For the next few weeks, we shall be dwelling on Freight Terminologies. The freight shipping industry has a terminology all its own.
Articles of Extraordinary Value
Carriers are not liable for "documents, coin money, or articles of extraordinary value" unless the items are specifically rated in published classifications or tariffs. Exceptions may be made by special agreement. If an agreement is made, the stipulated value of the articles must be endorsed on the bill of lading. Articles may include precious stones, jewels and currency. Many tariffs include restrictions on goods with values in excess of a specified amount.
Bill of Lading (BOL or B/L)
A bill of lading is a binding contract that serves three main purposes:
• a receipt for the goods delivered to the transportation provider for shipment;
• a definition or description of the goods; and
• evidence of title to the relative goods, if "negotiable".
Bill of Lading Exceptions
The terms and conditions of most bills of lading release transportation providers from liability for loss or damage arising from:
• an Act of God,
• a public enemy,
• the authority of law or
• the act or default of the shipper.
In addition, except in the case of negligence, a transportation provider will not be liable for loss, damage, or delay caused by:
• the property being stopped and held in transit at the request of the shipper, owner or party entitled to make such request;
• lack of capacity of a highway, bridge or ferry;
• a defect or vice in the property; or
• riots or strikes.
Bonded Carrier
A transportation provider by U.S. Customs to carry Customs-controlled merchandise between Customs points. YRC Freight is a bonded carrier.
Break bulk
To separate parts of a load into individual shipments for routing to different destinations.
Breakbulk Terminal
Consolidation and distribution center. A terminal in the YRC Freight system that unloads and consolidates shipments received from its smaller terminals and from other breakbulks. This terminal may have its own city operation.
Example: Freight destined for Texas from several New England states will be consolidated at our Stroudsurgh, Pa., breakbulk terminal for forwarding to Texas.
Broker
A broker is an independent contractor paid to arrange motor carrier transportation. A broker may work on the carrier or shipper's behalf.
Carmack
An industry term regarding loss or damage of goods. Carmack is governed by 49 U.S.C 14706, which states that a motor carrier must
• issue the Bill of Lading and
• pay the actual loss or injury to the property.
However, carriers limit their liability for release value products, and can limit their damages to $25 per pound or $100,000 per shipment.
Cartage Agent
A carrier who performs pickup or delivery in areas that YRC Freight does not serve.
• Cartage agents use their own paperwork while transporting the shipment.
• YRC Freight does not track the shipment while it is in the cartage agent's possession.
• When YRC Freight gives a shipment to a cartage agent for delivery, the shipment is considered to be "delivered" in YRC Freight's tracking tool.
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