Close-up of a camera lens with blue background

Glossary

General cargo

General cargo refers to individual transportable units of goods or packaging that are handled as separate shipments, regardless of their shape, size, or nature. It is typically transported via general cargo networks and handled together with other shipments.

General cargo includes, for example, boxes, packages, pallets, or other loading units that do not constitute a full vehicle load. To ensure efficient processing, general cargo shipments are identified, measured, and weighed. Automated systems such as DWS facilities, sorting technology, and digital transport management systems enable fast processing, optimal utilization of transport resources, and transparent freight billing.

Practical example:
At a general cargo terminal, delivered pallets are automatically scanned, measured, and weighed before being assigned to the appropriate onward transport route.

General cargo measurement

General cargo measurement is the automatic or manual recording of the dimensions and, where applicable, the weight of general cargo shipments. It provides important data for transportation planning, warehouse processes, and accurate freight billing.

General cargo measurement involves determining the length, width, height, and weight of boxes, pallets, or other loading units. Modern measurement systems use 3D sensors, laser scanners, or camera-based technologies for this purpose and can transfer the data directly to transportation management, warehouse management, or ERP systems. Precise measurement improves vehicle load utilization, reduces the need for manual measurements, and creates a reliable data foundation for logistics decisions.

Practical example:
At a general cargo terminal, pallets are automatically measured and weighed before further transport so that optimal vehicle utilization can be planned and freight can be billed correctly.

Goods

Goods are movable commodities or products that are stored, transported, or traded. They are the focus of logistics processes throughout the entire supply chain.

Goods can take the form of individual items, boxes, pallets, containers, or other loading units and vary in size, weight, shape, and transportation requirements. To ensure efficient logistics, their characteristics are recorded using modern measurement and identification systems and integrated into digital processes. Complete master data enables optimal storage, cost-effective transportation, and transparent shipment tracking.

Practical example:

In a distribution center, goods of various sizes are automatically identified, measured, and weighed before being assigned to their respective shipping orders.

Goods out

Goods out refers to the logistical process of preparing, inspecting, and transferring goods or shipments from the company to the mode of transport or the recipient. It constitutes the final internal phase before shipment.

In the outbound process, picked goods are inspected, packed, identified, documented, and prepared for transport. Modern systems support this process through automatic measurement, weight recording, labeling, and document generation. The integration of DWS, ERP, WMS, and TMS systems enables error-free data transfer, optimized transport planning, and transparent shipment tracking.

Practical example:

Before loading, pallets in the outbound area are automatically scanned, measured, and weighed. The data is then used for shipping documents and transport planning.

Goods Receiving

Goods Receiving refers to the logistical process of accepting, inspecting, and recording goods that arrive at a company. It is the first step in internal material supply and lays the foundation for reliable inventory and production control.

In the goods receiving area, shipments are inspected, identified, measured, weighed, and transferred to subsequent logistics processes. Modern systems such as DWS equipment, scanners, and automatic identification technologies capture relevant data directly upon delivery and transfer it to ERP, LVS, or WMS systems. This makes inventory available more quickly, reduces errors, and enables transparent tracking of goods.

Practical example:

When a pallet arrives at the receiving area, the barcode, dimensions, and weight are automatically recorded and compared with the expected delivery data in the warehouse management system.

Green Logistics

Green logistics refers to the sustainable design of logistics processes with the goal of reducing environmental impact and resource consumption. It encompasses measures to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency, and conserve natural resources throughout the entire supply chain.

Green logistics measures include, among other things, optimized transport planning, improved vehicle utilization, the use of low-emission powertrains, and energy-efficient warehousing and material-handling technology. Digital technologies such as automatic data collection and intelligent process control also make an important contribution by preventing empty runs and making material flows more efficient. This allows environmental and economic goals to be combined.

Practical example:

A logistics service provider uses automated cargo measurement and digital route planning to improve vehicle utilization, reduce empty runs, and sustainably lower CO₂ emissions.

GS1

GS1 is an international organization that develops globally recognized standards for the unique identification and electronic exchange of business data. Its standards enable the uniform identification and tracking of products, shipping units, and logistics processes.

Among the best-known GS1 standards are the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), the GS1 barcode, and the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC). They form the basis for automated data exchange between manufacturers, logistics service providers, retailers, and customers. The use of GS1 standards streamlines processes, reduces errors, and increases transparency throughout the entire supply chain.

Practical example:

When a pallet is shipped, a GS1-compliant SSCC is applied so that the unit load can be uniquely identified and seamlessly tracked throughout the entire transport route.

GTIN

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number and is a globally unique identification number used to identify commercial items. It enables the unique identification of products and supports the automated exchange of product information.

The GTIN is part of the GS1 system and is used, for example, in barcodes such as EAN or GS1-128 codes. It serves to uniquely identify products throughout the supply chain and to exchange information between manufacturers, retailers, and logistics service providers. In automated logistics processes, the GTIN supports the capture, management, and processing of product data and creates a reliable foundation for transparent flows of goods.

Practical example:

Upon receipt of goods, a product is automatically recognized via its barcode containing the GTIN, and the associated product information is imported into the warehouse management system.