Logistics Glossary

Automated dispatch assigns orders to suitable drivers, vehicles and routes. Learn how rules, data and human oversight work together.

What dispatching (German: Disposition) means in transport and logistics, what a dispatcher does, and how modern dispatch software assigns orders, drivers, and vehicles.

A driver app connects dispatch, navigation, statuses and proof of delivery. See a typical workflow and practical rollout criteria.

The Fahrtenbuch documents every trip with date, route, purpose, and odometer readings. When it pays off for tax purposes and what the tax office requires.

The driving licence number is in field 5 of the EU card licence. What fields 4a, 4b and 4c mean, how the UK licence number is structured, and who checks it.

Empty runs create cost without carrying freight. Formula, cost example and practical measures for dispatch and route planning.

ePOD is electronic delivery evidence with time, recipient, photo or signature. Learn its contents, workflow and difference from paper.

ETA means Estimated Time of Arrival. See how route, traffic, stops and service times form a live arrival forecast.

What fleet management covers, which tasks a fleet manager owns, and how software brings vehicles, drivers, and deadlines together – explained compactly.

Geofencing creates events when vehicles enter or leave virtual zones. Learn the workflow, transport use cases and limitations.

Route optimisation assigns stops and vehicles while balancing cost, driving time, capacity and time windows. Definition with worked example.

Telematics connects vehicle, location and order data. Learn how the data flow works and how transport operators use it.

What a TMS (transport management system) is, which functions it covers, what it costs, and who needs one – explained compactly with examples.

What tour planning is, how manual and automatic tour planning differ, and when software pays off – explained compactly with examples.

What Fuhrparkmanagement (vehicle fleet administration) means in Germany, which duties fleet owners carry, and when software pays off.

Calculate vehicle utilisation by weight, volume, floor space and time. Includes formulas, a worked example and common interpretation errors.

A carrier performs the transport itself; a freight forwarder arranges it. What that means legally under German law, who is liable for what, and why the distinction matters when goods are damaged.

The CMR consignment note is the standard document for cross-border road transport in Europe. When it applies, which copies exist, and how CMR liability works.

A collection receipt records shipment acceptance at pickup. Includes a practical sequence for quantity, condition, time and confirmation.

The consignment note (Frachtbrief) documents the transport contract between sender, carrier, and recipient. Required details, CMR, and eCMR at a glance.

CN22 and CN23 are the customs declarations for postal shipments to non-EU countries. Which form applies when and how to fill it in correctly.

What a delivery note (Lieferschein) is, which details it contains, whether it is mandatory in Germany, and how digital delivery notes replace paper.

Digital signatures link electronic confirmations to people and records. Learn the difference between drawn, advanced and qualified signatures.

eCMR is the electronic CMR consignment note. Learn about its data, workflow, signatures and difference from a paper document.

An order number identifies a purchase or transport order. See where to find it, what it looks like, and how it differs from reference and tracking numbers.

Pallet exchange records reusable load carriers handed over and returned. Includes a balance calculation and documentation checklist.

The Palettenschein documents the exchange of load carriers such as Euro pallets and mesh boxes. How pallet exchange and pallet accounts work.

Proof of delivery records a shipment handover. Learn which details belong in the record and how paper proof differs from ePOD.

What a reference number is, where to find it on confirmations, delivery notes, tracking and invoices, and how it differs from order and tracking numbers.

A transport damage report records condition, extent, time and parties. Includes a photo checklist and neutral description example.

A transport order describes the service, parties, shipment and dates. Includes a structured checklist for complete order data.

Bulky goods cannot be handled in a standard way because of shape or dimensions. Includes a vehicle, loading and handover checklist.

Beiladung means your shipment rides along on an already planned tour – cheaper, but slower. When it pays off and when a direct drive is better.

A delivery notice announces collection or delivery in advance. Includes a content checklist, timing example and ETA distinction.

A delivery window defines the agreed period for delivery. Learn the difference from ETA and use a simple buffer calculation.

A direct run uses a vehicle from collection to destination without planned third-party stops. Includes cost logic and a practical example.

General cargo consists of countable handling units that are often consolidated. Includes a loading-metre example and planning checklist.

How the German HGV toll works: which vehicles are liable, current rates per weight and CO₂ class, exemptions – with a free calculator.

Where kerb weight appears in the German registration document (field G), what it includes, and how to calculate your van's permitted payload.

The last mile is the final transport stage to the recipient. Learn its challenges, metrics and a first-attempt delivery example.

Load securing under § 22 StVO: methods, equipment, responsibilities, and fines – plus practical rules for securing cargo in cars and vans.

Which options exist for securing cargo in a car? The answer to the German driving-theory question – and practical rules for boot, back seat, and roof.

Load securing on trucks and vans: the 80/50/50 rule, VDI 2700, tie-down vs. direct lashing, responsibilities, and fines – compact and practical.

What a loading metre is, how to calculate ldm ((length × width) ÷ 2.4), and how many loading metres Euro pallets, industrial pallets, and mesh boxes occupy.

A special run is organised individually for a specific transport need. Learn its characteristics, scope and quotation checklist.

Two-person handling uses two people for carrying and handover. Learn the use cases, service-time model and site checklist.

The unloading point is where a shipment is unloaded and handed over. What matters when specifying it and how it differs from the loading point.

Urgent delivery prioritises short response and transit times. Learn how to define timing, choose a vehicle and communicate status.