Modern logistics moves fast—and understanding the language matters. This glossary breaks down common shipping, warehousing, and transportation terms, with examples of how SmartBOL fits into each workflow.
A legal document between a shipper and carrier that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods being transported.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL digitizes the bill of lading, eliminating paper handling while preserving legal integrity and shipment accuracy.
A digital version of a traditional paper bill of lading that enables faster processing, electronic signatures, and secure storage.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL creates, manages, signs, and stores eBOLs in real time fully replacing paper workflows.
A standardized bill of lading format developed by Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS), commonly used by retailers and consumer goods companies.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL supports VICS-compliant BOL formats and ensures consistency across retail shipments.
Documentation confirming that a shipment was delivered and received, often including signatures, timestamps, and notes.
How SmartBOL Helps:
PODs are automatically captured, stored, and searchable; no scanning or manual follow-up required.
A classification used to document freight discrepancies when shipments arrive with missing, extra, or damaged goods.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL allows teams to record OS&D at the dock with notes and photos tied directly to the shipment record.
The process by which drivers arrive at a facility, identify themselves, and register their load.
How SmartBOL Helps:
Drivers can self-check-in using QR codes, kiosks, or mobile devices—reducing congestion and wait times.
Time drivers spend waiting at a facility beyond the scheduled loading or unloading window.
How SmartBOL Helps:
Faster check-in, automated workflows, and better visibility help reduce detention and related costs.
Software used to manage warehouse operations such as inventory, picking, packing, and shipping.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL integrates directly with leading WMS platforms to generate BOLs without duplicate data entry.
Software that manages the movement and location of trailers and equipment within a facility’s yard.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL complements YMS platforms by streamlining driver flow and dock interactions tied to shipment documentation.
Software used to plan, execute, and optimize freight movement, including carrier selection and routing.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL connects with TMS platforms to ensure accurate shipment data and documentation across systems.
A centralized system that manages core business processes such as finance, operations, and supply chain.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL integrates with ERPs like Oracle, SAP, and JDE to keep shipping documents aligned with enterprise data.
A standardized method for electronically exchanging business documents between trading partners.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL supports EDI-driven workflows and complements API-based integrations for modern connectivity.
A technical connection that allows systems to automatically share data.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL offers API and integration options to fit seamlessly into existing WMS, TMS, and ERP environments.
An electronic method of signing documents that verifies identity and document integrity.
How SmartBOL Helps:
Drivers, carriers, and warehouse staff can sign BOLs digitally—instantly and securely.
The secure storage of documents for a defined period to support audits and disputes.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL stores shipping documents long-term with fast search and retrieval.
A financial penalty issued when shipments fail to meet contractual requirements.
How SmartBOL Helps:
Accurate documentation and clear audit trails help reduce chargebacks and disputes.
A request for compensation due to lost, damaged, or delayed freight.
How SmartBOL Helps:
All supporting documents and OS&D details are tied to the shipment for faster claim resolution.
The ability to view shipment status and documentation in real time.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL provides instant access to shipment records, BOLs, and PODs across locations.
A process allowing drivers to check in without manual intervention.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL enables frictionless self check-in via kiosk, QR code, or mobile device.
The assignment of dock doors and time slots for inbound and outbound shipments.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL aligns documentation and driver arrival with dock activity to improve throughput.
The process of identifying and resolving shipment issues.
How SmartBOL Helps:
Exceptions are captured in real time and tied directly to the shipment record.
A record showing who created, accessed, or modified documents and when.
How SmartBOL Helps:
Every action in SmartBOL is logged, creating a clear and reliable audit trail.
Software hosted online and accessible from anywhere.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL is cloud-based, secure, and available across all locations without on-prem infrastructure.
A set of rules that allows software systems to communicate with one another.
How SmartBOL Helps:
SmartBOL’s API enables real-time data exchange with upstream and downstream systems.
SmartBOL helps organizations eliminate paper, reduce delays, and gain real-time visibility across their shipping operations.