Shipedia: Logistics Glossary

Instant Delivery

Instant Delivery refers to the rapid shipment of goods, typically within a few hours or on the same day of order placement. It is designed for urgent deliveries where speed and efficiency are essential.

Zone

In logistics and e-commerce, a Zone refers to a specific geographic area used to determine shipping charges, delivery timelines, and service availability. Different zones may have different rates and transit times based on distance and location.

Weight Discrepancy

Weight Discrepancy refers to a difference between the declared shipment weight and the actual weight measured by the courier or logistics provider. Such differences may lead to revised shipping charges or billing adjustments.

Warehousing

Warehousing refers to the storage of goods in a designated facility before distribution, sale, or delivery. It helps businesses manage inventory efficiently and ensure timely order fulfillment.

Volumetric Weight

Volumetric Weight refers to the space a shipment occupies during transportation, calculated based on its dimensions rather than its actual weight. It is used to determine shipping charges when a package is large but lightweight.

Unified Tracking

Unified Tracking refers to a system that allows users to monitor shipments from multiple carriers or transport modes through a single platform. It provides centralized, real-time visibility for better shipment management and control.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) refers to outsourcing logistics operations such as transportation, warehousing, and distribution to an external service provider. It helps businesses manage supply chain activities efficiently without handling them in-house.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique code assigned to a specific product to identify and track it in inventory. It helps businesses manage stock, monitor sales, and organize products efficiently.

Shipping Insurance

Shipping Insurance is a protection service that covers the value of goods against loss, damage, or theft during transit. It provides financial security to businesses in case of unforeseen shipping risks.

Shipping Label

A Shipping Label is a printed document attached to a package that contains essential shipment details such as sender and receiver information, tracking number, and delivery address. It ensures accurate handling, tracking, and timely delivery of the shipment.

Reverse Logistics

Reverse Logistics refers to the process of moving goods from the customer back to the seller or warehouse. It commonly includes product returns, exchanges, repairs, or recycling management.

RTO (Return to Origin)

RTO (Return to Origin) refers to a shipment that is returned to the sender because delivery to the customer was unsuccessful. This may occur due to incorrect address details, customer unavailability, or order refusal.

Receiving

Receiving refers to the process of accepting and inspecting goods when they arrive at a warehouse or distribution center. It ensures that the shipment matches the order and is properly recorded in inventory.

Quality Control

Quality Control refers to the process of inspecting and verifying products to ensure they meet required standards before storage, shipment, or delivery. It helps maintain product consistency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Passbook

In logistics and e-commerce, a Passbook refers to a digital statement or record that shows transaction details such as shipments, payments, COD remittances, and account balances. It helps businesses track financial and shipment activities in one place.

Post-Ship

Post-Ship refers to activities that take place after a shipment has been dispatched. This includes tracking, delivery updates, returns handling, and payment settlement.

Order Management System (OMS)

An Order Management System (OMS) is a software platform that helps businesses manage and track customer orders from placement to delivery. It streamlines order processing, inventory updates, and shipment coordination efficiently.

NDR (Non-Delivery Report)

NDR (Non-Delivery Report) is a notification generated when a shipment cannot be delivered to the customer. It provides the reason for delivery failure and allows corrective action for reattempt or return.

Logistics

Logistics refers to the planning, management, and transportation of goods from one location to another efficiently and securely. It ensures timely delivery, proper handling, and smooth supply chain operations.

Last In, First Out (LIFO)

Last In, First Out (LIFO) is an inventory management method where the most recently added stock is sold or used first. It is commonly used for accounting and stock valuation purposes.

Label

A Label is a printed tag or sticker attached to a package that contains important shipment details such as address, tracking number, and handling instructions. It ensures accurate identification and smooth delivery.

Last-Mile Delivery

Last-Mile Delivery refers to the final stage of the shipping process, where the package is delivered from a distribution center to the customer’s address. It is a critical step that directly impacts customer satisfaction.

Kitting

Kitting refers to the process of grouping multiple related products together and packaging them as a single unit before shipment. It helps streamline order fulfillment and improve operational efficiency.

Insurance

Insurance is a financial protection service that covers goods against potential loss, damage, or risk during storage or transportation. It provides security and minimizes financial impact in case of unforeseen events.

Import Duty

Import Duty is a tax imposed by the government on goods brought into a country from abroad. It is charged as part of customs clearance and must be paid before delivery.

Hyperlocal

Hyperlocal refers to delivery or services provided within a very small geographic area, such as a specific neighborhood or city zone. It focuses on fast and convenient fulfillment within a limited local radius.

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

GST is a government tax applied to the sale of goods and services. In logistics and e-commerce, it is charged on shipping services and must be included in invoices as per tax regulations.

Fulfillment

Fulfillment refers to the complete process of receiving, processing, packing, and delivering customer orders. It ensures that products are shipped accurately and reach customers on time.

First-Mile Delivery

First-Mile Delivery refers to the initial stage of the shipping process, where goods are collected from the seller or warehouse and transported to a sorting or distribution center. It is the starting point of the logistics journey.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited Shipping is a faster delivery service that prioritizes shipments to reduce transit time. It is used when quick delivery is required beyond standard shipping timelines.

Door-to-Door

Door-to-Door refers to a shipping service where goods are picked up from the sender’s location and delivered directly to the recipient’s address. It covers the complete transportation process without requiring customer handling in between.

Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods are items that may pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. These include flammable, explosive, toxic, or chemically hazardous materials and require special handling and regulatory compliance.

Cross Dock

Cross-dock refers to a logistics process where goods are directly transferred from inbound transportation to outbound vehicles with little or no storage time in between. It helps reduce handling time, storage costs, and speeds up delivery.

COD (Cash on Delivery)

COD is a payment method where the customer pays for the product at the time of delivery instead of paying in advance.

Courier Service

Courier Service refers to a company or service that transports and delivers parcels, documents, or goods from one location to another.

Bulk Shipping

Bulk Shipping refers to transporting large quantities of goods in a single shipment, often used by businesses to reduce shipping costs.

API (Application Programming Interface)

API is a technology that allows different software systems to connect and share data automatically.

AWB (Air Waybill)

AWB is a shipping document issued for air freight that contains shipment details and serves as proof of transport.

Air Carrier

Air Carrier refers to an airline or company that transports goods by air from one destination to another.