Industrial Packaging Glossary

Comprehensive glossary of technical terms, industry vocabulary, and key concepts used in industrial packaging and materials handling.

TerminologyDefinitionsIndustry Standards

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

ASTM

American Society for Testing and Materials - Organization that develops technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services.

Context: Used in testing standards like ASTM D1185 for pallet testing.

Anti-Static

Materials or treatments that prevent the buildup of static electricity, critical for handling flammable materials.

Context: Important for Type C bulk bags and electronic component packaging.

4-Way Entry

Pallet design allowing forklift access from all four sides, providing maximum handling flexibility.

Context: Block pallets are typically 4-way entry, while stringer pallets are usually 2-way entry.

Air Waybill (AWB)

A transport document issued by an airline that serves as a contract of carriage and receipt for air cargo shipments.

Context: Essential document for air freight tracking and customs clearance, similar to ocean bill of lading.

Air Freight

Transportation of goods by aircraft, typically used for time-sensitive or high-value cargo.

Context: Fastest but most expensive shipping method, ideal for urgent deliveries and perishable goods.

B

Bladder

Flexible inner liner inside an IBC tote that holds the liquid product, separate from the rigid outer container.

Context: Used in bladder-in-box IBC systems for easier cleaning and product protection, especially for food-grade applications.

BRC

British Retail Consortium - Global food safety and quality certification standard.

Context: Required for food-grade packaging suppliers.

Bulk Bag

Large flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) made of woven polypropylene fabric, typically holding 1,000-4,000 lbs.

Context: Also known as FIBC, ton bag, or super sack.

BOL

Bill of Lading - Legal document between shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods being carried.

Context: Required for all freight shipments, serves as receipt and contract.

Box Truck

Straight truck with enclosed cargo area, typically 16-26 feet long, used for local and regional deliveries.

Context: Common for LTL deliveries and urban distribution, lower capacity than tractor-trailers.

Block

Pallet construction using solid wood blocks as support points instead of continuous stringers, allowing 4-way forklift entry.

Context: Block pallets are more durable and versatile than stringer pallets but cost more to manufacture.

Bung

Removable closure used to seal the opening of a drum or barrel.

Context: Standard 2-inch NPT threaded closure for steel and plastic drums.

BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor)

A surcharge applied by shipping lines to cover fluctuations in fuel costs.

Context: Variable charge that changes monthly based on fuel prices, significant component of ocean freight costs.

Blank Sailing

When a shipping line cancels a scheduled sailing, often due to low demand or operational issues.

Context: Can cause significant delays in supply chains, especially during peak seasons or market downturns.

Break Bulk

Cargo that is loaded individually rather than in containers, often oversized or heavy items.

Context: Common for machinery, project cargo, and items too large for standard containers.

Bulk Cargo

Unpackaged cargo loaded directly into a ship's hold, such as grain, oil, or coal.

Context: Requires specialized vessels and handling equipment, different from containerized freight.

C

Cage

Protective metal framework surrounding an IBC tote that provides structural support and protection during handling and transport.

Context: Standard feature on most IBC totes, allows stacking and protects the plastic container from damage during use.

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations - US federal regulatory standards including FDA food contact regulations (CFR Title 21).

Context: Critical for food-grade packaging compliance.

Corner Posts

Vertical reinforcement structures placed at the corners of gaylord boxes to provide additional stacking strength and prevent crushing.

Context: Essential for heavy-duty applications and high-stacking requirements in gaylord boxes.

Corrugated

Cardboard structure with fluted inner layer between flat outer layers, providing strength and insulation.

Context: Used in shipping boxes and Gaylord boxes.

Cull

Pallets or containers that are damaged beyond economical repair, suitable only for parts or recycling.

Context: Lowest grade in pallet grading systems.

CBM (Cubic Meter)

Unit of measurement for cargo volume, equal to one meter cubed.

Context: Critical for calculating freight costs and container space utilization, especially for lightweight cargo.

CFS (Container Freight Station)

Facility where LCL cargo is consolidated into or deconsolidated from containers.

Context: Key facility for handling less-than-container-load shipments, adds time to transit.

CFS Cut-off

Deadline for delivering LCL cargo to the container freight station.

Context: Missing this deadline can result in cargo rolling to the next sailing, causing delays.

Cargo Ready Date (CRD)

Date when cargo is available and ready for pickup or shipment.

Context: Important for booking confirmations and planning pickup schedules with carriers.

Carrier

Company that transports goods, such as shipping lines, airlines, or trucking companies.

Context: The actual operator of vessels, aircraft, or trucks that physically moves the cargo.

Cartage

Local transportation of goods, typically short-distance trucking.

Context: Often refers to port drayage or local delivery services within metropolitan areas.

Chassis

Wheeled frame used to transport containers over land.

Context: Essential equipment for moving containers between ports, rail yards, and warehouses.

Common Carrier

Transportation company that offers services to the general public under license.

Context: Regulated carriers required to accept all lawful cargo, subject to availability.

Consolidation

Combining multiple smaller shipments into one larger shipment for efficiency and cost savings.

Context: Common practice for LCL shipments to maximize container utilization and reduce costs.

Container

Standardized metal box used for transporting goods via ship, truck, or rail.

Context: Standard sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot, revolutionized global trade since the 1950s.

Container Yard (CY)

Area in a port where containers are stored and handled.

Context: Where full containers are received, stored, and delivered, distinct from CFS operations.

D

DOT

Department of Transportation - US federal agency regulating hazardous material transportation.

Context: Issues UN specification requirements for hazmat packaging.

Drip Dry

Cleaning method for IBC totes where the container is inverted and allowed to drain completely by gravity without rinsing.

Context: Basic cleaning level for IBC totes, removes free-flowing liquid but not residue, suitable for non-hazardous materials only.

Dynamic Load

Maximum weight capacity when the container is being moved by forklift or similar equipment.

Context: Typically 50-60% of static load capacity.

Dry Van

Enclosed trailer without temperature control, most common type of freight trailer (48-53 feet long).

Context: Standard for general freight, protects cargo from weather but not temperature-sensitive.

Dunnage

Protective material used to secure and protect cargo during transport.

Context: Can include wood blocks, air bags, or foam materials.

Deconsolidation

Process of separating consolidated cargo into individual shipments.

Context: Occurs at destination CFS for LCL shipments, adds handling time and cost.

Demurrage

Charge for keeping containers at the terminal beyond the free time period.

Context: Daily charges that can accumulate quickly, typically starts after 3-7 free days.

Detention

Charge for keeping containers beyond the allowed free time outside the terminal.

Context: Applies when containers are not returned empty within agreed timeframe, separate from demurrage.

Devanning

Process of unloading cargo from a container.

Context: Also called unstuffing or stripping, labor-intensive process at warehouses or CFS.

Drayage

Short-distance transportation of containers, typically between ports and rail yards.

Context: Critical first and last mile service in intermodal transportation chains.

Drop and Pick

Service involving dropping off one container and picking up another.

Context: Efficient method for truckers to maximize equipment utilization and reduce empty miles.

E

ECT

Edge Crush Test - Measures the stacking strength of corrugated cardboard, expressed in pounds per linear inch.

Context: Critical specification for Gaylord boxes (ECT-32, ECT-48, etc.).

Euro Pallet

European standard pallet measuring 31.5" × 47.2" (800mm × 1200mm).

Context: Also known as EUR pallet or EPAL pallet.

F

FDA

Food and Drug Administration - US federal agency regulating food contact materials and pharmaceuticals.

Context: Approves materials for food-grade packaging applications.

FIBC

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container - Technical term for bulk bags.

Context: Subject to UN specification 13H3 and 13H4.

Flatbed

Open trailer with flat deck and no sides or roof, used for oversized or heavy cargo that requires crane loading.

Context: Ideal for construction materials, machinery, and items too large for enclosed trailers.

Food Grade

IBC tote or container that previously held food-grade materials and meets FDA standards for food contact surfaces.

Context: Food-grade IBC totes command premium pricing and are suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications after proper cleaning.

FSC

Forest Stewardship Council - International certification for sustainable forest management.

Context: Ensures wood products come from responsibly managed forests.

FTL

Full Truckload - Shipment that fills an entire truck trailer, typically 26,000-34,000 lbs or full space utilization.

Context: Most cost-effective shipping method for large quantities, dedicated truck service.

Full Flap Bottom

Gaylord box bottom construction where all four flaps completely overlap each other, providing maximum bottom strength.

Context: Standard construction for heavy-duty gaylord boxes, offers superior weight capacity compared to partial flap bottoms.

FCA (Free Carrier)

Incoterm where the seller delivers goods to a named carrier at a specified location.

Context: Seller's responsibility ends when goods are handed to the first carrier, popular for containerized cargo.

FCL (Full Container Load)

Shipment that fills an entire container.

Context: Most cost-effective per unit for ocean freight, shipper has exclusive use of container.

FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit)

Standard measurement for container capacity (40-foot container).

Context: Used for vessel capacity planning and freight calculations, equals 2 TEUs.

FOB (Free on Board)

Incoterm where the seller's responsibility ends when goods are loaded on the vessel.

Context: Common term for ocean shipments, buyer assumes risk once goods cross ship's rail.

Forklift

Industrial vehicle used to lift and move materials in warehouses and freight facilities.

Context: Essential equipment for loading/unloading palletized cargo and containers.

Freight Forwarder

Company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations by coordinating with carriers.

Context: Acts as intermediary between shippers and carriers, handles documentation and logistics.

Fuel Surcharge (FSC)

Additional charge to cover fuel cost fluctuations in transportation.

Context: Variable component of freight rates that adjusts with fuel price changes.

G

Gaylord

Large corrugated box used for bulk storage and transport, typically 36-48 inches on each side.

Context: Named after the Gaylord Container Company, now a generic term.

GMA

Grocery Manufacturers Association - Sets standards for the 48" × 40" pallet used in North America.

Context: GMA pallet is the most common size, representing 95% of the market.

Grade A

Highest quality grade for used pallets with minimal damage, requiring only minor repairs like loose boards or protruding nails.

Context: Grade A pallets are suitable for most applications and command premium pricing in the used market.

Grade B

Good quality used pallets with moderate damage requiring some repairs such as board replacement or block repair.

Context: Grade B pallets are suitable for general use and represent the majority of the used pallet market.

Grade C

Lower quality used pallets with significant damage requiring extensive repairs but still structurally sound.

Context: Grade C pallets are often used for one-way shipping or internal operations where appearance is less important.

Grade

Quality classification system for used packaging materials based on condition and required repairs.

Context: Typically A (best), B (good), C (fair), D/Cull (poor).

GRI (General Rate Increase)

Across-the-board increase in shipping rates implemented by carriers.

Context: Typically announced quarterly by ocean carriers, affects base freight rates globally.

H

HACCP

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points - Food safety management system.

Context: Required for food-grade packaging and processing facilities.

Hazmat

Hazardous materials - Substances that pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation.

Context: IBC totes used for hazmat require UN specifications and special handling procedures, significantly affecting resale value and cleaning requirements.

HDPE

High-Density Polyethylene - Plastic resin used in drums, IBC totes, and other containers.

Context: Excellent chemical resistance and FDA approval for food contact.

Heat Treatment (HT)

Process of heating wood to 56°C core temperature for 30+ minutes to eliminate pests.

Context: Required by ISPM-15 for international shipping of wood packaging.

HPT-41 Box

High-performance test specification for corrugated boxes, indicating enhanced strength and durability ratings for heavy-duty applications.

Context: Used for gaylord boxes requiring superior performance characteristics beyond standard ECT ratings.

HC (High Cube) Container

Container that is 9'6" tall, one foot taller than standard containers.

Context: Provides extra volume for lightweight cargo, common in 40-foot length.

I

IBC

Intermediate Bulk Container - Rigid container with capacity between 110-793 gallons, typically 275-330 gallons.

Context: Commonly called IBC totes, used for liquid storage and transport.

IPPC

International Plant Protection Convention - Sets ISPM-15 standards for wood packaging.

Context: Requires heat treatment marking for international trade.

ISPM-15

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 - Regulates wood packaging in international trade.

Context: Mandates heat treatment and proper marking of wood packaging.

Intermodal

Transportation involving multiple modes (truck, rail, ship) using standardized containers.

Context: Seamless movement of containers between different transport modes without handling cargo.

J

Jute

Natural fiber sometimes used in bulk bag construction, though less common than polypropylene.

Context: Biodegradable alternative to synthetic materials.

K

KD

Kiln Dried - Lumber dried to 19% moisture content or less in a controlled environment.

Context: Reduces weight and pest risk for pallets and crates.

L

Load Capacity

Maximum weight that can be safely supported by a container or pallet.

Context: Includes static, dynamic, and racking load ratings.

Liner

Inner bag or coating used to protect contents from container material or provide moisture barrier.

Context: Common in bulk bags (PE liner) and drums (phenolic liner).

LTL

Less Than Truckload - Shipment that doesn't fill an entire truck, combined with other shipments for efficiency.

Context: Higher cost per pound than FTL but allows smaller shipments, involves multiple stops.

LCL (Less than Container Load)

Shipment that doesn't fill an entire container and is consolidated with other cargo.

Context: Cost-effective for smaller shipments but requires additional handling at CFS facilities.

Last Free Day

Final day containers can remain at the terminal without incurring storage charges.

Context: Critical deadline for importers to avoid demurrage charges at port terminals.

Liftgate

Hydraulic platform on trucks for loading/unloading cargo at locations without loading docks.

Context: Essential for residential deliveries and facilities without dock-level access.

Live Unload

Delivery requiring immediate unloading while the driver waits.

Context: Typically limited to 2 hours, additional waiting time incurs detention charges.

M

Manufacturer Direct

Products that come directly from the manufacturer and have not been repaired, inspected, or reconditioned by intermediaries.

Context: These products are sold in their original condition as produced, without any third-party modifications or quality assessments.

Metal IBC Totes

Intermediate bulk containers made of stainless steel or other metals, typically used for hazardous or high-temperature applications.

Context: More expensive than plastic IBC totes but offer superior chemical resistance and durability, often used in pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Moisture Content

Percentage of water by weight in wood materials, affects weight and pest risk.

Context: KD lumber has ≤19% moisture content.

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheet - Document containing information about chemical hazards and safe handling procedures (now replaced by SDS).

Context: Required for hazardous materials in IBC totes, older format replaced by SDS (Safety Data Sheet) under GHS system.

Mullen Test

Burst strength test for corrugated cardboard, measuring resistance to puncture.

Context: Alternative to ECT rating for box strength specification.

N

Nestable

Plastic pallet design where empty pallets can nest inside each other to save storage space, typically reducing height by 60-80%.

Context: Nestable plastic pallets are ideal for return logistics and storage efficiency when empty.

New IBC Totes

Brand new intermediate bulk containers that have never been used, typically coming directly from the manufacturer.

Context: New IBC totes command the highest prices and are required for certain applications like pharmaceuticals and food production.

NPT

National Pipe Thread - Standard threading for drum bungs and fittings.

Context: 2-inch NPT is standard for drum openings.

NWPCA

National Wooden Pallet & Container Association - Trade organization setting industry standards.

Context: Provides grading standards and best practices for wood packaging.

O

OCC

Old Corrugated Cardboard - Recycled cardboard material used in new packaging production.

Context: Major commodity in recycling markets.

Octagon Box

Eight-sided gaylord box design that provides superior stacking strength and corner protection compared to square boxes.

Context: Commonly used for heavy materials and applications requiring maximum structural integrity, often features 5-wall construction.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Sets workplace safety standards.

Context: Regulates safe handling and storage of packaging materials.

Ocean Freight

Transportation of goods by sea vessel, typically the most cost-effective method for large shipments.

Context: Dominant mode for international trade, handles over 90% of global cargo by volume.

Origin Charge

Fee charged at the origin port or pickup location.

Context: Includes terminal handling, documentation, and other services at shipment origin.

P

Packing Group

UN classification system for hazardous materials based on danger level (I-high, II-medium, III-low).

Context: Determines packaging requirements for hazmat shipping.

Partial Flap Bottom

Gaylord box bottom construction where flaps partially overlap with gaps between them, providing moderate strength at lower cost.

Context: Used for lighter materials and cost-sensitive applications, offers less strength than full flap bottoms.

PEFC

Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification - Sustainable forestry certification.

Context: Alternative to FSC for sustainable wood sourcing.

POD

Proof of Delivery - Document confirming that goods were received by the consignee, typically signed by recipient.

Context: Required for freight claims and payment processing, provides delivery confirmation.

Pallet Cores

Damaged or broken pallets that are beyond repair but still contain usable lumber for parts or recycling.

Context: Pallet cores are typically sold by weight to recycling facilities or used as biomass fuel.

Polypropylene (PP)

Thermoplastic polymer used in bulk bags, caps, and other packaging components.

Context: Excellent chemical resistance and strength-to-weight ratio.

Packing List

Detailed document listing all items in a shipment, including quantities and descriptions.

Context: Essential for customs clearance and verifying shipment contents at destination.

Per Diem Charge

Daily fee for using containers or equipment beyond the free time period.

Context: Applied by equipment owners to encourage prompt return of containers and chassis.

Pre-Pull

Moving containers from the terminal before the vessel arrives to expedite delivery.

Context: Strategy to avoid port congestion and ensure timely delivery to customers.

Q

Quality Management System

Structured approach to managing quality, typically following ISO 9001 standards.

Context: Required for many packaging suppliers and manufacturers.

R

Rackable

Plastic pallet design engineered to safely support loads when placed on warehouse racking systems with edge support only.

Context: Rackable plastic pallets have reinforced edges and structure to handle concentrated loads at support points.

Racking Load

Maximum weight capacity when container is supported only at the edges (as on pallet racks).

Context: Typically 40-50% of static load capacity.

RCRA Empty

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act standard for empty hazardous waste containers, requiring removal of all materials that can be removed by conventional methods.

Context: IBC totes holding hazardous waste must meet RCRA empty standards before disposal or reuse, more stringent than regular emptying.

Rebottled IBC Totes

Used IBC totes that have had their plastic bottles replaced with new bottles while retaining the original metal cage and pallet.

Context: Cost-effective alternative to new IBC totes, combines new bottle with proven cage and pallet components.

Reconditioning

Process of cleaning, repairing, and testing used containers to restore them to serviceable condition.

Context: Common for drums and IBC totes.

Reconditioned IBC Totes

Used IBC totes that have been professionally cleaned, inspected, tested, and repaired to meet quality standards for reuse.

Context: Also called 'recon' totes, these offer significant cost savings over new while maintaining performance standards.

Resin Bins

Large rigid containers used by plastic manufacturers to store and transport plastic pellets, flakes, and other raw materials.

Context: Typically made of steel or heavy-duty plastic, designed for repeated use in plastic manufacturing operations.

Rinsed

Basic cleaning level for IBC totes involving water rinse to remove residual product, suitable for non-hazardous materials.

Context: Standard cleaning for food-grade and non-hazardous chemical totes, less thorough than triple rinsed.

Rolled Cargo

Cargo that doesn't make the intended sailing and is moved to a later vessel.

Context: Common during peak seasons or port congestion, can cause significant supply chain delays.

S

SDS

Safety Data Sheet - Document providing information about chemical hazards, safe handling procedures, and emergency measures under the GHS system.

Context: Required for hazardous materials in IBC totes, replaced the older MSDS format, essential for proper handling and disposal.

SFI

Sustainable Forestry Initiative - North American forest certification program.

Context: Ensures responsible forest management practices.

Slip Sheets

Thin plastic or paperboard sheets used as pallet alternatives or protective barriers between products during storage and transport.

Context: Often used with gaylord boxes to prevent contamination and facilitate handling, cheaper alternative to pallets.

Space Kraft Boxes

Corrugated boxes made with kraft paper and designed for maximum space utilization, often used in automotive and manufacturing applications.

Context: Optimized for efficient packing and shipping, commonly used for lightweight but bulky items.

Square Box

Standard rectangular gaylord box design with four equal sides, most common configuration for bulk containers.

Context: Provides good space utilization and stacking characteristics, easier to manufacture than octagon boxes.

Stackable

Plastic pallet design that allows safe stacking of loaded pallets on top of each other, with interlocking features or sufficient structural strength.

Context: Stackable plastic pallets have reinforced construction and often include stacking lips or interlocking features for stability.

Static Load

Maximum weight capacity when container is stationary and evenly supported.

Context: Highest load rating for pallets and containers.

Stringer

Load-bearing board that runs lengthwise under a pallet, typically 2×4 lumber.

Context: Critical structural component determining pallet strength.

2-Wall

Corrugated construction with single flute between two liners, providing basic strength for light-duty gaylord box applications.

Context: Lowest cost option for gaylord boxes, typically rated for 600-900 lbs capacity, single-use only.

3-Wall

Corrugated construction with two flutes and three liners, standard strength for most gaylord box applications.

Context: Most common wall construction for gaylord boxes, typically rated for 1,000-1,600 lbs capacity with 2-3 reuses possible.

4-Wall

Corrugated construction with three flutes and four liners, heavy-duty strength for demanding gaylord box applications.

Context: Premium construction for gaylord boxes, typically rated for 1,500-2,200 lbs capacity with 3-5 reuses possible.

5-Wall

Corrugated construction with four flutes and five liners, maximum strength for heaviest gaylord box applications.

Context: Highest strength construction for gaylord boxes, typically rated for 2,000-2,800 lbs capacity with 5+ reuses possible.

2-Way Entry

Pallet design allowing forklift access from only two opposite sides, typically used in stringer pallet construction.

Context: Less versatile than 4-way entry but more economical to manufacture, common in stringer pallets.

SWL

Safe Working Load - Maximum weight capacity for bulk bags with appropriate safety factor.

Context: Typically 5:1 or 6:1 safety factor for bulk bags.

Shipper

Party that sends goods, typically the seller or manufacturer.

Context: Responsible for preparing cargo, documentation, and arranging transportation.

Stuffing

Loading cargo into a container.

Context: Process of maximizing space utilization while ensuring cargo security and weight distribution.

Storage Charges

Fees for storing goods at warehouses, terminals, or freight facilities.

Context: Accumulate daily after free time expires, can become significant cost factor.

T

Tare Weight

Weight of empty container, subtracted from gross weight to determine net contents.

Context: Important for calculating shipping costs and load planning.

Triple Rinsed

Thorough cleaning process for IBC totes involving three consecutive rinses to remove all residual product and contamination.

Context: Highest standard of cleaning for IBC totes, required for food-grade and pharmaceutical applications, significantly increases resale value.

Truckload

Full truck shipment, typically 26,000-34,000 lbs depending on product density.

Context: Most cost-effective shipping method for large quantities.

TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)

Standard measurement for container capacity (20-foot container).

Context: Base unit for measuring vessel capacity and port throughput statistics.

Transloading

Transferring cargo from one mode of transport to another.

Context: Common at ports and rail terminals to optimize transportation costs and routes.

Trucking

Ground transportation of freight using trucks and trailers.

Context: Most flexible mode of transport, essential for first and last mile delivery.

U

UN Specification

United Nations standards for packaging hazardous materials, ensuring global compatibility.

Context: Required for international shipping of dangerous goods.

USDA

United States Department of Agriculture - Regulates materials for food and agricultural use.

Context: Approves materials for food processing and organic certification.

ULD (Unit Load Device)

Container or pallet used specifically for air cargo transportation.

Context: Standardized units designed to fit aircraft cargo holds, maximizes space utilization.

V

Valve

Bottom outlet fitting on IBC totes used to control the flow of liquid contents during dispensing or draining.

Context: Standard 2-inch or 3-inch ball valve, critical component affecting IBC tote functionality and value.

Virgin Resin

New plastic material that has not been previously processed or recycled.

Context: Required for food-grade applications and highest quality products.

X

X-Rating

UN packaging group designation for high-danger hazardous materials.

Context: Requires highest level of packaging performance.

Y

Y-Rating

UN packaging group designation for medium-danger hazardous materials.

Context: Intermediate level of packaging performance requirements.

Z

Z-Rating

UN packaging group designation for low-danger hazardous materials.

Context: Lowest level of packaging performance requirements.