Logistics & Supply Chain Glossary

Bill of Lading

A legal document issued by a carrier that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods being shipped.

Cross-Docking

A logistics practice where incoming goods are transferred directly from receiving to shipping with minimal or no storage time.

Drayage

The short-distance transport of shipping containers, typically between a port and a nearby warehouse or rail terminal.

Freight Forwarder

A company that organises shipments on behalf of businesses, coordinating carriers, routes, and customs without owning the transport vehicles.

Incoterms

Standardised international trade terms that define who is responsible for shipping costs, risk, and insurance at each stage of delivery.

Last Mile

The final leg of a delivery journey — from a distribution hub to the end customer's door.

Lead Time

The total time between placing an order and receiving the goods — including production, processing, and shipping.

SKU

A unique identifier assigned to each distinct product variant for inventory tracking and management.

Supply Chain Visibility

The ability to track goods, materials, and information as they move through every stage of the supply chain.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

An outsourced logistics provider that handles warehousing, fulfilment, shipping, or distribution on behalf of another company.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Software that controls and optimises day-to-day warehouse operations — receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping.