Frequently asked questions

Loads of information

You can learn more about the “Lingo of the Load” on this page.

We’ve added some of the most commonly used terms including Trailer Sizes, Document Names, and even some Tips and Tricks to make your cargo travel in transit much easier and reach it’s destination on time.

Pallets & Containers

Standard Pallets

A 120 x 100 x 120cm pallet that traditionally stacks to (120cm in height and up to 20Kg.

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Euro Pallet

A Euro pallet measures 120 x 80 x 120cm with a variable height.

The Euro pallet was introduced to develp a new standard size across Europe as specified by the European Pallet Association (EPAL) which would allows for a ‘pallet to pallet’ exchange system.

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Container

A Sea container is made of weathering steel, normally in 20 or 40 foot containers and can be transported in a range of ways via ships, inter modal (train) and road.

Each container is numbered so that it can be tracked and is built to be stacked and manoevered into place by cranes and specialist Fork Lift trucks.

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IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)

Intermediate Bulk Containers are used for specific transportation of fluid or liquid goods.

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Top Stow

Top Stow, is a pallet that you do not want to have goods stacked on top of, but can be stacked on top of another pallet.

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Handballing

Handballing is a term used for loading cargo onto trailers by hand, as apposed to using a fork lift truck on pallets. Typically they are carton size, not pallets and of course can only be a weight capable of safely lifting by hand.

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Nett Weight

Nett Weight relates to the weight of the cargo items only and does not include the the weight of the actual pallet or strapping and packaging.

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Gross Weight

The Gross Weight is the total weight of the cargo plus the pallet it is sat on.

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Documentation & I.D.

Trailer Numbers

Every trailer Is assigned a unique Trailer number for tracking and security reasons.

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Unit Number

Every Truck (cabin) is signed a unique Trailer number for tracking and security reasons.

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POD and CMR

A Proof of Delivery document that is governed by CMR conditions.

The full English translation of CMR is Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road.

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EX1 Document

An ‘EX1 Document’ is an export document for cargo going outside the EU from the UK. First European will require a commercial invoice issued from the client to complete the customs clearance.

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EUR1 Form

This is a Customs form the exporter would complete so they can claim preferential duty rates and often requires the shippers lead headed paper as evidence

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ATR Form

An ‘ATR’ is a specialist Turkish freight transit document.

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ADR Goods

ADR goods are Hazardous materials that require clear markings on the cargo and trailer.

There are 9 classes of Hazardous materials including explosive substances, gasses, flammable liquids and solids, toxic, infectious, radioactive and corrosive substances. which include a UN number and packaging group of goods.

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LTD Quantities

Also known as LTD, are not considered hazardous by road but are hazardous by sea.

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Trailer Types

All the different shapes & sizes

Which trailer to use?

Courier Van

Typically used for Express journeys around the UK, going direct from collection to destination (not using distribution centres).

Typical 2cbm – 2.4cbm Volume capacity

Transit / Sprinter Van

Similar to Small vans utilised for Express journeys around the UK, going direct from collection to destination (not using distribution centres).

Larger than small vans in height and length.

 

Typical 10cbm Volume capacity

Typical 1300kg maximum payload

Luton Van

Similar to Small and Sprinter / Transit vans utilised for Express journeys around the UK, going direct from collection to destination (not using distribution centres).

Larger in height than Sprinter / Transit vans and have supportive tail lift for loading weights.

 

Typical 14cbm Volume capacity

Typical 1000kg maximum payload

7.5 Tonne Lorry

Limited to 7.5 tonne carrying weights and more commonly used to carry pallets and larger loads. Utilised in distribution centres and for longer journeys

Typically longer and taller than Luton, Sprinters / Transit and small vans

 

Typical 30cbm Volume capacity

Typical 3000kg maximum payload

 

17.5 Tonne Lorry

Limited to 17.5 tonne carrying weights and more commonly used to stack pallets and bulk items loads.

Typical 40cbm Volume capacity

Typical 9000kg maximum payload

 

Taught Liner / Tilt Trailer

Taught / Tilt trailers are normally fitted with side bars to stabalise the cargo and prevent bulging side curtains.

Typical 85cbm Volume capacity

Typical 25tonnes maximum payload

 

Road Train

A Road Train (previously called Wagon and Drag), is 2 trailers that are split, which means you get a larger cubic volume loading. The trailers are different sizes. RoadTrains are often used to carry boxed cargo to utilise the additional space.

Typical 115cbm Volume capacity (total of both trailers)

Typical 15-23tonnes maximum payload

Mega Trailer

Typically used for non standard height, individually pieced cargo such as machinery or stackable pallets upto 3m high.

Typical 100cbm Volume capacity

Typical 24tonnes maximum payload

 

Euro Liner Trailer

Similiar to a Taught / Tilt Liner, but the EuroLiner has an accessible open roof to accomodate crane loading

Typical 85-90cbm Volume capacity

Typical 24,000kg maximum payload

Fridge Box Trailer

A temparature controlled unit, both chilled and heated, useful for food and chemicalcargo. Can also be used for high value cargo, due to the solidity of the enclosed unit, in ambient temparatures as the chiller / heater does not have to be used.

Typical 85-90cbm Volume capacity

Typical 21,000kg maximum payload

 

Flat Bed / Low Loader

A Flat Bed or Low Loader is used for Out of Gauge cargo, usually used when Police or Safety Escorts are required, as the cargo may be too high or wide for standard road / motorway lanes and access.

Step Frame Trailer

Similar to Flat Bed or Load loder that has an additional step in the trailer to allow for varying heights of cargo

Collections & Deliveries

Consignor

The Consignor is the ‘Sender’ of goods i.e. from the original collection point.

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Cosignee

The Consignee is the ‘Receiver’ of the goods i.e. delivery address.

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Shipper

The Shipper is the party that ‘Pays’ for the transportation of the goods.

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Demurrage Time

The Demurrage Time relates to the waiting time of a driver, waiting to load / unload trailers – normally charged by the hour.

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Cross Trade

A Cross Trade is an English related term that relates to Consignments which are shipped within mainland Europe and do not enter the UK e.g. moving cargo from France to Spain, or France to Portugal, via Spain.

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Collection / Delivey on Wheels

A Collection/Delivery on Wheels is a collection and delivery direct from door to door that does not pass through a Distribution centre, also known as an International trailer.

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Domestic Collection or Delivery

Domestic Collections or Deliveries are small collections made by Sprinter vans, normally within a 100 mile radius from collection to Distribution Centres / depots.

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Pallets to Exchange

A ‘Pallet to Exchange’ takes place when the full cargo including the pallets, are delivered to the Consignee.

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Ex Works or Free On Board

In the case of an ‘Ex Works’ or ‘Free On Board’, the receiver of the goods would arrange the collection and delivery of cargo, not the manufacturer.

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Accompanied

Accompanied means the Driver stays with trailer all the way from collection to delivery.

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Unaccompanied

An Unaccompanied load means the Driver takes the Consignment to port, drops the trailer for the vessel and new driver collects at the other end.

The transit time for this would take longer but is usually a cheaper option.

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Loads & Consignments

Full Loads

A Full Load uses the complete trailer capacity for your consignment.

Depending on the type of goods you require moving, we can stack 2 or 3 pallets high in order to maximise the space and reduce your cost.

All you need to tell us is how the goods need to be loaded onto the trailer so that we can determine the right type of trailer required.

Normal dimensions of a Full Load Trailer are:

13.6m Long x 2.4m Wide x Height varies to a maximum 2.6m. Maximum weight 24 Tonnes.

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Half Loads

First European provide half load services.

A half load is a trailer were only half of the trailers capacity is required for your personal consignment. If you have a half load consignment, you can benefit from our Collect and Deliver on Wheels service, where we will consolidate your shipments with other clients cargo heading for the same Country, thereby reducing your costs. Every element of the collection and delivery is managed by us at First European Logistics.

Half Load Trailer allocation is 6.5m long x 2.4m wide x height can vary up to a maximum 2.6m

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Part Loads

Part loads are smaller than Half Loads but we are still able to ship your consignment in the same way and reduce your costs.

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Groupage Services

Our Groupage Across Europe service allows us to collect a number of consignments, from multiple customers and collate onto one trailer before shipping to Europe.

By filling a truck with multiple consignments, we are maximising the capacity of a truck, therefore reducing the cost for each customer. This is a far more efficeient and environmentally friendly way of transporting goods.

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Out of Gauge

OOG or Out Of Gauge is a term used to describe cargo that is does not fit on a standard trailer as it’s width or height may be too bulky for a standard trailer

We often used FLAT BED or STEP LOAD / LOW LOADER trailers for these. It may also be the load fits on a standard trailer, but it has to be loaded through the tailer roof, this is when we then use a Euro Liner Trailer.

We can also arrange for Police Assisted support for transporting abnormal loads across European roads.

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