Pallet and freight glossary
Definitions for the measurements, shipping terms, vehicle ratings and packaging tests used on this site.
- BOL
- Bill of lading. A shipment document used in the carrier’s transportation process. The generic bill of lading worksheet on this site organizes information; it is not a carrier-issued document.
- PRO number
- A carrier-assigned reference used to identify or track a freight shipment. It is separate from a shipper’s own order or worksheet number.
- SCAC
- Standard Carrier Alpha Code, an identifier for a transportation company. It is not a shipment tracking number; confirm the correct code with the carrier.
- LTL
- Less-than-truckload freight. A shipment moves with other freight in a shared trailer rather than occupying a full truckload service by itself.
- LCL
- Less-than-container-load ocean freight. A shipment shares container space with other cargo; the forwarder’s weight-or-measure terms determine billable units.
- W/M
- Weight or measure. A billing basis that compares shipment weight with volume under the forwarder’s stated units, minimums and rounding terms.
- Freight density
- Shipment gross weight divided by shipment outer volume. U.S. freight planning commonly expresses this in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³).
- Freight class
- A U.S. less-than-truckload (LTL) classification concept that may use density along with handling, stowability, liability and applicable item provisions. It is distinct from density.
- NMFC
- National Motor Freight Classification. The applicable item and its current provisions determine the classification basis; density alone does not identify an item.
- 48 × 40-inch pallet
- The default footprint for this site’s pallet calculator. Other pallet sizes remain editable inputs.
- Gross shipping weight
- The total shipment weight used for a transportation decision, including packaging and pallet when they are part of the tendered shipment.
- Pallet tare
- The empty pallet’s measured weight. Add it once to the product and packaging weight when calculating gross pallet weight.
- Full-layer grid
- An arrangement with one repeated carton orientation in each rectangular layer. Partial top layers and mixed-direction patterns are outside the standard pallet calculator.
- Handling unit
- One pallet, skid, crate or other independently measured freight unit. Its outer dimensions and gross weight must refer to the same tendered unit.
- GVWR
- Gross vehicle weight rating. The manufacturer-specified loaded weight of a single vehicle, shown on its certification label. It is not a road-weight limit.
- GCWR
- Gross combination weight rating. The manufacturer-specified rating for a truck and trailer combination. Check it along with the separate vehicle ratings.
- GAWR
- Gross axle weight rating. The manufacturer-specified load-carrying capacity of an axle system. Tire and rim limits may impose separate constraints.
- ECT
- Edge crush test. A measured board property commonly expressed in pounds per inch (lb/in); it is not a direct carton weight allowance.
- BCT
- Box compression test. Compression force measured on a box under specified conditions. Keep measured results separate from model estimates.
- SKU
- Stock-keeping unit. A distinct product type or inventory item; the mixed-pallet tool treats each entered row as a separate type.
- CWT
- A U.S. short hundredweight equals 100 lb. The rate calculator applies an entered rate per short hundredweight to prepared billable weight; it does not determine that weight.
- WLL
- Working load limit. The securement screen uses a verified marked assembly value and applies the credit for the entered attachment path; it does not inspect the equipment.