Estes Express Lines Transportation Glossary

Transportation Glossary (PDF)

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N

National Fuel Index:

Fuel surcharges are generally based on the National Fuel Index published by the U.S. Department of Energy every Monday. The index is based on several factors, including the average fuel costs by region. Whenever the cost of fuel exceeds a base range established by a carrier, a fuel surcharge may be added to base freight charges (before any accessorial charges).

National Motor Freight Classification:

See NMFC.

NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification):

The NMFC item number is assigned according to commodity type and is used by LTL carriers to determine the level of rates for a shipment.

Non-Asset-Based Provider:

Does not have the assets (e.g., trucks, terminals, planes or warehouses) of a carrier. The non-asset provider supplies the Bill of Lading and assumes responsibility for a shipment, but uses the resources of asset-based carriers to provide physical pickup, line-haul and delivery service.

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier:

See NVOCC.

NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier):

A firm that offers the same services as an ocean carrier, but which does not own or operate a vessel. NVOCCs usually act as consolidators, accepting small shipments (LCL) and consolidating them into full container loads. They then act as shippers, tendering the containers to ocean common carriers. They are required to file tariffs with the Federal Maritime Commission and are subject to the same laws and statutes that apply to primary common carriers.

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