Here at GT, we know that to an “outsider” the language of the courier and transport industry – full of abbreviations and vague phrases – can be confusing. We want our customers to feel at ease, comfortable with the terms we may use and the services we provide. This is why we’ve put together this Transport Jargon Buster. Read on for a breakdown of some of the basic terms and phrases used within our industry and what they mean.

Abnormal load

An abnormal load is something that is considered particularly awkward or unconventional, usually because it is difficult to load onto the transport vehicle or requires extra back-up to get it there safely. This can come in the form of a police or agency escort to help it through some or all of the delivery route.

ADR

ADR is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road governed by the United Nations. All goods that have been classified as dangerous to transport by road must be packed, labelled and transported in accordance with ADR. This could be anything from fuels and solvents, to radioactive substances and medical waste.

AOG

In transport terms, AOG means Aircraft On Ground. This is when there is a problem with a plane which is serious enough to stop it from being able to fly. In these situations it is imperative that the parts needed to get the aircraft back in the air are delivered urgently. At GT, we are able to rapidly collect AOG parts and deliver Door to Airport or Airport to Airport within the UK or further afield.

B2B

B2B stands for Business to Business – the exchange of products or services between businesses. At GT Couriers we specialise in B2B delivery as opposed to B2C delivery, which stands for Business to Consumer.

Cargo Operative

A Cargo Operative, previously known as Level D clearance, has been trained and cleared to handle and prepare secure or known cargo ready for shipment, often by air. GT are able to supply security cleared Cargo Operatives for all your secure or known cargo needs.

DGR

DGR stands for Dangerous Goods Regulations – the recognised standard of preparing, handling or accepting dangerous goods shipments by air. At GT, we have trained hazardous goods drivers to move restricted DGR shipments into and out of UK airports.

Document transport

This means the transport of documents for delivery or signature. This most commonly includes services where urgent legal documents are needed and only the original documents will be accepted.

Door to Door

Door to Door means that no other handling of the goods is involved except for the collection and delivery.

Emergency logistics

This means that our services can be used in any emergency, either to replace your own vehicle or to deliver parts or goods, for example in an emergency AOG situation.

Just in Time logistics

Just in Time (also known as JIT) is a system that means goods are collected as soon as they come off the production line and are then delivered straight to the delivery point to be used right away – cutting business costs by saving money on storage.

On Board Courier

An on board courier (OBC), or hand carry courier service, is when sensitive, valuable or time-critical goods require a supervised courier delivery – keeping them secure and fully traceable at all times.

POD

A POD is a Proof of Delivery. On completion of your delivery, we can send POD confirmation immediately by either email , text or verbally by phone.

SPX Cargo

SPX cargo, or known cargo, is a term which means the goods to be delivered have been cleared by customs and that the cargo, or the vehicle carrying the cargo, has been fitted with tamper-proof seals to ensure maximum security. GT are fully compliant in the movement of known cargo and able to supply security cleared Cargo Operatives and secure sealed vehicles for all our clients’ SPX shipments.

Secure

In transport terms this means that goods are transported straight from the collection point to the delivery point without being handled via a hub – thus increasing the security of the load.

Tender documents

A tender document is documentation for the tender of work – most commonly in construction.

Timed delivery

Timed delivery, also known as booked delivery, is when the delivery can only be made at a set time, as the delivery point is somewhere where lots of deliveries are made in a day – like a supermarket for example.

We hope that our Transport Jargon Buster has been useful in introducing you to and explaining some basic key transports terms and phrases.

If your business has any courier-related needs, get in touch with us today and see what we can do for you. Request an estimate via our website, email us at ops@domain516643.stackstaging.com, or give us a ring on 01159300868.