The Ultimate Guide to Logistics Acronyms Because nodding through meetings doesn’t count as fluency!
- Danyul Gleeson
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 5
Because nodding through meetings doesn’t count as fluency
Introduction: If Logistics Had a Language, This Would Be the Phrasebook
You’ve probably been in a logistics meeting where someone casually drops “Let’s consolidate the LTLs and update the TMS before hitting the 3PL with a revised RFP—got it?” And you nod, smile… and secretly Google three terms while pretending to take notes.
Sound familiar?
Welcome to the glossary you didn’t know you needed, and definitely the one your future self will thank you for. Because logistics acronyms aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the operating system behind global trade, delivery promises, transport costs, and everything in between.
Let’s decode 50+ of the most important logistics acronyms—complete with plain-English definitions, witty context, and zero fluff.
🔧 Core Logistics & Transport Acronyms
1PL – First-Party Logistics
When a company handles its own logistics, start to finish. No third-party partners—just your trucks, your warehouse, your team.
2PL – Second-Party Logistics
An asset-based carrier or provider offering direct transport services—think shipping lines, airlines, or rail operators.
3PL – Third-Party Logistics
Outsourcing logistics ops to an external provider who handles warehousing, fulfilment, and transport.
📌 Example: A 3PL handles the doing. They store, pick, pack, and ship for you.
4PL – Fourth-Party Logistics
The big-picture strategist. A 4PL manages your 3PLs, software, data, network design, and optimisation.
💡 If a 3PL moves boxes, a 4PL moves mountains. 🔗 Note: Transport Works is a 4PL logistics partner—strategic, scalable, and ridiculously reliable.
5PL – Fifth-Party Logistics
The logistics master planners. 5PLs manage complete ecosystems, often for eCommerce and multi-channel retail. They’re deeply tech-driven and automation-obsessed.
7PL – Seventh-Party Logistics
A hybrid provider combining 3PL + 4PL = 7PL. They own the physical assets and provide end-to-end supply chain strategy. Rare unicorns in the logistics zoo.
FTL – Full Truck Load
A shipment that takes up a whole truck. Ideal for large orders, direct delivery, and fewer touchpoints.
LTL – Less Than Truck Load
You're sharing a truck with others. Lower cost, more handling, longer transit.
FCL – Full Container Load
You get the whole container to yourself—maximum control, minimal cross-contamination.
LCL – Less than Container Load
Split your container with other shippers. Cost-effective, but expect extra handling.
FEU / TEU – Forty- / Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units
How container size is measured.
1 FEU = two TEUs.
TEU = twenty-foot container
FEU = forty-foot container
🚢 If your supply chain were a Lego set, this would be the unit count.
🚚 TMS – Transport Management System
The nerve centre for transport logistics. Plans, tracks, optimises, and automates shipping.
BOL – Bill of Lading
A shipping contract and receipt. It tells who owns what, and who’s responsible if it goes sideways.
SCAC – Standard Carrier Alpha Code
Unique 2–4 letter ID assigned to freight carriers for tracking and compliance.
ETA / ETD / ATA / ATD
ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
ETD – Estimated Time of Departure
ATA – Actual Time of Arrival
ATD – Actual Time of Departure
RFQ / RFP / RFI
RFQ – Request for Quote
RFP – Request for Proposal
RFI – Request for Information
📄 Logistics dating apps—you’re testing compatibility.
RORO – Roll-on/Roll-off
Vehicles and wheeled cargo that drive directly onto/off of ships.
🚗 Car shipping without cranes or chaos.
CFS – Container Freight Station
A facility where LCL cargo is consolidated or unpacked before/after port transit.
🧳 Think of it as the hotel lobby for your palletised goods.
🧮 Financial & Performance Acronyms
KPI – Key Performance Indicator
Track performance across on-time delivery, damage rates, order accuracy, etc.🔗 Transport Works KPI Dashboards »
COGS – Cost of Goods Sold
What it actually costs you to get product in your customer’s hands.
ROI – Return on Investment
Because if it doesn’t pay off, why are you doing it?
OTIF – On Time In Full
Every item, delivered on time, exactly as promised. Supply chain excellence in four letters.
OPEX / CAPEX
OPEX – Ongoing costs (labour, utilities)
CAPEX – Upfront investments (new WMS, forklifts)
YTD / MTD / QTD
YTD – Year to Date
MTD – Month to Date
QTD – Quarter to Date
📆 Helps you track trends over time without Excel-induced migraines.
SLA – Service Level Agreement
Defines response times, delivery windows, and performance expectations in black and white.
DEM / DET – Demurrage & Detention
DEM: You held the container too long at port.
DET: You kept the container after delivery too long.
🕐 Acronyms that scream “start paying fees.”
🔁 Flow & Visibility Acronyms
SKU – Stock Keeping Unit
The unique ID for every product variation you manage.
UPC / EAN – Universal Product Code / European Article Number
Barcodes that automate checkout, inventory, and identification globally.
RFID – Radio Frequency Identification
Wireless tagging system that tracks items without line-of-sight scanning.
EDI – Electronic Data Interchange
Old-school but dependable. Enables system-to-system file exchange between logistics partners.
API – Application Programming Interface
Modern EDI. It connects systems instantly and in real-time.
ASN – Advanced Shipping Notice
Notifies customers what’s coming, when, and in what quantity.
SCV – Supply Chain Visibility
Your ability to see and track everything—from source to delivery—in real-time.
CBM – Cubic Metre
Volume measure for freight dimensions. You’ll need this to book sea or air cargo.
⚙️ Tech, System & Automation Acronyms
WMS – Warehouse Management System
Manages receiving, picking, packing, cycle counting, inventory levels—you name it.
ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning
Integrates business functions like HR, finance, inventory, and sales into one platform.
OCR – Optical Character Recognition
Scans and extracts printed or handwritten info for digital processing.
ASRS – Automated Storage & Retrieval System
Robotic storage solutions that make warehouses smarter, safer, and faster.
AGV / AMR
AGV – Automated Guided Vehicle (follows fixed paths)
AMR – Autonomous Mobile Robot (roams freely with AI guidance)
MES – Manufacturing Execution System
Tracks production in real time. A must for make-to-order or build-to-stock manufacturers.
SaaS – Software as a Service
Cloud-based software you access via subscription. TMS, WMS, and most logistics platforms today.
IoT – Internet of Things
Connected sensors/devices that collect and transmit real-time data from physical objects (like containers, pallets, or machines).
💥 Compliance, Customs & Risk Acronyms
HTS / HS Codes – Harmonised Tariff Schedule
Codes that classify goods for customs duties and taxes. Get it wrong, and your shipment takes an unexpected vacation at the border.
CTPAT – Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
A US program to protect supply chains and speed up clearance for compliant companies.
DG – Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials like lithium batteries, chemicals, or fireworks that require specialised handling.
SOP – Standard Operating Procedure
Documented, repeatable process that keeps things running like clockwork.
SLI – Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
Tells the freight forwarder exactly how to handle your international shipment. Without it? Expect chaos.
💡 Final Thoughts: Know Your Acronyms, Rule Your Supply Chain
Mastering logistics acronyms isn’t about sounding smart (though that’s a bonus)—it’s about running better operations, avoiding costly missteps, and collaborating like a pro.
📦 FAQs: Logistics Acronyms
What is the difference between 3PL, 4PL, and 5PL?
3PL handles operations; 4PL manages strategy and multiple 3PLs; 5PL builds tech-driven ecosystems.
What’s the difference between FTL and LTL?
What does a TMS do in logistics?
Why are Incoterms like FOB and DDP important?
What is OTIF and why does it matter?
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