Welcome to the Super Dispatch Auto Transport Glossary, your comprehensive resource for understanding the key terms and concepts in the auto transport industry. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, understanding key terms specific to the auto transport industry is essential for clear communication and efficient operations.
This glossary aims to simplify your understanding of auto transport terminology, enhancing your confidence and competence in the field. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can ensure better decision-making, improve your efficiency, and enhance your overall experience in the industry. Let this glossary be your go-to guide for all things related to auto transport.
Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)
A not-for-profit association that provides guidelines, standards, and best practices to help automotive companies improve their processes and quality. It significantly contributes to enhancing efficiency, quality, and ongoing enhancement within the automotive industry’s supply chain.
Auto Transport
Refers to the transportation of vehicles between locations, using carriers specifically equipped for auto transport. This service can be used by individuals, dealerships, and companies to move cars over short or long distances, domestically or internationally.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A non-profit organization dedicated to fostering trust in the marketplace by offering ratings and reviews of businesses, which are informed by customer experiences and complaints, aiding consumers in identifying trustworthy companies and avoiding fraudulent activities.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal document provided by a carrier to confirm the receipt of goods for transport. It outlines the cargo’s type, quantity, and destination, acting as both a contract between the shipper and the carrier and a receipt upon the goods’ delivery.
Booking Number
A unique identifier assigned to a shipment once it has been scheduled for transport. The shipper, carrier, and receiver use this number to track and manage the shipment throughout the transportation process.
Broker
Acts as a go-between for shippers and carriers, facilitating communication and transactions. Brokers help shippers find reliable carriers to transport their vehicles and coordinate the logistics of the shipment, often providing additional services such as insurance and tracking.
Car Hauling
Refers to the process of transporting vehicles using specialized trailers or trucks designed to carry multiple cars at once. This service is commonly used by auto transport companies, dealerships, and individuals to move vehicles over long distances.
Carrier
A company or individual tasked with moving vehicles from one point to another. Carriers manage and operate the necessary trucks and trailers for auto transport and ensure the vehicles’ safe and prompt arrival.
Car Shipping
Synonymous with auto transport, this term refers to the movement of vehicles between different locations. This service can be used for moving personal cars, commercial fleets, or newly purchased vehicles.
Cash on Delivery (COD)
A payment method in which the shipment’s recipient pays at the time of delivery. In the context of auto transport, this means the shipper or receiver pays the carrier in cash when the vehicle is delivered.
Cash on Pick-up (COP)
A payment method where the shipper pays for the auto transport service in cash when the carrier picks up the vehicle. This method is less common than COD but may be preferred by some carriers or shippers.
Clean Bill of Lading
A BOL that confirms the cargo was received in satisfactory condition, with no visible damage or discrepancies noted. This document is crucial for confirming the vehicle’s condition at both pick-up and delivery.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
A specialized driver’s license required to operate large or heavy vehicles, such as those used in vehicle transportation. Drivers must meet specific training and testing requirements to obtain a CDL, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed for safe vehicle operation.
Curb Weight
Refers to the total weight of a vehicle when it is not carrying any passengers or cargo but includes all standard equipment, necessary operating consumables like fuel and oil, and sometimes a full tank of fuel. This measurement is important for determining the appropriate trailer and transport method for a vehicle.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
A strategic approach that businesses employ to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. In the auto transport industry, CRM systems help companies track customer inquiries, manage bookings, and improve service delivery by maintaining detailed records of customer interactions.
Dead-Heading
Refers to the practice of driving a transport truck without carrying any cargo or passengers. In the auto transport industry, this usually occurs when a carrier returns to the base or heads to the next pick-up location without any vehicles on board, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.
Dealer Management System (DMS)
A software platform that car dealerships use to oversee different facets of their business, from sales and inventory to customer information and services. A DMS helps streamline dealership processes, improve customer service, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
A federal government agency tasked with regulating and overseeing transportation across the United States. The DOT establishes guidelines and regulations for safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability across various modes of transport, including the auto transport industry.
Dispatcher
A professional responsible for coordinating the logistics of vehicle transport. This role involves scheduling pick-ups and deliveries, assigning routes to drivers, monitoring shipments, and communicating with customers and carriers to ensure timely and efficient transport operations.
Door-to-Door Transport
A service that involves picking up vehicles from a designated location and delivering them directly to a specified destination address. This method provides convenience and minimizes the hassle for the shipper, as the vehicle does not need to be dropped off or picked up at a terminal.
Driveaway
A method of vehicle transport where a professional driver is hired to drive the vehicle from its origin to its destination. This service is often used for moving single vehicles over long distances and can be an alternative to using a car carrier.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
A technology that facilitates the electronic exchange of documents and data between businesses in a uniform format. In the auto transport industry, EDI facilitates the seamless transfer of information between shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
A piece of technology used by commercial vehicle drivers to automatically record driving time, HOS, and other pertinent information. ELDs are crucial for adhering to federal regulations and enhancing road safety by reducing driver fatigue.
Enclosed Transport
A vehicle shipping method using fully enclosed trailers to offer utmost protection against weather and road debris, perfect for luxury, vintage, or expensive vehicles.
En Route
A term used to describe a vehicle or shipment that is currently in transit from the pick-up location to the delivery destination. This term is commonly used to provide status updates on the progress of a shipment.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
A U.S. government agency within the Department of Transportation that regulates the commercial motor vehicle industry to minimize accidents, injuries, and deaths involving large trucks through stringent safety regulations.
Flatbed
A type of open trailer with a flat, level bed and no sides or roof. Flatbeds are used to transport vehicles and other large items that do not require enclosure, offering versatility for hauling oversized or heavy loads that might not fit within the dimensions of a standard enclosed trailer.
Freight
Refers to bulk transportation of goods using trucks, trains, ships, or aircraft. In the context of auto transport, freight can include vehicles being shipped from one location to another, whether they are personal cars, commercial fleets, or dealership inventory.
Fuel Surcharge (FSC)
An additional fee applied to the cost of shipping to account for fluctuating fuel prices. This surcharge helps carriers manage the variable costs of fuel, ensuring they can continue to operate profitably even when fuel prices increase.
GPS Tracking
Employs GPS technology to track the real-time positions of vehicles and shipments. In the auto transport industry, GPS tracking helps shippers and carriers ensure timely deliveries, optimize routes, and improve overall operational efficiency by providing accurate and up-to-date location data.
Hours of Service (HOS)
FMCSA regulations that control commercial drivers’ working hours to guarantee sufficient rest and prevent fatigue-induced accidents. Critical HOS rules cover maximum driving times, mandated breaks, and required off-duty periods. Compliance with HOS regulations is crucial for the safety of drivers.
INOP
Stands for “Inoperable,” referring to a vehicle that cannot be driven. In the context of auto transport, INOP vehicles require special handling, such as winches or lift gates, to be loaded onto and off transport carriers.
Insurance
A contractual agreement between an individual or business and an insurance company, providing financial protection against losses or damages. In auto transport, insurance is crucial for covering potential damages to vehicles during transport, offering peace of mind to both shippers and carriers.
Insure
Involves obtaining insurance coverage to safeguard against financial losses or damages. In the auto transport industry, shippers and carriers insure vehicles to cover the cost of any potential damages during transport.
Inventory Management System (IMS)
A software tool designed for tracking, managing, and organizing inventory, orders, sales, and deliveries. In the context of auto transport, IMS helps dealerships, auctions, and transport companies keep track of vehicle inventory, ensuring efficient logistics and accurate record-keeping.
Invoice
A document issued by a seller to a buyer that outlines the provided goods or services and the total payment due. In auto transport, an invoice includes information such as the transport fee, pick-up and delivery locations, and any additional charges.
Lead Provider
A company or service that generates and supplies potential customer leads to businesses. In the auto transport industry, lead providers help transport companies and brokers find shippers who need vehicle transport services, enabling them to expand their customer base.
Licensed
Refers to having official permission or authorization to perform a particular activity. In the auto transport industry, carriers and brokers must be licensed by regulatory bodies, such as the DOT and the FMCSA, to legally operate.
Local Move
Describes the transportation of a vehicle over short distances, usually within the same city or metro area. Local moves are generally faster and less expensive than long-distance or cross-country transports.
Logbook
A record-keeping tool used by commercial drivers to track their HOS, mileage, and other relevant information. Both physical and electronic logbooks play essential roles in complying with federal laws and enhancing road safety.
Modifications
Refer to any changes or adjustments made to a vehicle post-manufacture. In the context of auto transport, modifications can affect how a vehicle is loaded, secured, and transported, and may require special handling or equipment.
Motor Carrier (MC) Number
A distinctive number the FMCSA assigns to carriers engaging in interstate commerce. This number is required for legal operation and helps regulatory bodies track the carrier’s compliance with safety and operational standards.
Multi-Car Hauler
A transport carrier configured to haul multiple vehicles simultaneously. These haulers are typically used by dealerships, auctions, and auto transport companies to move several vehicles efficiently, reducing transport costs and optimizing logistics.
Operational Authority
The legal permission required for a carrier to operate and transport goods. Carriers in the United States are required to secure this authorization from the FMCSA to conduct interstate commerce.
Open Transport
A method of vehicle shipping that involves carrying vehicles on an exposed trailer. This is a widely used and economical shipping method, although it leaves the vehicles susceptible to environmental elements and road debris.
Oversized Vehicle
Any vehicle that exceeds the standard dimensions and weight limits for transport and requires special handling, permits, and often specialized equipment to be transported safely and legally.
Proof of Delivery (POD)
A document signed by the recipient confirming that the goods or vehicle have been delivered as agreed. The POD serves as evidence that the shipment was received in the expected condition and on time.
Rate Confirmation (Rate Con)
A document that specifies the negotiated rates and conditions agreed upon by a shipper and carrier for transporting vehicles, detailing the pick-up and delivery points, payment conditions, and any extra fees.
Route
The planned path or course for transporting a vehicle from its origin to its destination. Strategic route planning is essential to reduce transit times, fuel use, and transportation costs.
Shipper
An individual or business that needs to transport a vehicle. Shippers can be private individuals, dealerships, auction houses, or companies, and they are responsible for arranging and paying for the transport service.
Single-Car Hauler
A type of car hauler designed to transport one vehicle at a time, This method is typically used for transporting high-value or special vehicles that require individual attention and care.
Tariff
A document that lists the charges, rates, and fees applicable to transport services. It includes details on various services offered by a carrier and the associated costs, helping shippers understand and budget for their transport needs.
Telematics
A technology that merges telecommunications and informatics and enables the remote monitoring and management of vehicles. In auto transport, telematics systems provide real-time data on vehicle location, speed, and performance, helping improve operational efficiency and safety.
Terminal-to-Terminal Transport
A method of vehicle shipping that involves dropping off the car at a designated location and picking it up from another terminal near the destination, often being a more economical option though it may necessitate extra logistics for vehicle collection and delivery.
Transport Management System (TMS)
A software platform that helps shippers and carriers plan, execute, and optimize the transportation of goods. A TMS offers features like real-time tracking, document management, and route optimization to improve efficiency and compliance.
Unit
Typically refers to an individual vehicle being transported. The term is used to count and manage the number of vehicles in a shipment.
US DOT Number
A unique identifier issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to commercial vehicle operators. This number is used to track and monitor a carrier’s safety performance, compliance records, and additional operational specifics.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A distinct code given to each vehicle during its manufacture. The VIN contains information about the vehicle’s make, model, year, and place of manufacture and is used for tracking and identification purposes.
Vehicle Inspection Process
Involves a thorough examination of a vehicle to assess its condition before and after transport. This process helps document any existing damage and ensures the vehicle is in a suitable state for shipping.
Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)
A document that records the findings of the vehicle inspection process. It includes details on the vehicle’s condition, any existing damage, and notes on its overall state before and after transport. This report is essential for resolving disputes over potential damages incurred during shipping.
Maximize Your Auto Transport Knowledge with Super Dispatch
Grasping auto transport terminology is crucial for industry professionals. This glossary aims to be your essential resource, enriching your understanding and efficiency in the field. Getting acquainted with these terms ensures enhanced operations, improved communication, and more strategic decision-making.
We invite you to explore more about how Super Dispatch can streamline your auto transport operations with our innovative solutions. If your goals include streamlining your workflow, boosting compliance, or increasing customer satisfaction, our platform is designed to assist you.
Touch base with Super Dispatch today to learn more or to schedule a demo of our TMS platform. Let us show you how we can make your auto transport process more efficient and stress-free.
