Supply Chain & Logistics Glossary
Supply chain and logistics professionals speak their own language. Here’s your guide to cracking the code.
What Is FTL (Full Truckload)?
Full truckload (FTL) is a shipping method that uses an entire truck’s capacity for a single shipment. Shipments move directly from one site to another site or sites: Manufacturing plant to the warehouse, warehouse to the customer, warehouse to the retail store, possibly with a few stops in between. An FTL shipment could make one stop or multiple stops at one or multiple clients. Flatbeds, temperature-controlled trucks, dry vans, heavy haulers or specialized freight trucks can all offer full truckload service. Shipments stay in the same truck from pickup to drop-off, and customers do not share cargo space.
What Is a Gantry Crane?
A gantry crane is a large, movable crane with a bridge-like structure that spans an area, often used in shipping yards or warehouses to lift and move heavy containers or goods.
What Is Goods-to-Man?
Goods-to-man is a material handling concept that brings items directly to the worker (rather than the worker going to retrieve them). When executed properly, this concept improves efficiency in order picking and reduces travel time.
What Is a Gravity Conveyor?
A gravity conveyor is a conveyor system that relies on gravity to move items along a sloped or declined surface, typically used for transporting packages or cartons.
What Is a Hand Pallet Truck?
A hand pallet truck, also known as a pallet jack, is a manual device that lifts and moves palletized loads within a warehouse or distribution center.
What Is a Hand Truck?
A hand truck is a two-wheeled cart with handles. Workers use hand trucks to transport heavy or bulky items short distances.
What Are Hazardous Materials?
Hazardous materials are substances that pose a risk to health, safety or the environment during transportation, storage or handling. Examples include chemicals, flammable liquids and radioactive materials. Many hazardous materials require special handling, documentation and placards on your containers and transportation modes.
What Is IBP (Integrated Business Planning)?
Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is a strategic process that aligns business goals, demand planning, supply chain and financials to optimize overall performance.
What Is Inbound Logistics?
Inbound Logistics refers to the management of materials, components and goods flowing into an organization, including transportation, warehousing and inventory control.
What Are Incoterms?
Incoterms are international commercial terms that define responsibilities and costs between buyers and sellers during international trade transactions. They determine which parties in the transaction are responsible for liability and when liability transfers from one party to another.
