Glossary
Blind Shipment
Blind Shipment
When a third party controls the transport of freight but does not want the shipper or consignee to know the name of the third party. Blind delivery is a way to drop‑ship products from a seller to a customer without disclosing a third‑party or warehouse location. This refers to shipping items without anything identifying PTI.
BKO
BKO
Back order; out of stock.
Board Grade
Board Grade
A grade given to corrugated board based on three elements; firstly, the weight and type of outer liner, secondly the type of flute and thirdly the weight and type of inner liner.
BOL (Bill of Lading)
BOL (Bill of Lading)
The official legal document representing ownership of cargo. It is a negotiable document confirming the receipt of cargoes, and the contract for the carriage of cargoes between the shipper and the carrier.
Booking Number
Booking Number
A reference number for bookings registered with a carrier. It should be unique without duplication for a three‑year period.
Break Strength
Break Strength
The amount of force required to break an item; generally given in pounds or pounds per square inch.
Broker
Broker
An individual, partnership or corporation which arranges transportation service for client companies.
Bulk
Bulk
Sold in large quantities.
Bundle
Bundle
Product that is tied, banded or wrapped together.
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Biodegradable
Biodegradable
The degradation of material from naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi or algae over a period of time.
Basis Weight
Basis Weight
The weight measured in lbs, of 500 sheets (a ream) of paper cut to a standard size (24×36″).
Act of God
Act of God
An act beyond human control, such as lightning, flood or earthquake.
Adhesive
Adhesive
Any material which is applied to form a bond between two surfaces.
Advance Notification
Advance Notification
If a carrier needs to notify a consignee before making a delivery, they charge a fee for the extra work.
Air Cargo Shipments/Packaging
Air Cargo Shipments/Packaging
Use to safely transfer bulk product from one site to another.
Ambient Temperature
Ambient Temperature
The temperature of a surrounding body. The ambient temperature of a container is the atmospheric temperature to which it is exposed.
Antistatic
Antistatic
A form of protective packaging which combats static discharge to safeguard items stored within.
Assembly (Assembled)
Assembly (Assembled)
A line/process to put together all the parts and components in order to make the finished product.
Assignment
Assignment
A term commonly used in connection with a bill of lading. It involves the transfer of rights, title and interest in order to assign goods by endorsing the bill of lading.
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Bag
Bag
A preformed, flexible container, generally enclosed on all but one side, which forms an opening that may or may not be sealed after filling. Different types of bags include stock and custom polybags, shrink bags, shipping bags, protective mailing bags, bags with air vent holes, currency bags, anti‑static bags, double‑wall bags, trash can liners, recycled bags, specimen/bio‑hazard bags, ice bags, ziplock bags, vinyl cosmetic bags, garment bags, sports bags, specialty bags, cloth bags, reclosable bags, and bags made with specialty films. Graphics and color printing options are available.
Bale
Bale
A large bundle or package prepared for shipping, storage, or sale. Usually tightly compressed and secured by wires, hoops, or cords.
Banding
Banding
Something that binds, ties, or encircles the package or container to secure and maintain unit integrity.
Barrier Material
Barrier Material
A packaging material designed to eliminate the passage of gas, moisture and environmental constituents.
Anti‑Static
Anti‑Static
Preventing or inhibiting the buildup of static electricity.
200 lb Test
200 lb Test
This is a test certification for a corrugated box made with mullen liners. The test determines the bursting strength of a flat specimen of paper, paperboard, film, foil, plywood, corrugated fiberboard, solid fiberboard or other material. Mullen value is determined by the amount of pressure a box can withstand before bursting or being punctured. The weight of the board’s liner constitutes the bulk of the bursting strength.
Mullen values are given as a three-digit number, such as 200 lb, and the higher the value the stronger the board.
32 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
32 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
This is a true performance test and is directly related to the stacking strength of a carton. ECT is a measure of the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. It is measured by compressing a small segment of board on edge between two rigid platens or plates perpendicular to the direction of the flutes until a peak load is established. This is measured in pounds per lineal inch of load bearing edge (lb/in), but usually reported as an ECT value (for example, 32 ECT).
44 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
44 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
This is a true performance test and is directly related to the stacking strength of a carton. ECT is a measure of the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. It is measured by compressing a small segment of board on edge between two rigid platens or plates perpendicular to the direction of the flutes until a peak load is established. This is measured in pounds per lineal inch of load bearing edge (lb/in), but usually reported as an ECT value (for example, 44 ECT).
Accessorial Charges
Accessorial Charges
Special instructions and/or needs at delivery. Examples include but are not limited to: liftgate, delivery appointment, residential, limited access, delivery inside facility, delivery notification, university location, construction site delivery, pup truck or straight truck etc. Accessorial charges are applied to the base tariff rate or base contract rate.
Acquiescence
Acquiescence
When a bill of lading is accepted or signed by a shipper or shipper’s agent without protest, the shipper is said to acquiesce to the terms, giving a silent form of consent.
BOL (Bill of Lading)
BOL (Bill of Lading)
The official legal document representing ownership of cargo. It is a negotiable document confirming the receipt of cargoes, and the contract for the carriage of cargoes between the shipper and the carrier.
Dimensional Weight
Dimensional Weight
Air freight standard formula considering density when determining charges.
200 lb Test
200 lb Test
This is a test certification for a corrugated box made with mullen liners. The test determines the bursting strength of a flat specimen of paper, paperboard, film, foil, plywood, corrugated fiberboard, solid fiberboard or other material. Mullen value is determined by the amount of pressure a box can withstand before bursting or being punctured. The weight of the board’s liner constitutes the bulk of the bursting strength.
Mullen values are given as a three-digit number, such as 200 lb, and the higher the value the stronger the board.
32 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
32 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
This is a true performance test and is directly related to the stacking strength of a carton. ECT is a measure of the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. It is measured by compressing a small segment of board on edge between two rigid platens or plates perpendicular to the direction of the flutes until a peak load is established. This is measured in pounds per lineal inch of load bearing edge (lb/in), but usually reported as an ECT value (for example, 32 ECT).
44 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
44 ECT — Edge Crush Test (ECT)
This is a true performance test and is directly related to the stacking strength of a carton. ECT is a measure of the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. It is measured by compressing a small segment of board on edge between two rigid platens or plates perpendicular to the direction of the flutes until a peak load is established. This is measured in pounds per lineal inch of load bearing edge (lb/in), but usually reported as an ECT value (for example, 44 ECT).
4G
Used to describe common boxes and shipping kits associated with a packaging group that consists of multiple components tested and rated together. All components are tested together as a single unit to arrive at the desired test result; therefore, each component is an integral part of the package and may not be substituted.
Accessorial Charges
Accessorial Charges
Special instructions and/or needs at delivery. Examples include but are not limited to: liftgate, delivery appointment, residential, limited access, delivery inside facility, delivery notification, university location, construction site delivery, pup truck or straight truck etc. Accessorial charges are applied to the base tariff rate or base contract rate.
Anti‑Static
Anti‑Static
Preventing or inhibiting the buildup of static electricity.
Acquiescence
Acquiescence
When a bill of lading is accepted or signed by a shipper or shipper’s agent without protest, the shipper is said to acquiesce to the terms, giving a silent form of consent.
Act of God
Act of God
An act beyond human control, such as lightning, flood or earthquake.
Adhesive
Adhesive
Any material which is applied to form a bond between two surfaces.
Advance Notification
Advance Notification
If a carrier needs to notify a consignee before making a delivery, they charge a fee for the extra work.
Air Cargo Shipments/Packaging
Air Cargo Shipments/Packaging
Use to safely transfer bulk product from one site to another.
Ambient Temperature
Ambient Temperature
The temperature of a surrounding body. The ambient temperature of a container is the atmospheric temperature to which it is exposed.
Antistatic
Antistatic
A form of protective packaging which combats static discharge to safeguard items stored within.
Assembly (Assembled)
Assembly (Assembled)
A line/process to put together all the parts and components in order to make the finished product.
Assignment
Assignment
A term commonly used in connection with a bill of lading. It involves the transfer of rights, title and interest in order to assign goods by endorsing the bill of lading.
Bag
Bag
A preformed, flexible container, generally enclosed on all but one side, which forms an opening that may or may not be sealed after filling. Different types of bags include stock and custom polybags, shrink bags, shipping bags, protective mailing bags, bags with air vent holes, currency bags, anti‑static bags, double‑wall bags, trash can liners, recycled bags, specimen/bio‑hazard bags, ice bags, ziplock bags, vinyl cosmetic bags, garment bags, sports bags, specialty bags, cloth bags, reclosable bags, and bags made with specialty films. Graphics and color printing options are available.
Bale
Bale
A large bundle or package prepared for shipping, storage, or sale. Usually tightly compressed and secured by wires, hoops, or cords.
Banding
Banding
Something that binds, ties, or encircles the package or container to secure and maintain unit integrity.
Barrier Material
Barrier Material
A packaging material designed to eliminate the passage of gas, moisture and environmental constituents.
Basis Weight
Basis Weight
The weight measured in lbs, of 500 sheets (a ream) of paper cut to a standard size (24×36″).
Biodegradable
Biodegradable
The degradation of material from naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi or algae over a period of time.
Blind Shipment
Blind Shipment
When a third party controls the transport of freight but does not want the shipper or consignee to know the name of the third party. Blind delivery is a way to drop‑ship products from a seller to a customer without disclosing a third‑party or warehouse location. This refers to shipping items without anything identifying PTI.
BKO
BKO
Back order; out of stock.
Board Grade
Board Grade
A grade given to corrugated board based on three elements; firstly, the weight and type of outer liner, secondly the type of flute and thirdly the weight and type of inner liner.
Booking Number
Booking Number
A reference number for bookings registered with a carrier. It should be unique without duplication for a three‑year period.
Break Strength
Break Strength
The amount of force required to break an item; generally given in pounds or pounds per square inch.
Broker
Broker
An individual, partnership or corporation which arranges transportation service for client companies.
Bulk
Bulk
Sold in large quantities.
Bundle
Product that is tied, banded or wrapped together.
Calibrate
Calibrate
To adjust scale so accurate weight or count is displayed.
Camera Ready Artwork
Camera Ready Artwork
Original artwork ready for photography; or artwork prepared on computer to scale, black and white; crisp and clear. If more than one color, it needs to be color separated.
Capacity
Capacity
The volume of space inside a container provided for a given amount of product.
Cargo
Cargo
Freight loaded into a ship.
Carrier
Carrier
Any individual, company or corporation contracted in transporting cargoes by rail, road, sea, air, inland waterway or by a combination.
Carton
Carton
Box or container usually made of cardboard, in which product is packaged.
Case
Case
Price per master pack or over pack containing multiple units of the same product.
Cavity
Cavity
In plastic shape molding, the parts of the mold that combine to provide the container body shape.
Centerfold
Centerfold
Shrink film folded in half and wound on the roll. When unfolded, the width listed is doubled.
Certificate of Origin
Certificate of Origin
Document certifying country of origin of goods, issued/signed by government dept., chamber of commerce or embassy.
Cert Stamp
Cert Stamp
Required by packing regulations to be printed on the bottom outside flap of each corrugated box. Signifies the makeup of the box.
CFC’s (Chloro‑Floro Carbons)
CFC’s (Chloro‑Floro Carbons)
Ozone depleting chemicals, harmful to environment. Mainly found in spray cans.
Chipboard
Chipboard
Low quality non‑test paperboard made of waste paper for use where specified strength or quality is not necessary.
Chock
Chock
A piece of wood or other material placed at the side of cargo to prevent rolling or moving sideways.
CIF USA
CIF USA
Consignor and consignee: consignor is the sender and the consignee is the recipient.
Claim
Claim
A demand for payment, credit, or replacement on account of a loss sustained through alleged negligence.
Clamshell
Clamshell
Rigid container with a hinged lid and snap closure.
Closures
Closures
Techniques used to seal packaging: taped, stapled, glued, strapped, etc.
CMYK
CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black. 4‑color process printing.
Coatings
Placed on corrugated for waterproof, anti‑abrasion, anti‑corrosion, pantone color matching.
Commercial Invoice
Commercial Invoice
Complete record of the transaction between exporter and importer; basis for other documents.
Commodity
Commodity
Article shipped; proper identification critical for hazardous cargo.
Common Carrier
Common Carrier
Transportation company providing service to the public at published rates.
Consignee
Consignee
Person or company to whom commodities are shipped.
Consignor
Consignor
Person or company shown on the bill of lading as the shipper.
Container Load
Container Load
Load sufficient to fill a container by cube or weight.
Container Seal Number
Container Seal Number
Number embossed on high‑security seals for closing freight containers, for identification.
Container Size
Container Size
20′, 40′, 45′ lengths.
Container Type
Container Type
Dry cargo, reefer, open top, flat‑rack, open‑side, etc.
Concealed Damage
Concealed Damage
Damage not evident from viewing the unopened package.
Corner Reinforcement
Corner Reinforcement
Components attached to panels to add support or prevent crushing or separation.
Cost Insurance Freight
Cost Insurance Freight
Term of sale. The shipper is responsible for those factors up to that point.
Class 3 rating
Class 3 rating
Legal for trade. NTEP approved.
COD
COD
Collect on Delivery.
Convoluted Foam
Convoluted Foam
Egg carton shaped foam.
Corner Boards
Corner Boards
Edge protectors.
Corrugated Board
Corrugated Board
Board comprising fluted medium(s) and liner(s); single, double, triple wall.
Crate
Crate
Large container used for transporting/storing large, heavy or fragile items.
Cu.
Cu.
Cubic. Unit of volume.
Cubic Foot
Cubic Foot
1,728 cubic inches.
Cubic Volume
Cubic Volume
Volume inside a box: length × width × height.
Cushioning
Cushioning
Packaging cushioning used to protect fragile items during transit.
Customs
Customs
Government agency enforcing import/export rules.
Customs Broker
Private business providing documentation/entry prep services for Customs.
D Container
D Container
Heavy‑duty Double Wall bulk cargo box 58×42×45 in, ~1,200 lb capacity.
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
Seller clears goods for export, responsible to named place not cleared for import.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
Seller clears export and import, pays duty and tax.
Debossing
Debossing
Depressing below surface level to form lettering/decoration.
Delivery/Dock Appointment
Delivery/Dock Appointment
Preset time for delivery made with the consignee.
Delivery Instructions
Delivery Instructions
Order to pick up goods at a named place and deliver them to a pier; also called shipping delivery order.
Density
Density
Degree of compactness; weight per unit volume.
Destination
Destination
Final destination where carrier turns over cargo to consignee/agent.
Detention (Demurrage)
Detention (Demurrage)
Penalty charge for delaying carriers beyond allowed time.
Dimensions
Dimensions
L × W × H; inside vs outside.
Disposal
Disposal
Any end‑of‑life process including recycling, reuse, composting, incineration, landfilling.
Divert
Divert
Route changed in transit; reconsign.
Dock
Dock
Loading/unloading platform.
DOT
DOT
Department of Transportation.
Double‑Wall Corrugated
Double‑Wall Corrugated
Two mediums between three liners.
Draw‑down
Draw‑down
Ink chemist’s method to determine color shade.
Drop Test
Drop Test
Specified drops to assess impact resistance.
Dunnage
Materials used to protect goods from moisture, contamination and damage.
Each
Each
Price per single unit.
E Container
E Container
Large double‑wall corrugated bulk box 41.25 × 28.25 × 24.25 in; 275# bursting strength.
ECT — Edge Crush Test
ECT — Edge Crush Test
Measure of edgewise compressive strength; stacking strength indicator.
Edge Protector
Edge Protector
Angle piece fitted over edges to prevent band pressure cutting into packages.
Egg Crating
Egg Crating
Foam pad with multiple indentations like an egg carton.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Electronic transmission of routine business documents in a standard format.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Transfer of electrostatic charge between objects of different potential.
Emboss
Emboss
Raised design/lettering via dies/rollers/press.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
Closed‑cell foam with thermal insulation and impact resistance.
ESD Sensitive Material
ESD Sensitive Material
Material sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
ETA
ETA
Estimated time of availability/arrival.
Ex Works
Ex Works
Seller makes goods available at premises; buyer bears costs/risks thereafter.
Exceptions
Exceptions
Irregularities noted on delivery receipt (shortage/damage).
Expand‑Em
Expand‑Em
Top and bottom style containers used to create multiple shippers from two pieces.
Expedited Freight
Expedited Freight
Time‑sensitive transportation for perishables or urgent items.
Export
Shipment of goods to another country.
Faraday Cage
Faraday Cage
Conductive enclosure providing electrostatic shielding.
FDA
FDA
Food & Drug Administration.
FIFO
FIFO
First In First Out.
Final Destination
Final Destination
End point where liability ends.
Flute
Flute
Wave shapes in corrugated medium; C, B, E, A flute thicknesses.
FOB (Freight on Board)
FOB (Freight on Board)
Shipping term indicating who pays transportation charges; where ownership transfers.
FOB Destination
FOB Destination
Title and risk remain with seller until delivery to specified location.
FOB Origin
FOB Origin
Title and risk pass to buyer when seller delivers goods to the carrier.
FOL
FOL
Box flaps completely overlap.
Force Majeure
Force Majeure
Clause exempting parties due to conditions beyond control.
Freight
Freight
Goods to be transported; also price paid to carrier.
Freight Collect
Freight Collect
Freight/charges payable at destination.
Freight Forwarder
Freight Forwarder
Combines LTL into TL; issues bills of lading; accepts responsibility.
Freight Prepaid
Freight Prepaid
Freight paid by shipper before release of original bill of lading.
Freight Prepaid & Add
Freight Prepaid & Add
Freight paid by shipper and added to invoice.
F‑Style Can
F‑Style Can
Rectangular metal can with pouring spout.
FTL
FTL
Full Truck Load.
Full Overlap Container (FOL)
RSC variant where both outer flaps fully overlap.
GA.
GA.
Gauge.
Gaylord
Large/bulk corrugated box for shipment/storage/moving.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
Systematic approach to control food safety hazards.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
Materials defined by DOT posing risk to health, safety or property.
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
Stiff, chemical‑resistant resin with good ESCR; common in blow molding.
Heat‑Seal
Heat‑Seal
Uniting surfaces by fusion under controlled temperature, pressure and time.
Hermetic Seal
Hermetic Seal
Airtight and leakproof seal.
Hot Stamping
Hot Stamping
Decorating technique embossing metal foils onto plastic.
HSC
Half Slotted Container; flaps on one side only.
IATA
IATA
International Air Transport Association.
IBC — Intermediate Bulk Container
IBC — Intermediate Bulk Container
Container capable of transporting/storing ≥ 1,000 lb.
IBC’s
IBC’s
Rigid/flexible IBCs; multi‑use industrial containers.
ID (Inside Dimensions)
ID (Inside Dimensions)
Length, width, depth of inside of a case/box.
Incoterms
Incoterms
ICC rules defining responsibilities of sellers/buyers under sales contracts.
Incoterms (any mode): EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAT, DAP, DDP.
Incoterms (sea/inland waterway): FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF.
Inside Delivery/Pickup
Inside Delivery/Pickup
Beyond curb; extra cost.
Inspection Certificate
Inspection Certificate
Issued by independent agent attesting quality/quantity.
Insulated Container
Insulated Container
Container insulated on all sides.
Intermediate Container
Intermediate Container
Wrap/box/bundle containing two or more unit packs.
Intermodal (Multimodal)
Intermodal (Multimodal)
Shipment moves by more than one mode.
ISTA
International Safe Transit Association; packaging/testing standards.
JIT
Just In Time inventory method.
KD — Knocked Down
KD — Knocked Down
Reduced cubic footage; assembled/re‑assembled.
Kraft
Sulphate process wood pulp; strong brown paper/board.
Labels
Labels
Various label types; printing/decorating options available.
Laminate
Laminate
Film applied to enhance packaging properties.
LDPE
LDPE
Low density polyethylene; less rigid than HDPE; glossy when colored.
Lead Time
Lead Time
Time from initial order to time it ships.
LTL — Less‑than‑Truckload
LTL — Less‑than‑Truckload
Goods < 10,000 lb consolidated on one trailer.
Liftgate
Liftgate
Hydraulic platform to raise/lower shipments.
Lignin
Lignin
Natural substance in wood binding/strengthening fibers.
Limited Access
Limited Access
Extra work to make a delivery; added fees.
Linehaul
Linehaul
Movement between terminals; excludes pickup/delivery.
Liner
Liner
Material separating product from container walls.
Liner Board
Liner Board
Paperboard used in corrugated cartons.
Liter
Liter
1.06 US quarts or 33.9 fl oz.
LLDPE
Linear low density polyethylene.
Magnum
Magnum
Glass bottle, capacity two‑fifths U.S. gallon.
Manifest (Shipping Manifest)
Manifest (Shipping Manifest)
Document listing bills of lading issued by a vessel; customs use.
Marking (Marks)
Marking (Marks)
Symbols on packages to identify contents.
Maximum Payload
Maximum Payload
Max cargo by weight or volume in a container.
Meter
Meter
~39.37 inches.
Michelman Coated Boxes
Michelman Coated Boxes
Corrugated with WRA interior liner coating; abrasion protection; FDA approved.
Micron
Micron
Metric equivalent to gauge.
Mile
Mile
5,280 feet; nautical mile 6,076.115 feet.
Minimum charge
Minimum charge
Lowest charge for which a shipment will be handled after discounts.
MSDS — See SDS
MSDS — See SDS
Material Safety Data Sheet.
Mullen
Bursting strength test for boards and materials; higher number, stronger board.
Nested (Nestable)
Nested (Nestable)
Articles packed so one rests within another, reducing cubic displacement.
Net Weight
Net Weight
Weight of goods alone without immediate wrappings.
Nominal
Nominal
Exact intended value for a parameter; tolerances are deviations.
NTEP
National Type Evaluation Program; legal for trade approval.
OD
OD
Outside dimension.
OHM
OHM
Unit of electrical resistance.
Opaque
Opaque
Impenetrable by radiant energy.
OPF
OPF
Open Panel Folder; similar to EZ fold mailers.
ORM‑D
ORM‑D
Other Regulated Material (D).
ORM‑D‑Air
ORM‑D‑Air
ORM‑D shipped by air cargo.
Oscillated Strapping
Oscillated Strapping
Wound like a spool of thread.
Overpack
Outer container enclosing/protecting one or more inner containers.
Package Development
Package Development
Concept, design, prototypes, decorating, costing, coordination.
Package Testing Service
Package Testing Service
Evaluation of packaging materials; thermal, shock, vibration, tear, creep, burst, altitude, etc.
Packaging Component
Packaging Component
Stand‑alone element of a package; labels/adhesives included.
Packing List
Packing List
Itemized list of commodities with marks/numbers; no cost values indicated.
Packing Supplies
Packing Supplies
Tapes, adhesives, equipment, wraps, envelopes, cartons, partitions, pads, bags, strapping, labels, netting, pouches, covers, liners, desiccants, etc.
Painted Strapping
Painted Strapping
Paint‑coated for corrosion resistance/improved performance.
Pallet (Skid)
Pallet (Skid)
Portable platform for handling/storing/moving materials; PTI does not charge by the pallet.
Pallet Box
Pallet Box
Container with attached pallet base or one requiring a platform.
Panel
Panel
Multipiece.
Pantone
Pantone
Color matching system.
Partition (Partitioning)
Partition (Partitioning)
Separators/dividers inserted between tiers or layers.
Per Diem
Per Diem
Charge based on fixed daily rate.
Performance Testing
Performance Testing
Evaluation of distribution package suitability.
Perishable Cargo
Perishable Cargo
Cargo subject to decay/deterioration.
Pieces
Pieces
Portions of an object produced by cutting/tearing/breaking.
Plastic Recycling Code
Plastic Recycling Code
Triangle with number and letters indicating resin type (1–7).
Plastics, Blow Molding/Extrusion
Plastics, Blow Molding/Extrusion
Process to make thin‑walled containers via parison inflated in mold.
Plastics, Injection Molded
Plastics, Injection Molded
Molten resin injected into mold under pressure; ejected finished part.
Plastics, Rotational (Roto) Molded
Plastics, Rotational (Roto) Molded
Powder in heated rotating mold builds thickness by gravity.
Plastics, Shape Molded
Plastics, Shape Molded
Aluminum mold processed similar to injection molding; resins include EPS/EPE/EPP.
Plastics, Thermoforming
Plastics, Thermoforming
Heated sheet stretched over die with vacuum; cups, lids, boxes, clamshells.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene
Thermoplastic; low/medium/high density.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene
Thermoplastic derived from styrene; good dielectric properties; water/weather resistance.
PMS
PMS
Pantone Matching System.
POD
POD
Proof of Delivery.
Polyolefin
Polyolefin
Strong petrochemical film, waterproof, similar to Tyvek.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene
Strong petrochemical film with stretch; does not break easily.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Petrochemical film; quiet release; minimal stretch; stiffer than polypropylene.
Pouch
Pouch
Preformed flexible container with gusseted bottom.
Prepaid (Ppd.)
Prepaid (Ppd.)
Freight paid by consignor and added to invoice.
Prepaid & Add
Prepaid & Add
Same as above.
Pre‑Stretched Stretch Wrap
Pre‑Stretched Stretch Wrap
Stretch wrap pre‑stretched to optimal level.
Primary Packaging
Primary Packaging
Packaging that immediately envelopes a product; main barrier.
Proofing
Testing artwork/structure before final plates/tooling.
Quotation
Quotation
Offer to sell goods at a stated price and terms.
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Re‑consignment
Re‑consignment
Changing consignee or destination on a bill of lading in transit.
Recyclable
Recyclable
Materials processed for reuse.
Redelivery
Redelivery
Carrier redelivers due to issues like no recipient, rejected shipment, missing equipment.
Regrind
Regrind
Ground material from flash/trimmings blended with virgin material for remolding.
Reefer
Reefer
Temperature‑controlled container with built‑in refrigeration unit.
Residential Service
Residential Service
Deliveries to/from residential zones may incur additional fees.
Resistivity
Resistivity
Ability of a material to conduct current.
RH
RH
Relative humidity.
Ribbon Wound Strapping
Ribbon Wound Strapping
Rolled like tape; layers cover each other.
ROHS
ROHS
Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances.
RSC (Regular Slotted Container)
RSC (Regular Slotted Container)
Most common box style; outer flaps meet at center.
R‑Value
R‑Value
Thermal resistance of insulating material; higher is better.
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SDS
SDS
Safety Data Sheet.
Secondary Packaging
Secondary Packaging
Outer package protecting product during shipping/distribution.
Shipment
Shipment
One lot tendered at one time from one shipper to one consignee on one BOL.
Shipper
Shipper
Supplier/owner of commodities shipped; consignor.
Shipper’s agent
Shipper’s agent
Arranges TL/container load transportation; warehousing/loading services.
Shipper’s Instructions
Shipper’s Instructions
Communications to agent/carrier regarding B/L, pickup, delivery.
Shipping documents
Shipping documents
Bills of lading, packing slips, customs paperwork, manifests, shipment bills.
Shortage
Shortage
Units received less than quantity shown on shipping documents.
Shrink Wrap
Shrink Wrap
Heat‑treated polyethylene or similar that shrinks around units.
Side Load
Side Load
Side loading only.
Single‑Face Corrugated
Single‑Face Corrugated
One liner adhered to one corrugated medium; often in rolls.
Single‑Wall Corrugated
Single‑Wall Corrugated
One medium between two liners; most common.
Skid (Pallet)
Skid (Pallet)
Pallet for loading or handling goods; slip‑sheet tray usage.
Sleeve
Sleeve
Non‑rigid open‑ended container slid over contents.
Slip Sheet
Slip Sheet
Also known as a tray.
Special Services/Instructions
Special Services/Instructions
Provided by the carrier such as Call Before Delivery.
Static Dissipative
Static Dissipative
Material that dissipates/removes static charges.
Static Sensitive
Static Sensitive
Material that is sensitive to and can be damaged by static charges.
Stretch Wrap
Stretch Wrap
High tensile plastic film wrapped repeatedly to maintain unit integrity.
Supply Chain
Supply Chain
System integrating activities from raw materials to customer delivery.
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Tamper Resistant Seal
Tamper Resistant Seal
Seal that cannot be opened without evidence of tampering.
Tare Indicator
Tare Indicator
Subtracts box weight while weighing products inside.
Tariff
Tariff
Document setting forth rules, rates and charges.
Telescoping (Full Telescope Design FTD)
Telescoping (Full Telescope Design FTD)
Separate top and bottom slide over each other; high stacking strength.
Temperature Recorder (Temperature Monitor, Data Logger, etc.)
Temperature Recorder (Temperature Monitor, Data Logger, etc.)
Device to record temperature during transit.
Tensile Strength
Tensile Strength
Resistance to tearing apart.
Terminal
Terminal
Freight building/grounds for local delivery or transfer.
Third party
Third party
Party other than shipper/consignee responsible for paying charges.
Tolerance
Tolerance
Allowed deviation from standard dimensions/weight.
Tongue and Groove Seal
Tongue and Groove Seal
Extended groove providing tighter lid enclosure.
Top Load
Top Load
Loading from the top.
Tote
Tote
Stackable plastic container for industrial purposes.
Trailer
Trailer
Truck unit into which freight is loaded.
Tray (Slip Sheet)
Tray (Slip Sheet)
Shallow platform with raised edges; used widely, various materials.
Triple‑Wall Corrugated
Triple‑Wall Corrugated
Three mediums between four liners; strongest board.
Truck tonnage
Truck tonnage
Shipment weight in tons.
Truckload (TL)
Truckload (TL)
Large‑volume shipment >10,000 lb or full trailer space.
Typeset
Typeset
Procedure to set each letter so it fits properly for custom printed items.
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