Shipping and freight
forwarding glossary

Term	Definition
Fast-moving Items	Fast-moving items are items that have a high turnover rate. This means that they are selling quickly and are being replaced frequently. Fast-moving items are usually in high demand and are considered to be essential items.
Feeder	A feeder is a small boat or barge that transfers goods to and from smaller ports and delivers them to a larger vessel for further transportation. Smaller vessels can more easily navigate through different ports and reduce the number of stops for the larger vessel, making the overall journey more efficient.
FIATA	The International Federation of Freight Forwarding and Similar Associations (FIATA), which is in French, means The International Federation of Freight Forwarding and Similar Associations is an international trade and transport facilitation organization. It is a non-governmental organization founded in Vienna, Austria, in 1926 and in it creates documentation and forms to build a global unified freight forwarding standard. Today it represents an industry covering approximately 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms in over 150 countries.
Fifth-Party Logistics (5PL)	A Fifth-Party Logistics provider (5PL) is a company that provides a comprehensive outsourcing solution for another company’s logistics needs. 5PLs are similar to Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers, but they offer a more comprehensive and integrated approach to logistics management. 5PLs typically offer a wider range of logistics services than 3PLs, and they can often customize their services to meet the specific needs of their clients. 5PLs usually focus strongly on technology and information management, often using sophisticated systems to track and manage the logistics process.
Financial Loss	A financial loss is an economic damage that can occur during the shipping process. for example, when cash is not collected on delivery, when the supplier address is notified against the explicit instructions of the sender, or when the delivery period is exceeded.
Finished Goods	Finished goods are items that have successfully undergone or finished the production process but are not yet sold or dispersed to the final consumer.
FIFO	First In-First Out (FIFO) is a process that specifies how the items are stored. The items that are initially stored are also taken out first. This is particularly crucial in the industry where the before date must be considered. A queue is another name for such a design.
First Party Logistics (1PL)	First-party logistics is a logistics outsourcing in which a company outsources its logistics operations to a logistics service provider that is part of the same company. The logistics service provider manages the company’s supply chain and provides logistics services such as transportation, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
Flammable	Flammable means easily set on fire and burned.
Flat Rack Container	A flat rack container is an intermodal freight container used to transport heavy and oversized cargo that cannot be containerized using a standard shipping container. These containers have no sides or roof and are built with two steel beams running the length of the container on the top and bottom.
Flatbed Trailer	A flatbed trailer is a type of trailer with a flat, level surface used to transport cargo that cannot be containerized.
Flatbed Truck	A flatbed truck is a truck with a flat, level bed instead of an enclosed body. This makes it easy to load and unload heavy or unusual-shaped cargo.
Fleet Management	A fleet management system is a tool that helps businesses track and monitor their vehicles. This includes GPS tracking, maintenance records, and driver behavior. Companies can improve their efficiency and safety by using a fleet management system.
Fleet Vehicles	A fleet vehicle is a motor vehicle owned or leased by a business, government agency, or other organization rather than an individual consumer. Fleet vehicles are usually larger passenger cars or light trucks.
Flow Rack	A flow rack is a type of storage system that uses a first in, first out (FIFO) inventory management method. This system is usually used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities to ensure that products are being used in the order in which they were received.
Flowable Material	The term “flowable material” or “bulk material” refers to products without a predetermined geometric form. Sand, grit, and gravel are some examples.
Forklift	A forklift is a powered industrial truck to lift and moves heavy loads. Forklifts are used in various industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, and construction.
Form-A	Form-As are written records or certificates that attest to the origin of products from particular developing nations. This certificate is required to receive discounts or a tariff exemption for goods exported to EU nations.
Forwarding and Logistics Services	The tasks of a forwarding and logistics services provider can vary depending on the company but typically involve coordinating the transportation of goods, preparing shipping documents, and tracking shipments. They may also provide other services such as warehousing, customs clearance, and insurance.
Forwarding Agent	A forwarding agent is a company that helps manufacturers and other businesses send their products to customers and clients located in other countries. The forwarding agent handles all the paperwork and logistical details involved in shipping the products overseas, which can be a complicated and time-consuming process.
Fourth Party Logistics	Fourth-party logistics is a type of supply chain management in which a fourth party is brought in to manage all aspects of a company’s logistics operations. The fourth party is responsible for managing the company’s products’ transportation, warehousing, and distribution. This arrangement allows companies to focus on their core competencies while outsourcing logistics operations to a company specializing in these services.
Fragile Goods	Fragile goods are items that are easily damaged or broken. Some examples of fragile goods include glassware, china, and electronic equipment.
Franking	In logistics, franking determines who is responsible for paying for a shipment’s transportation. Before the products are sent out, the customer and the carrier agree on a transport contract.
Free Alongside Ship (FAS)	Free alongside ship (FAS) is a trade term that indicates that the seller has delivered goods to the side of a vessel designated by the buyer. The buyer is responsible for loading the goods onto the vessel and paying for the goods’ transportation to the destination.
Free Carriers	Free carrier means that the seller of the goods is responsible for delivering the goods to the carrier nominated by the buyer, at the seller’s own expense and risk.
Free In / Liner Out	Free In / Liner Out is a shipping arrangement where the shipper is responsible for bringing the goods to the port or terminal, and the consignee is responsible for the cost of taking the goods from the port or terminal.
Free Kerbside	Free kerb delivery refers to a type of delivery that only goes to the curb or pavement at the given address.
Free on Board	Free on board (FOB) is a trade term that indicates who is responsible for paying transportation costs. The party who pays these costs is said to have “title” to the goods.
Free on Truck	Free on a truck (FOT) is used to describe when a seller delivers goods to a buyer’s location without charging a delivery fee.
Free Trade Zone	A free trade zone is where trade barriers have been lowered or eliminated, and businesses can operate without restrictions. Free trade zones are often established near ports or airports to take advantage of these locations’ increased trade activity.
Freeboard	A freeboard is a distance between the waterline and the deck of a ship.
Freight	The term freight refers to the goods or commodities transported by a carrier, typically by ship, airplane, train, or truck.
Freight All Kinds (FAK)	Freight All Kinds (FAK) is a term used in the shipping industry to describe pricing for shipping goods. FAK prices are based on the type of goods being shipped rather than the weight or volume of the shipment. This kind of pricing is often used for shipments of mixed goods or for shipments that are difficult to quantify by weight or volume.
Freight and Cargo Exchange	A Freight and Cargo Exchange is an online marketplace where shippers and carriers can connect to find the best possible shipping solution. The Exchange provides a platform for shippers to list their cargo and for carriers to find available loads.
Freight Broker	A freight broker is a company that connects shippers with trucking companies. A broker does not physically transport the goods but acts as a middleman between the two companies.
Freight Brokerage	Freight brokerage is the business of matching shippers with available carriers, negotiating rates, and arranging transportation for shipments. Freight brokers typically work with multiple carriers and can arrange for the transport of goods by truck, rail, ship, or plane.
Freight Carrier	A freight carrier is a company that specializes in the shipping and transportation of large items, often via truck or train. These companies typically have a network of terminals and warehouses across the country, allowing them to move goods quickly and efficiently.
Freight Charge	A freight charge is a monetary amount charged by a company for the shipping of goods. This fee is generally based on the weight, size, and distance of the shipment.
Freight Claim	A freight claim is a formal request made to an insurance company to reimburse damages to lost or damaged goods during shipping.
Freight Collect	Freight collection is a shipping term that indicates that the recipient of a shipment is responsible for paying the freight charges. This contrasts with shipping terms like prepaid or third-party billing, in which the shipper pays the freight charges.
Freight Exchange	A freight exchange is an online marketplace where shippers and carriers can connect to arrange freight transport. These exchanges typically allow carriers to bid on shipments and provide tools and information that help shippers and carriers find the best possible shipping options.
Freight Forwarder	A freight forwarder is a company that provides logistic solutions for businesses shipping goods internationally. A freight forwarder will typically handle the shipping process from start to finish, which includes booking cargo space on behalf of the shipper, negotiating rates with carriers, and arranging for customs clearance.
Freight Forwarding	Freight forwarding is a service that helps companies ship their products internationally. The freight forwarder will pick up the products from the company’s facility and transport them to the port. They will then coordinate with the shipping company to have the products loaded onto the vessel and transported to the destination country.
Freight Management	Freight management is the process of organizing and coordinating the transportation of goods. This includes the management of shipping documents, tracking shipments, and coordinating with suppliers and customers.
Freight Offer	A freight offer is a document containing a carrier’s offer to transport goods for a shipper. The offer generally includes information about the type of equipment the carrier has available, the rate they are willing to charge, and the terms they are ready to provide.
Freight Prepaid	Freight prepaid is a term used to describe a shipping arrangement in which the sender pays for the shipping costs upfront. This can be beneficial for both the sender and the recipient, as it can help to ensure that the shipment arrives on time and that the recipient does not have to pay for any unexpected shipping charges.
Freight Rate	A freight rate is a price charged by a carrier for the transportation of goods. The rate is typically given per unit of measures, such as per ton or mile, and is based on the type of commodity being shipped, the mode of transportation, and the distance the goods will be transported.
Freight Search	Freight Search is a search engine designed specifically for the freight industry. It allows users to search for freight companies, trucking companies, and other logistics providers by location, service, and other criteria.
Freight Space Exchange	Freight Space Exchange is an online marketplace that connects shippers with available truckload capacity. The platform allows shippers to post their load requirements and gives trucking companies real-time visibility into loads that need to be hauled. This enables trucking companies to fill empty trucks and avoid deadhead miles while providing shippers a more efficient and cost-effective way to move their freight.
Freight Transport Association (FTA)	The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is the leading trade association representing the interests of the freight logistics industry in the United Kingdom.
Frigo Transport	Frigo transport is a transportation company specializing in the transport of perishable goods.
Frozen Food Labels	Frozen food labels are simply labels that are placed on frozen food products. These labels typically include the product name, the date the product was frozen, and the expiration date.
Fulfilment	Fulfilment is the process of receiving and processing customer orders. This includes managing inventory, picking and packing orders, and shipping them to the customer. A Fulfilment service is a company that specializes in providing these services to businesses.
Full-Container-Load (FCL)	Full-container-load (FCL) is a type of container shipping where a single shipper loads an entire 20- or 40-foot container with cargo and exports it.
Full Liner Terms (FLT)	Full liner terms are a type of maritime shipping contract in which the shipper pays for the entire cost of transporting goods, including the vessel, fuel, crew, and other related expenses.
Full Truckload (FTL)	Full truckload shipping is when a shipper rents an entire truck from a trucking company to transport their goods.
Fumigated Pallets	Fumigated pallets are a type of wooden pallet treated with chemicals to kill pests. This treatment is typically done using a fumigant, a gas released into the air to kill insects and other problems. Fumigated pallets are often used in industries where products such as food and pharmaceuticals need to be shipped and stored in a pest-free environment.
Fumigation	Fumigation is a method of pest control that fills an area with gaseous pesticides—or fumigants—to suffocate or poison the pests inside.
Fumigation Certificate	A fumigation certificate states that a shipment and its packaging have been appropriately fumigated. The licensing authority issues it. Without the certificate, no shipment will be cleared by any nations who demand it.