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A–Z

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API

Application Programming Interface - technical interface for integrating shipping functionality into other systems.

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Address Validation

Process of verifying shipping addresses for accuracy and deliverability before creating labels.

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Bill of Lading (BOL)

Document issued by a carrier to a shipper, detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods being carried.

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Carrier

Shipping company such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx that provides delivery services and infrastructure.

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COD (Cash on Delivery)

Payment method where the recipient pays for the goods upon delivery.

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Commercial Invoice

Document required for international shipments that declares the value, contents, and origin of goods.

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Consignee

The person or entity who receives the shipment.

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Consignor

The person or entity who sends the shipment.

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Customs Broker

Professional who handles customs clearance and documentation for international shipments.

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Declared Value

The stated value of a shipment for insurance and customs purposes.

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Delivery Confirmation

Proof of delivery provided by the carrier, often including signature and timestamp.

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Dimensional Weight

Calculated weight based on package dimensions rather than actual weight, used by carriers for pricing.

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Drop Shipping

Fulfillment method where the retailer doesn’t keep goods in stock but ships directly from the supplier.

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End-to-End Tracking

Complete visibility of a shipment from pickup to final delivery.

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Freight Class

Classification system for freight shipments based on density, stowability, and handling characteristics.

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Fulfillment

The complete process of receiving, processing, and shipping customer orders.

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Ground Shipping

Surface transportation method, typically slower but more economical than air shipping.

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HS Code

Harmonized System code used for international trade classification and customs duties.

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Insurance

Protection against loss or damage to shipped goods, typically purchased for high-value items.

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Label

The purchased shipping label containing routing and tracking details, barcodes, and delivery information.

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LTL (Less Than Truckload)

Shipping method where multiple customers share truck space, cost-effective for smaller shipments.

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Manifest

Document listing all items in a shipment or delivery route.

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Multi-Carrier

Using multiple shipping carriers to optimize rates and service levels.

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Origin Country

The country where goods were manufactured or sourced, required for customs documentation.

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Pickup

Scheduled carrier collection of one or more packages from your location at a predetermined time.

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POD (Proof of Delivery)

Evidence that a shipment has been delivered, often including signature and delivery date.

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Prepaid Shipping

Shipping costs paid by the shipper before the shipment is sent.

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Rate

Calculated price for a shipment based on service type, weight, dimensions, and destination.

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Residential Delivery

Delivery to a home or residential address, which may incur additional fees.

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Return Label

Prepaid shipping label for customers to return items to the seller.

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Service

Specific carrier offering, for example UPS Ground, FedEx 2Day, or USPS Priority Mail.

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Ship Date

The date when a shipment is scheduled to leave the facility.

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Shipper

The person or company sending the goods.

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Third-Party Billing

Billing arrangement where shipping costs are charged to someone other than the shipper.

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Tracking

Events that describe a shipment’s movement from origin to delivery, including status updates and location data.

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Transit Time

The time it takes for a shipment to travel from origin to destination.

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Void

To cancel a shipping label before it has been used, often resulting in a refund.

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Waybill

Document that serves as a receipt and contract between shipper and carrier.

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Zone

Geographic area used by carriers to determine shipping rates and transit times.