Logistics Glossary
The most important terms around transport, shipping, and logistics – clearly explained with a practical focus.
- CMR Consignment Note
The CMR consignment note is the standard document for cross-border road transport in Europe. When it applies, which fields it contains, and how CMR liability works.
- Consignment Note (Frachtbrief)
The consignment note (Frachtbrief) documents the transport contract between sender, carrier, and recipient. Function, required details, CMR, and eCMR at a glance.
- Consolidated Shipping (Beiladung)
Beiladung means your shipment rides along on an already planned tour – cheaper, but slower. When consolidated shipping pays off and when a direct drive is the better choice.
- Customs Declaration CN22 / CN23
CN22 and CN23 are the customs declarations for postal shipments to non-EU countries. Which form applies when, how to fill it in field by field, and which mistakes hold shipments up.
- Delivery Note (Lieferschein)
What a delivery note (Lieferschein) is, which details it contains, whether it is mandatory in Germany, and how digital delivery notes replace paper.
- Driver's Logbook (Fahrtenbuch)
The Fahrtenbuch documents every trip of a vehicle with date, route, purpose, and odometer readings. When it pays off for tax purposes, what the tax office requires, and when authorities can impose one.
- Driving Licence Number
Where the driving licence number appears on the EU card licence (field 5), how it is structured, and when it is needed – e.g. for driver registration and rentals.
- Kerb Weight in the Registration Document
Where kerb weight appears in the German registration document (field G), what it includes, and how to calculate your van's permitted payload.
- Load Securing (Ladungssicherung)
Load securing under § 22 StVO: methods, equipment, responsibilities, and fines – plus practical rules for securing cargo in cars and vans.
- Load Securing in a Car
Which options exist for securing cargo in a car? The answer to the German driving-theory question – and the practical rules for boot, back seat, and roof transport.
- Load Securing on Trucks
Load securing on trucks and vans: the 80/50/50 rule, VDI 2700, tie-down vs. direct lashing, responsibilities, and fines – compact and practical.
- Order Number (Auftragsnummer)
The order number uniquely identifies an order from purchase to delivery. Where to find it, what it is used for, and how it differs from reference and tracking numbers.
- Pallet Exchange Note (Palettenschein)
The Palettenschein documents the exchange of load carriers such as Euro pallets and mesh boxes. How pallet exchange and pallet accounts work, when an exchange obligation exists, and which pallets are exchangeable.
- Reference Number (Referenznummer)
The reference number links transactions between business partners – e.g. your PO number with the transport order. Meaning, examples, and how it differs from other numbers.
- Unloading Point (Entladestelle)
The unloading point is where a shipment is unloaded and handed over. What matters when specifying it – access, time windows, contact person – and how it differs from the loading point.