Freight Dictionary

Lane: In the context of freight, a lane refers to the specific route a shipment takes from its point of origin to its destination.

Layover: A layover occurs when a driver is required to stay for an extended period, often overnight, to await loading or unloading.

Lead Time: Lead time is the amount of time between when a client tenders a load for transportation and when it is actually picked up for delivery.

Less Than Truckload (LTL): Less Than Truckload (LTL) describes a shipment that does not require the entire capacity of a truckload trailer. It typically weighs less than 7,500 pounds and occupies less than 12 feet of trailer space.

Letter of Authority: A Letter of Authority is a license that authorizes carriers to engage in operations, both interstate and in foreign commerce.

A lift gate is a motorized platform mounted at the back of a truck or vehicle.

It uses a hydraulic system with motors, cylinders, and switches to lift or lower heavy items effortlessly.

Various liftgate types suit different vehicles and cargo requirements, enabling quick and safe transport of goods.

Their efficiency and safety make them essential for modern shipping operations.

A lift gate truck is a commercial vehicle equipped with a mechanical platform at the rear, known as a lift gate.

This platform can be raised and lowered hydraulically to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods.

Lift gate trucks are beneficial for transporting heavy or bulky items when a loading dock is unavailable.

They allow goods to be moved directly from the truck bed to the ground level.

This feature is particularly beneficial in delivery environments where manual loading and unloading would be difficult or impossible due to the weight of the cargo.

Linehaul: Linehaul is the portion of a transportation trip that occurs between the origin pick-up and the final destination delivery, typically covering inter-city distances.

Load-to-ride (LTR) refers to a freight transportation method where goods are loaded directly onto a truck at the shipping point and transported straight to the delivery destination.

This approach eliminates the need to load and unload freight at multiple terminals, unlike less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, which involves unloading, consolidating, and reloading at various terminals.

LTR streamlines the delivery process by reducing handling and potential damage, ensuring faster and more efficient transportation.

Loading Time: Loading time represents the duration required to load a truck with cargo, a critical factor in optimizing the efficiency of transportation operations.

A logistics coordinator manages the supply chain to ensure that raw materials and products reach customers and retailers on time and accurately.

They handle everything from ordering and inventory to storage and transportation.

Essentially, logistics coordinators serve as the link between companies and consumers, making sure that all orders are fulfilled successfully.

Loose Capacity: Loose capacity occurs when there are more available trucks than there are loads to be transported, often indicative of a market with excess trucking capacity.

A lumper service is a third-party team hired to unload freight from a truck trailer, making it easier for businesses to manage inbound and outbound shipments.

These skilled workers handle everything from palletized goods to loose cargo, ensuring that goods are unloaded quickly and safely.

By outsourcing this task, warehouses can significantly cut costs while focusing on other critical operations.

With their expertise in managing unitized loads and various types of cargo, lumpers ensure that products reach retailers without delay or damage.