FLOX's Guide to Logistics Jargon

FLOX has published a plain-language glossary of logistics and supply chain terminology. The article recognises that the industry's heavy use of jargon creates barriers for anyone new to the sector or working with logistics providers for the first time. The guide covers terms across warehousing, transport, fulfilment and supply chain management. Each definition is written to be understood without prior specialist knowledge, making it useful for business owners engaging with logistics for the first time, procurement teams evaluating providers and graduates entering the industry. Terms covered include 3PL, 4PL, cross-docking, last-mile delivery, WMS, TMS, pallet networks, bonded warehousing and on-demand logistics among many others. Where terms are commonly confused or used inconsistently across the industry, the guide notes the differences and explains the most widely accepted usage. For anyone who has sat through a logistics meeting wondering what half the acronyms meant, this is a useful reference. It is also helpful for marketing and communications teams in logistics businesses who need to write clearly for non-specialist audiences. FLOX has compiled this based on the questions most commonly asked by businesses using its platform.