hazmat — Hazardous Materials
Materials regulated as hazardous for transportation. The shipment’s classification determines applicable handling, documentation, marking, and other requirements.
HBL — House Bill of Lading
A bill of lading issued by an intermediary acting as a carrier, such as an NVOCC, to its customer. It differs from the ocean carrier’s master bill.
High Cube — HC or HQ
A container taller than the corresponding standard-height equipment. Confirm its dimensions, capacity, and route suitability for the proposed move.
Hold
A general status preventing a shipment or equipment transaction from proceeding. Always identify the hold type; “on hold” alone is insufficient for dispatch planning.
I
IANA — Intermodal Association of North America
An industry association serving the intermodal transportation community and administering programs including the UIIA.
IEP — Intermodal Equipment Provider
An entity that makes intermodal equipment available for interchange. Identify the responsible provider when checking authorization, equipment condition, and billing.
IMC — Intermodal Marketing Company
A company arranging intermodal transportation, often combining rail service with truck pickup and delivery.
Import
Goods entering a country from abroad. An import container may travel inland by rail before a truck completes delivery.
In-Bond Movement
An authorized customs-controlled movement under bond before goods are entered for domestic consumption or exported, depending on the procedure. It requires the appropriate authorization and reporting.
Ingate
The recorded entry of equipment into a terminal or depot. The timestamp helps establish when the facility accepted the equipment.
Interchange
The transfer of equipment between parties under an applicable agreement. Record the equipment identity, condition, time, and location.
Intermodal
Transportation using multiple modes, such as truck and rail. In containerized service, the freight can remain packed while the container changes transportation modes.
ISF — Importer Security Filing
An advance electronic filing for applicable cargo arriving in the United States by vessel. ISF acceptance does not itself establish customs release or pickup availability.
L
Laden
Loaded with cargo. A laden container contains freight; an empty container has been unloaded.
Last Free Day — LFD
The final day of the applicable free-time allowance. Dispatchers commonly use LFD for terminal pickup planning, but should identify the exact charge and deadline involved.
LCL — Less Than Container Load
A service where a shipment shares container capacity with other shipments. Consolidation and separation commonly occur at freight handling facilities.
Linehaul
The principal transportation portion of a movement. In pricing, linehaul commonly means the base transportation amount before separately stated fuel or accessorial charges.
Live Load
Loading cargo while the truck remains at the shipping facility.
Live Unload
Unloading cargo while the truck remains at the receiving facility. Confirm the appointment and included waiting allowance.
LTL — Less Than Truckload
A service combining smaller shipments in shared truck capacity. Freight may pass through a terminal network before final delivery.
M
MBL — Master Bill of Lading
In ocean shipping, the bill of lading issued by the vessel-operating carrier. A shipment may also have a separate house bill.
Motor Carrier
The trucking business responsible for providing road transportation. Its identity should be clear on the dispatch and shipment records.
N
Notify Party
The party designated to receive shipment notifications. It may be different from the consignee or the location physically receiving the cargo.
NVOCC — Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier
An ocean transportation intermediary that provides service as a carrier without operating the vessels used for transportation. It generally issues its own bills of lading.
O
Ocean Carrier — Steamship Line
The company providing vessel transportation for the ocean segment. Dispatchers often shorten steamship line to “SSL.”
Open-Top Container
A container designed to permit loading from above through a removable or open roof arrangement. It is used for cargo needing that access.
Outgate
The recorded departure of equipment from a terminal or depot. An outgate confirms the equipment left that facility; it does not confirm warehouse delivery.
Overweight
A load or vehicle configuration exceeding an applicable weight limit. Identify whether the concern involves total weight, axle weight, equipment capacity, or a route restriction.
P
Packing List
A document showing how a shipment is packed, including items, quantities, and package details. It supports cargo checks and receiving preparation.
Palletized Cargo
Freight secured on pallets for handling with suitable equipment. Provide pallet dimensions, weight, and stackability when planning transportation.
Payload
The load carried by equipment. A container’s marked maximum payload describes equipment capacity and should not be treated as an automatic legal road weight allowance.
Per Diem
A charge calculated per day. In container operations, the term often refers to equipment-use charges. Identify the equipment, allowance, and billing rules.
Pickup Number — Pickup Reference
A reference used to authorize or identify a collection. It may differ from the container number, booking number, and bill of lading number.
POD — Proof of Delivery
A record confirming delivery, usually including a signature or electronic acknowledgment. In ocean documentation, POD can also mean “port of discharge,” so clarify the context.
Port of Discharge
The port where cargo or a container is unloaded from the vessel for the relevant ocean movement.
Port of Loading — POL
The port where cargo or a container is loaded onto the vessel for the relevant ocean movement.
Pre-Pull
Collecting a container from a terminal before its planned warehouse delivery and holding it at an agreed location. Additional trucking, storage, and equipment charges may apply.
Pre-Trip Inspection
The driver’s equipment inspection before operating the vehicle. Equipment problems identified at pickup should be reported and handled before departure.
R
Rail Billing
Shipment instructions submitted for a rail movement. Export dispatchers may ask whether a container is “rail billed,” meaning the required instructions have been entered for rail acceptance.
Rail Ramp — Intermodal Terminal
A facility where containers or trailers transfer between rail and road transportation.
Rail Storage
A charge associated with equipment remaining at a rail facility beyond the applicable allowance. Confirm the railroad’s specific rules and shipment status.
Rate Confirmation
The written record of an agreed transportation rate and service conditions. Check the locations, equipment, dates, included services, and additional-charge terms.
Reconsignment — Diversion
An authorized change to the destination, consignee, or routing after the original transportation instructions have been established.
Reefer
A refrigerated container or trailer used for temperature-controlled cargo. Confirm the required settings, power arrangements, and monitoring responsibilities.
Return Authorization
Permission or instructions to return specified equipment to a designated facility. Verify that the authorization remains valid for the planned transaction.
S
SCAC — Standard Carrier Alpha Code
A carrier identification code issued by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association and used in transportation records and systems.
Seal — Seal Number
A security device placed on container or trailer doors and its identifying number. Record the number and report discrepancies under the shipment’s procedures.
Shipper
The party tendering goods for transportation. In some documents, the named shipper may differ from the facility physically loading the freight.
Spotting
Positioning a trailer or chassis-mounted container at a designated dock or parking location.
Street Interchange
An authorized equipment handoff between motor carriers away from the usual terminal exchange. Proper documentation establishes the transfer between the parties.
Street Turn
An approved reuse of an import container for an export shipment without first returning it empty to the terminal or depot.
Stripping — Devanning
Removing cargo from a container. Receiving plans should account for the loading style, unloading equipment, and labor required.
Stuffing
Loading cargo into a container. The process includes arranging and securing the freight for the planned transportation.
T
Tare Weight
The weight of empty equipment. Specify whether the figure refers to the container, chassis, trailer, or another component.
Tariff
A published schedule of rates, charges, rules, or service conditions. Identify the applicable carrier or terminal tariff when reviewing a quoted or billed charge.
Terminal
A facility where transportation equipment or freight is received, transferred, stored, or dispatched. Always use the exact facility name and address in instructions.
TEU — Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit
A capacity measurement based on a 20-foot container. A 40-foot container represents two TEUs.
TMS — Transportation Management System
Software used to manage transportation work, including orders, dispatch, shipment updates, documents, and billing.
Tractor
The powered truck unit that pulls a trailer or a chassis carrying a container.
Transloading
Moving cargo from one container or vehicle into another. Unlike lifting an intact container between transportation modes, transloading involves handling the freight itself.
Tri-Axle Chassis
A chassis with three axles, used for certain heavy-container movements. Suitability still depends on equipment ratings, weight distribution, route limits, and any required permits.
Turn Time
The time required to complete a defined facility visit or transaction. Specify whether the measurement includes the outside queue, gate processing, and equipment handling.
TWIC — Transportation Worker Identification Credential
A security credential generally required for unescorted access to secure areas of certain regulated maritime facilities and vessels. Facility-specific access procedures still apply.
Twist Locks
The locking devices that connect a container’s corner fittings to a chassis or other compatible equipment.
U
UIIA — Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement
An industry agreement governing equipment interchange between participating motor carriers and equipment providers. Participation must be considered alongside the relevant provider’s requirements and authorization.
UN Number
A four-digit identification number used for a dangerous substance, article, or group of materials. It does not replace the proper shipping name or hazard classification.
V
VGM — Verified Gross Mass
The verified weight of a packed container, including its contents and container tare. It is required before loading packed containers onto vessels covered by the applicable SOLAS rules.
W
Waiting Time
Time spent waiting at a terminal, shipper, receiver, or other location. Record arrival and departure events and apply the allowance and billing method in the agreement.
Wheeled Container
A container already mounted on a chassis. Confirm that the chassis is suitable, serviceable, and authorized for the planned road movement.
Y
Yard Move
Repositioning equipment within a yard or between designated operating locations. Confirm whether the requested service includes any public-road movement.
Yard Storage
Holding a container, chassis, or trailer at a yard. Yard storage, chassis use, and container usage can be separate charges.
Five Distinctions That Prevent Dispatch Mistakes
1. Arrival and Availability
“The train arrived” describes a transportation event. Before assigning a pickup, obtain the container’s actual pickup status and identify anything still preventing collection.
2. Terminal Last Free Day and Empty-Return Deadline
Record both deadlines. Removing the container from the terminal does not complete the equipment-return portion of the job.
3. Container Detention and Driver Waiting Time
Ask which equipment or service the charge concerns. Avoid approving a charge described only as “detention” without identifying its basis.
4. Container Number and Shipment References
Keep the container number, booking number, bill of lading reference, and pickup authorization in separate fields. Sending the wrong reference can prevent an otherwise ready pickup.
5. Delivery and Empty Return
Track warehouse delivery, unloading completion, empty collection, and accepted return as separate milestones. A signed delivery record and an equipment-return receipt serve different purposes.
How to Use This Glossary in Daily Operations
When an unfamiliar term appears in an email, quote, or invoice, connect it to three details:
- The action: What movement, service, or event does it describe?
- The responsibility: Who must arrange, approve, or complete it?
- The timing or cost: What deadline, allowance, or charge applies?
For example, an instruction to “pre-pull before LFD” still needs a confirmed pickup deadline, an approved holding location, a delivery appointment, and agreement on the related charges.
Clear terminology becomes useful when it produces a complete instruction that the next person can act on.
Discuss your container move with Rushmore
Need help planning container transportation in Chicagoland or the Midwest? Rushmore Transportation is an asset-based drayage carrier in Franklin Park, next to the CPKC Bensenville ramp, with company drivers, company chassis and coverage at every Chicago rail ramp. Send us your pickup location, delivery address, container details and required delivery date, and we will review the movement, clarify the operating requirements and prepare a quote. Request a quote or call dispatch at (312) 238-9395.
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