Your Complete Container Drayage Dictionary
Welcome to the Container Drayage Glossary 2025. This complete resource defines 100 key logistics terms for shippers, drivers, and warehouse operators in Houston. Use this glossary to better understand drayage, warehouse services, and port operations.
📖 A-C
A
Accessorial Charges: Additional fees beyond base transportation rates, such as detention, fuel surcharges, or special handling services.
ACI (Advance Commercial Information): Electronic transmission of cargo and conveyance data to customs authorities before arrival.
AMS (Automated Manifest System): U.S. Customs electronic system for processing import manifest data.
Appointment System: Terminal scheduling platform requiring advance booking for truck gate transactions (e.g., eModal, PTRA).
ASN (Advance Ship Notice): Electronic notification sent to notify receivers about pending shipment arrivals.
B
Barbours Cut: Port Houston’s primary container terminal located in La Porte, Texas, handling over 2 million TEU annually.
Bayport: Port Houston’s newer container terminal in Pasadena, Texas, featuring modern infrastructure and rail connectivity.
Berthing: Process of a vessel docking at a terminal to load or unload cargo.
Bill of Lading (B/L): Legal document serving as receipt for cargo and contract of carriage between shipper and carrier.
Bonded Warehouse: Secure facility where imported goods may be stored without immediate payment of customs duties.
Booking: Reservation for cargo space on a vessel or equipment for container transportation.
Break Bulk: Cargo that must be loaded individually rather than in containers, such as machinery or lumber.
C
CBP (Customs and Border Protection): Federal agency responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade and immigration.
CFS (Container Freight Station): Facility where LCL cargo is consolidated into containers or deconsolidated from containers.
Chassis: Wheeled trailer designed to transport shipping containers over roads, available in 20′, 40′, and 45′ configurations.
CIN (Credential Identification Number): Unique identifier printed on TWIC cards for security verification purposes.
CLP (Commercial Learner Permit): Temporary license allowing drivers to operate commercial vehicles while training for CDL.
COD (Cash on Delivery): Payment arrangement where freight charges are collected upon delivery of goods.
Congestion Surcharge: Additional fee imposed during peak periods when terminal capacity is constrained.
Consignee: Entity designated to receive goods, typically the buyer or importer named on shipping documents.
Container Yard (CY): Terminal area where containers are stored, stacked, and organized for pickup or delivery.
Cross-Docking: Distribution strategy where incoming cargo is immediately transferred to outbound transportation with minimal storage time.
📖 D-G
D
Demurrage: Charges assessed when containers are held beyond allowed free time, typically $25-$100 per container per day.
Detention: Fee charged for holding truck equipment beyond free time, usually $75-$150 per hour after initial grace period.
Drayage: Short-distance transportation of containers, typically from ports to warehouses or rail terminals within 100 miles.
Drop and Pick: Service where empty container is delivered to shipper for loading, then picked up when ready for transport.
Dry Container: Standard enclosed shipping container for general cargo, available in 20′ and 40′ lengths.
Dwell Time: Period containers remain at terminal before pickup, averaging 3-5 days at Houston terminals.
E
EAR (Export Administration Regulations): U.S. regulations controlling export of dual-use items and technology.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange): Computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in standardized electronic format.
EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt): Document recording condition and transfer of shipping containers between parties.
Empty Repositioning: Movement of empty containers from surplus locations to deficit locations for reuse.
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): Predicted arrival time of vessel, truck, or cargo at destination.
ETD (Estimated Time of Departure): Predicted departure time from origin point or terminal.
Export Declaration: Electronic Export Information (EEI) filed with customs for outbound international shipments.
ExpressPass: Port Houston’s preferred trucker program offering expedited gate processing and priority appointments.
F
FCL (Full Container Load): Shipment utilizing entire container capacity for single consignee’s cargo.
FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit): Measurement standard representing one 40-foot container.
FMC (Federal Maritime Commission): Independent federal agency regulating U.S. oceanborne transportation.
Free Time: Period allowed for container pickup or return without storage charges, typically 4-7 days.
Freight Forwarder: Agent who organizes shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from origin to destination.
Fuel Surcharge: Variable charge added to base rates to offset fluctuating diesel fuel costs, typically 15-30% of base rate.
G
Gate: Entry/exit point at container terminal where trucks undergo processing and documentation verification.
Genset: Diesel generator unit providing power to refrigerated containers during transport.
GPS Tracking: Satellite-based positioning system providing real-time location and status updates for containers and trucks.
GSA (General Services Administration): Federal agency managing government procurement and property management.
📖 H-M
H
Hazmat: Hazardous materials requiring special handling, documentation, and driver endorsements for transportation.
Heavy Haul: Transportation of overweight or oversized containers requiring special permits and equipment.
High Cube Container: Container with 9’6″ height instead of standard 8’6″, providing additional cargo volume.
HMTA (Hazardous Materials Transportation Act): Federal law regulating transport of dangerous goods.
House B/L: Bill of lading issued by freight forwarder to shipper, different from ocean carrier’s master bill.
I
IMO (International Maritime Organization): UN agency responsible for regulating shipping safety and environmental protection.
Import License: Government authorization required for importing certain restricted or regulated commodities.
Inland Drayage: Container transportation from port to inland destination beyond immediate port area.
Intermodal: Transportation using multiple modes (ship, rail, truck) with containers transferred between them.
ISO Container: Standardized shipping container meeting International Organization for Standardization specifications.
J-L
Just-in-Time (JIT): Inventory strategy where materials arrive exactly when needed to minimize storage costs.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Shipment not filling entire container, consolidated with other shippers’ cargo.
Lift-On/Lift-Off (LoLo): Method of loading/unloading containers using cranes rather than rolling equipment.
Line Haul: Long-distance transportation portion of multimodal journey, typically by rail or truck.
Live Load/Unload: Container loading or unloading while truck driver waits, typically allowing 2 hours free time.
Lynx Portal: Port Houston’s online platform for truck registration, container tracking, and transaction management.
M
Manifest: Detailed listing of ship’s cargo or truck’s load, required for customs clearance.
Marine Terminal Operator (MTO): Company operating port terminal facilities under agreement with port authority.
Modal Shift: Transfer of cargo between different transportation modes (sea to rail to truck).
MTSA (Maritime Transportation Security Act): Federal law establishing security requirements for marine facilities and vessels.
📖 N-R
N-O
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier): Company providing ocean transportation without owning vessels.
OTR (Over-the-Road): Long-distance trucking operation, typically interstate or cross-country routes.
Overweight Permit: Authorization allowing transport of containers exceeding standard weight limits.
P
Per Diem: Daily charge for use of shipping containers or chassis beyond included time.
POD (Port of Discharge): Port where cargo is unloaded from vessel for final delivery.
POL (Port of Loading): Port where cargo is loaded onto vessel for export shipment.
Pre-Pull: Terminal service positioning containers for pickup, reducing truck wait times for fee of $50-$75.
PTRA (Port Terminal Registration Application): Barbours Cut terminal’s truck registration and appointment system.
Q
Quarantine: Temporary detention of cargo or containers pending inspection by regulatory authorities.
Quay: Wharf or berth where ships dock for loading and unloading operations.
R
Rail Ramp: Facility where containers transfer between trucks and rail cars for intermodal transportation.
Reefer: Refrigerated container maintaining controlled temperature for perishable cargo.
Release: Authorization from steamship line allowing container pickup by consignee or designated agent.
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): Vessel designed for wheeled cargo that drives on/off rather than being lifted.
📖 S-Z
S
SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code): Unique 4-letter identifier assigned to transportation companies.
Seal: Security device preventing unauthorized access to container contents during transport.
Shipper: Entity sending goods, typically the manufacturer or exporter named on shipping documents.
SLI (Shipper’s Letter of Instruction): Document providing freight forwarder with shipping instructions and authorization.
Steamship Line: Ocean carrier operating vessels and providing container shipping services.
Storage Charges: Fees assessed for containers remaining at terminal beyond free time periods.
Stuffing: Process of loading cargo into shipping containers at origin or CFS facility.
Stripping: Process of unloading cargo from containers at destination or CFS facility.
T
TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit): Standard measurement representing one 20-foot container’s capacity.
Terminal: Facility where containers are transferred between different transportation modes.
THC (Terminal Handling Charge): Fee covering container handling services at marine terminals.
Transload: Process of transferring cargo from one container or mode to another without storage.
Tri-Axle Chassis: Heavy-duty chassis with additional axle for transporting overweight containers.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration): Federal agency responsible for transportation security including TWIC program.
Turn Time: Duration required for complete pickup or delivery cycle, including wait and processing time.
TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential): Biometric security card required for unescorted access to secure maritime facilities.
U-V
UIIA (Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement): Standard contract governing chassis and container equipment interchange.
Unladen: Empty container or truck operating without cargo load.
VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System): Large-scale X-ray system for non-intrusive container examination.
Vessel Schedule: Published timetable of ship arrivals and departures at various ports.
VGM (Verified Gross Mass): Confirmed total weight of packed container required before vessel loading.
W-Z
Warehouse Receipt: Document acknowledging receipt and storage of goods in a warehouse facility.
Wharfage: Fee charged for using wharf facilities to load or unload cargo from vessels.
Yard Chassis: Terminal-owned chassis used for internal container movements and storage.
Zone Skipping: Distribution strategy bypassing regional facilities to deliver directly to final destinations.
🔢 Common Abbreviations Quick Reference
| Abbreviation | Full Term | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| B/L | Bill of Lading | Cargo receipt and transport contract |
| CBP | Customs & Border Protection | Federal customs agency |
| CFS | Container Freight Station | LCL consolidation facility |
| CY | Container Yard | Container storage area |
| EIR | Equipment Interchange Receipt | Container condition record |
| FCL | Full Container Load | Single shipper container |
| LCL | Less than Container Load | Consolidated shipment |
| POD | Port of Discharge | Destination port |
| TEU | Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit | Container measurement standard |
| TWIC | Transportation Worker ID Credential | Port security clearance card |
📋 Container Size Quick Reference
| Container Type | External Dimensions | Internal Volume | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ Standard | 20′ × 8′ × 8’6″ | 1,172 cu ft | 62,000 lbs |
| 40′ Standard | 40′ × 8′ × 8’6″ | 2,385 cu ft | 59,000 lbs |
| 40′ High Cube | 40′ × 8′ × 9’6″ | 2,694 cu ft | 58,000 lbs |
| 45′ High Cube | 45′ × 8′ × 9’6″ | 3,043 cu ft | 58,000 lbs |
💡 Using This Glossary Effectively
For New Industry Professionals
- Start with basic terms like TEU, FCL/LCL, and drayage
- Focus on documentation terms (B/L, EIR, manifest)
- Learn port-specific terminology for your operations
- Understand fee structures (demurrage, detention, storage)
For Experienced Shippers
- Reference specific fee definitions for cost analysis
- Review regulatory terms for compliance requirements
- Use abbreviation guide for documentation accuracy
- Stay updated on security requirements (TWIC, TSA)
Quick Search Tips
- Use Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to search for specific terms
- Look for terms alphabetically within each section
- Check abbreviation table for quick reference
- Cross-reference related terms for complete understanding
Need help understanding any drayage terms not covered here? Contact Sunbelt Drayage! Our experienced team is always ready to explain industry terminology and help you navigate container transportation successfully.
Sunbelt Drayage – Your Industry Knowledge Partner
This glossary is regularly updated to reflect current industry terminology and practices. Last updated: September 2025. For the most current definitions and regulations, always consult official sources.