Logistics Glossary

A specialized port facility designed for handling Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vehicle cargo. Auto terminals feature ramps, storage compounds, and processing facilities where vehicles are loaded/discharged from vessels, inspected, stored, and prepared for onward distribution.

A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods being transported. It serves as a receipt, contract, and document of title.

A standardized measurement used in RoRo shipping to express vessel capacity relative to a standard-sized passenger car. One CEU equals approximately 9.4 square meters of deck space — the area needed to park a typical sedan.

A cargo vessel designed to transport standardized shipping containers. While RoRo is the default for vehicle logistics, container shipping plays a specific role when enclosed protection, port flexibility, or mixed cargo is required.

Charges incurred when cargo or containers are held beyond the agreed free time at a port (demurrage) or outside the port (detention). In vehicle logistics, these fees apply when vehicles aren't collected from the terminal within the allotted window.

A shipping term indicating that a single customer's cargo occupies an entire shipping container. In vehicle logistics, FCL is primarily used for spare parts, accessories, and workshop equipment, while vehicles themselves typically move by RoRo.

The specialized branch of automotive supply chain management focused on the transportation, storage, and distribution of completed vehicles from manufacturing plants to dealerships and end customers. FVL encompasses all post-production logistics activities including transport planning, vehicle processing, quality control, and final delivery.

An intermediary who arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers. In vehicle logistics, specialized forwarders coordinate RoRo bookings, inland transport, vehicle documentation, and customs clearance across international borders.

Oversized wheeled cargo that exceeds the deck clearance or weight limits of standard car decks on RoRo vessels. High & heavy units — including construction machinery, mining equipment, and agricultural vehicles — require special stowage on reinforced weather decks or hoistable car decks.

International Commercial Terms are standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions, including risk transfer, cost allocation, and delivery obligations.

The process and equipment used to secure vehicles in place during transportation by ship, rail, or truck to prevent movement, shifting, or damage caused by acceleration, braking, waves, or rough handling. Proper lashing is critical for cargo safety and regulatory compliance.

A shipping method where multiple shippers share space in a single container, paying only for the cubic meters they use. In vehicle logistics, LCL handles small parts shipments, diagnostic equipment, and documentation packages that don't justify a full container.

A comprehensive quality control inspection performed on vehicles after manufacturing or import, before delivery to the customer. PDI ensures vehicles meet quality standards, identifies and repairs any transport damage, and prepares vehicles for customer delivery.

A method of ocean freight transportation where vehicles and wheeled cargo are driven on and off the vessel using ramps, rather than being lifted by cranes. RoRo shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective way to transport cars, trucks, heavy machinery, and other wheeled equipment internationally.

A detailed diagram and document that specifies the precise location and arrangement of vehicles on each deck of a vehicle carrier ship. The stowage plan ensures optimal space utilization, maintains vessel stability, and provides a loading/discharge sequence for port operations.

The transfer of vehicles or cargo from one vessel to another at an intermediate port before reaching the final destination. Transshipment is common in RoRo shipping when direct sailings don't exist between origin and destination ports.

Specialized cargo vessels designed exclusively for transporting wheeled vehicles using Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) method. These ships feature multiple internal decks with ramps, allowing vehicles to be driven on and off under their own power.

A detailed document that records any damage, defects, or condition issues identified on a vehicle during transportation or handling. Damage reports include photographic evidence, detailed descriptions, and timestamps to establish liability and facilitate insurance claims.

A specialized facility where vehicles undergo inspection, preparation, customization, and quality control after manufacturing or importation and before delivery to dealers or customers. VPCs handle PDI, accessory installation, storage, and final delivery coordination.

The process of tracking, organizing, and managing vehicles and cargo within a terminal, port, or processing compound. Yard management systems provide real-time visibility of every unit's location, status, and movement history.