Navigating the terminology used in the transport and supply chain industry can be tricky, and ANDY is here to provide some clarity.
To help you better understand, we've compiled a list of essential terms and their meanings.
Rest assured; our dedicated team is always here to address any questions you may have. We are committed to ensuring you are equipped with a clear understanding and the necessary knowledge to make optimal decisions for your business.
Flatbed is a type of trailer with a flat, open platform that can optionally feature sides or a roof. It's perfect for all types of building materials such as lumber, metal, and unusual sizes. It can also accommodate less usual shapes such as coils, smaller motor equipment, logs, bagged peat moss, transformers, and pieces of machinery. Big tractors or larger equipment that exceed 10’ in height would need to be transported on a step deck or double step deck to accommodate the height.
Dry Van is the most common type of trailer used in freight transport, perfect for shipping commodities such as bales or rolls of paper, tote tanks, skids of consumer goods, pallets, bundles, and more. This type of transport is ideal for the retail and manufacturing industries.
Drayage refers to the transportation of goods over a short distance, typically from a port or rail terminal to a nearby warehouse or distribution center. Drayage is perfect for transporting products like consumer goods, raw materials, and equipment that need quick and efficient short-distance movement.
Intermodal refers to using more than one mode of transport to move goods from origin to destination. For example, a company receives merchandise from Asia where it's loaded into containers, transported to a port, loaded onto a ship, then onto a train, and finally delivered to the distribution center by truck. This coordinated approach ensures efficient transport over long distances using various transportation modes.
B-Train is a type of trailer configuration where two trailers are connected by a fifth wheel and pintle hook combination. This setup allows for greater cargo capacity (up to 90,000 lbs.) and flexibility, accommodating items like coils, slabs, and rocks.
Carrier is a company or individual responsible for transporting goods. Carriers can range from large trucking companies to individual owner-operators.
Reefer is a refrigerated trailer used to transport perishable goods that need to be kept at a specific temperature. These trailers are essential for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Dispatch refers to the coordination and assignment of trucks and drivers to transport goods. The dispatch team ensures shipments are picked up and delivered on time, providing necessary instructions and support to drivers.
FTL (Full Truckload) is a shipment that occupies the entire space of the trailer.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a shipping method used for smaller shipments that do not require a full truck, making it an optimal choice for cost-effective consolidation. It allows cargo from multiple customers to be transported together, making it an efficient and practical option.
Dock is a platform where trailers are loaded and unloaded, usually located at warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities.
Linehaul refers to the transportation of goods between major cities or terminals over long distances. It typically has more regular schedules and predefined routes, with drivers returning to their home base more frequently.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics) are companies that provide logistics services to other businesses, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution. Using a 3PL like ANDY can help your business streamline its supply chain operations.
Owner Operator is an individual who owns and operates their own trucking business, typically leasing services to larger carriers or working directly with shippers. At ANDY, we started as owner-operator business and have grown into one of North America’s Top 250 largest fleets with a modern asset-based fleet.
Over the Road (OTR) refers to long-haul trucking, where drivers transport goods across long distances, usually between cities, states, countries, and regions. OTR drivers may be on the road for extended periods, with team drivers often keeping trucks on the road for weeks.
EDI Platform (Electronic Data Interchange) is a system that allows businesses to exchange documents and data electronically. In the transport industry, EDI is used for transmitting shipping orders, invoices, and other important information.
When you partner with ANDY, you receive unparalleled expertise in ground transportation and supply chain management. We're committed to being with you every step of the way, providing you with all the information and knowledge you need to fulfill your business goals painlessly and seamlessly.