Glossary

Terms relevant to the Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain Industry.

COMMODITY

A basic, non branded product that is the same no matter who produces it. e.g. aluminium, milk, sugar or cocoa.

CONSUMER

A consumer is a person who uses any product or service.

CONTAMINATION

Pollution of the environment from exotic pests and diseases.

DISTRIBUTION

A method of transporting items from supplier to consumer.

ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI)

An electronic method of communication of information

FORECASTING

Estimating future demand for products.

FREIGHT

Goods being transported.

INTERMODAL HUB

The place where the carriage of freight is transferred between two modes of transport, e.g. freight is transferred from truck to train.

INVENTORY

A list of goods and materials held available in stock by a business.

LOGISTICS

The design, management and improvement of the supply chain through purchasing, manufacturing, storage and transport, ensuring items are delivered to the right place at the right time, in the right quantity, and quality, for the right price.

MANUFACTURER

The use of machines, tools and labour to make things for use or sale where raw materials are transformed into finished goods.

MANUFACTURED GOODS

Items produced using machines, tools and labour form a range of raw materials.

PRIMARY PRODUCER

A primary producer is anyone whose produce is a raw material resulting from agricultural, fishing or forestry work.

PROCUREMENT

The operation of seeking the most beneficial purchase of goods or services for the intended purpose at the best price.

PRODUCER

An individual or organisation that creates goods or services for other people to use and consume.

PURCHASING

The act of buying goods or services to accomplish an intended purpose, e.g. buying raw materials to manufacture a product.

SERVICE PROVIDER

A company or organisation that provides services to other individuals, companies or organisations.

SERIAL SHIPPING CONTAINER CODE (SSCC)

A reference code used to identify shipping containers and log information against.

STORAGE

The storing of goods in a warehouse awaiting use or further transportation.

SUPPLY CHAIN

A network of producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers who turn raw materials into finished goods and services, delivered to consumers.

TRANSPORT

The movement of passengers or freight from one location to another.