Shipping Acronyms You Need to Know

When it comes to shipping, it can be easy to feel out of the loop thanks to the different acronyms that you’ll encounter. Whether you work in the transportation industry or you simply need to place an order, memorizing the meaning of the most common acronyms can help you get your bearings. Here is an introduction to some of the most popular shipping acronyms. 

BOL
This acronym stands for bill of lading. A bill of lading is a legal document that serves several purposes. Along with being a receipt that is delivered along with the shipment, a bill of lading shows that the driver is entitled to deliver the freight. Once the shipment is delivered, the bill of lading must be signed by a representative of the party that receives it. 

GVW

This acronym stands for Gross Vehicle Weight, which means the combined weight of the delivery vehicle and its cargo. The maximum amount of weight that a delivery vehicle is allowed to have is known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR. 

FAK

This acronym stands for freight of all kinds. It simply means that several different types of products are being counted as part of the same load, so that the shipping and invoicing process will be easier. 

NMFC

This acronym stands for National Motor Freight Classification, which defines the category of the cargo that delivery drivers are carrying. The categories range from 50 to 500. The category that your cargo falls into is based on how much space it takes up, how easy it is to stow, how easy it is to handle, and whether it requires any special treatment in order to keep safe. 

When you need to be confident that your package will arrive on time, you can put your faith in the Tucson team at Xcel Delivery Services. Our customers know they can trust us to provide them with exceptional delivery services, so your items will get to their destination on schedule. If you’d like to learn more, you can connect with us by calling (520) 355-4897.

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