Logistics Terms for Transportation Modes

Most Important or Commonly Used Logistics Acronyms

Logistics Terms for Transportation Modes

TL & FTL (Truckload & Full-Truckload)
TL & FTL are shipment of freight that are loaded to a trailer’s maximum capacity, or maximum weight.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)
LTL means a shipment of small freight that doesn’t require the use of an entire trailer. LTL is typically utilized when freight weighs between 150 and 15,000 pounds and occupies no more than 10 pallet spaces on the trailer.
INT (Intermodal)
INT or intermodal mean involving two or more different modes of transportation. The most common form of intermodal shipping is a freight train.
OTR (Over-The-Road)
OTR refers to transport mode for shipping materials over long distances, as opposed to local routes.

Logistics Terms for Transportation Organizations

DOT (Department of Transportation)
The federal department responsible for the national highways, railroad and airline safety.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
The federal agency within the DOT that regulates the trucking industry in the United States.
3PL (Third-Party-Logistics)
Outsourced logistics services encompassing management of one or more facets of procurement, transportation and fulfillment activities.

Logistics Terms for Updates & Operations

TMS (Transportation Management System)
A system or software used in supply chain and warehousing operations to account for inventory, fill customer orders and book transportation.