Alamo Logistics: Straight Talk in Freight Transportation

In the world of logistics, clear communication is worth its weight in gold. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the real language of moving freight—no fancy talk, just the terms that matter.

Bread and Butter Shipping Terms

Accessorial Charges

Extra fees for additional services beyond standard shipping. Think of it like ordering sides with your main course—it costs extra. Could be liftgate service, inside delivery, or special handling.

Freight Class

A standardized way of categorizing different types of cargo. It’s how carriers determine pricing and handle your shipment. Lower classes mean easier-to-ship items, higher classes mean more challenging cargo.

Dead Head Miles

When a truck runs empty after a delivery. Every trucker’s least favorite situation—burning fuel and making zero money. Smart logistics is about minimizing these empty miles.

Getting Freight Moving

Bill of Lading (BOL)

The holy grail of shipping paperwork. It’s your legal contract, shipping receipt, and tracking document all rolled into one. Nothing moves without a properly filled-out BOL.

Lumping

When a driver helps load or unload freight. Some drivers hate it, some don’t mind. It’s part of the job when there’s no dedicated loading crew.

Money and Margins

Fuel Surcharge

That extra fee that goes up and down with diesel prices. It’s how carriers keep their trucks rolling when fuel costs spike.

Spot Rate

The current market price for shipping a load. Think of it like a daily stock price—it fluctuates based on demand, capacity, and market conditions.

Shipping Challenges

Attempted Pickup

When a carrier shows up, but the freight isn’t ready. Result? Extra charges and a lot of frustration for everyone involved.

Detention

Fees charged when loading or unloading takes longer than the free time allowed. Time is money in trucking, and detention charges make that crystal clear.

Equipment Basics

Flatbed

The workhorse for oversized or oddly-shaped cargo. If it doesn’t fit in a box truck, it’s probably going on a flatbed.

Reefer

A refrigerated trailer. Not the recreational kind—this is for keeping perishables cold during transport.

Drop Trailer

A trailer left at a facility for loading or unloading at the shipper’s convenience. Saves time, reduces waiting, keeps freight moving.

Behind the Scenes

Broker

The middleman who connects shippers with carriers. A good broker is worth their weight in gold—they solve problems and keep freight rolling.

PRO Number

The tracking number for your shipment. It’s how you track where your freight is and confirm delivery.

Shipping Modes

Less Than Truckload (LTL)

Shipping for loads too big for parcel but too small to fill an entire truck. It’s about maximizing space and splitting costs.

Full Truckload (FTL)

When you’ve got enough freight to fill an entire trailer. One shipper, one truck, direct route.

The Real World of Shipping

Logistics isn’t about fancy technology or buzzwords. It’s about moving freight efficiently, keeping costs down, and solving problems. At Alamo, we’ve been doing this the right way for years—no shortcuts, no nonsense.

Need freight moved? We’ve got you covered. Simple as that.