Mastering Cargo Types: Core Cargo Categories Every Shipper Must Know

For businesses today, being able to ship products efficiently is an important part of running a successful business, but it also can be very difficult to do so. When you know what freight products you are shipping, you can operate in all types of businesses (e-commerce, freight forwarding, etc.) with an efficiently organized operation. Knowing what type of freight you have and how to protect your shipment during shipping can save you money on freight protection; reduce the chance of your freight being damaged; and improve the satisfaction of your customers. The intent of this article is to give you a broad overview of the freight transport industry and its relation to global trade and economic activities.

What Is Cargo? A Complete Guide to Transported Goods

When you transport goods, you are moving that item from one origin to another, through a mode of transportation (truck, train, ship or aircraft). Cargo covers both small items and large items such as industrial equipment. Alternately there are different categories of goods that need to be controlled and delivered via temperature, example fresh produce, examples of goods that need special care to reduce the likelihood of damage, examples heavy machinery. Therefore, learning about the type of cargo you are shipping, will help determine the best shipping option for your cargo. Different type of cargo are subject to certain regulations regarding their handling/packaging/safety; therefore learning about the differences between various type of cargo provides insight on how to protect your cargo and also lower the costs associated with shipping.

Different Types of Cargo Transportation Explained

Cargo can be classified in many categories according to the purpose for which it is being shipped. Here are the major categories of cargo you as a shipper should understand:

General cargo– consists of common household goods, commercial products and the like – such as electronics, office supplies and clothing. Generally, General Cargo is packaged and shipped in containers and bags to prevent damage during shipment, and all shipments of general cargo must include an accurate label to help prevent damage during shipment.

Bulk cargo – It is created by taking a large volume of one individual commodity, such as grains, coal or chemicals, and loading it directly into specially designed vessels designed specifically to carry bulk cargo. Bulk cargo shipping is also one of the most economical ways to move large volumes of the same commodity in large quantities.

Perishable Cargo-The transportation of food, flowers, and medications quickly include perishables (i.e., goods that must be kept refrigerated) and therefore are shipped in refrigerated trucks or containers and have specific guidelines regarding the temperature that should be maintained in order to ensure product safety.

liquid cargoes-The shipment of liquid cargoes, such as crude oil, chemicals, and drinks is typically done using tankers, which are specially designed to contain liquids and prevent leakage and spillages. Liquid cargo poses an increased risk from a safety perspective when compared to other types of cargo.

Hazardous Cargo-Transporting hazardous materials (i.e. unstable materials), such as explosives or toxic chemicals, requires a certain degree of specialized training and specific permits to comply with various government regulations that are intended to protect employees and the environment.

Break bulk cargo – It is defined as any large item that does not fit into a standard shipping container, which typically resides in the form of machinery or vehicles. Because of their size, these items are generally not able to be handled with general freight handling procedures; therefore, special equipment and procedures must be used for unloading and loading purposes.

Containerized cargo – It consists of using standardized shipping containers to make movements from ship to truck and/or train as easy as possible, which makes this type of cargo transportation one of the most popular and effective types of cargo movement today.

Project cargo—It is used to describe the transportation process of large and complicated items, such as wind turbines or bridge components, which require a significant amount of time, coordination, and detailed planning prior to the safe transport of these items to their final destination.

Oversized cargo– It is classified as goods that exceed all standard shipping methods due to their excessive and/or unusual shape, size, and weight, and therefore are subject to unique documentation and a wide-ranging network of agencies and government regulations/locations.

Heavy Lift Cargo-Extremely heavy objects, such as industrial machinery and construction cranes, are covered by heavy lift cargo. To move these safely, specialized tools like reinforced trailers and hydraulic jacks are needed.

Why Understanding Cargo Types Matters

The requirements of the various types of freight shipped are different from each other; therefore knowing the different methods of transporting freight will allow the shipper to make better selections regarding what kind of packaging, equipment, and method of delivery to use when shipping their products. Using this knowledge will help the shipper save money, eliminate damage, be environmentally friendly, and ensure that products are delivered on time.

For example, understanding that perishable cargo needs temperature control helps you choose the right carrier and avoid spoilage. Knowing about hazardous cargo rules helps you stay compliant with laws and keep people safe. Learning about break bulk items helps you plan routes and budget for special equipment.

Get Expert Help for Your Cargo Needs

When getting goods shipped via cargo, it is important to have people who know what they are doing, have the experience, and a good selection of equipment to do so. Logistics Companies are a great resource for this. For example, RRC Logistics provides good quality service and has the expertise to handle all types of cargo safely.

RRC Logistics can assist you with any type of cargo, including heavy machinery, perishables, hazardous materials, and general goods, and they promise to deliver your cargo to you in a timely and safe manner.

Would you like the shipping process to go more quickly? Give RRC Logistics a call right now to discuss your cargo shipping needs and discover how they can help your business grow.