Lighter

1) Flat-bottomed craft (ie barge) used to transfer freight (lighterage - see below) to and from ships in a harbour. Sometimes the lighters are actually lifted aboard and carried on the ships (ie a LASH).

Light locomotive

1) Legal term. Defined as a vehicle, not itself constructed to carry a load (apart from tools and loose equipment) and which has an ulw exceeding 7,370 kg.

LIFT

1) London International Freight Terminal. Container storage and transfer terminal in Stratford, London.

Lifelong learning

1) Government initiative for 'cradle-to-grave' education and training.

Life-cycle assessment

1) Assessment of the whole life of a product or business asset in terms of its development or its cost. In transport, the life-cycle cost of a vehicle is more important than its initial cost - eg the more expensive vehicle may be the cheapest in the long run. See also Tero-technology.

Lien

1) A legal right to hold (eg goods) until charges are paid. In transport 'particular lien' is a standing right meaning a haulier can hold (but not sell or charge demurrage) the load he is carrying until charges for that load (but not any other load) have been paid. General lien (ie the right to hold any load) exists only if provided for in the haulier's conditions of carriage - similarly with charging demurrage or disposal.