Types of Cargo Shipping: Differences in Land, Sea, Air Shipping

Shipping has a crucial role in today’s business operations. However, considering the variety of cargo shipping types, it may be quite challenging to determine the optimal choice according to your business’s unique needs. In this article, we will explore various shipping methods and their benefits. Get to know more in this TransTRACK article!

What is cargo shipping?

Cargo shipping is the process of sending products and goods from one place to another using various modes of transportation such as land, air, or water. Generally, the term “cargo” is used to refer to goods loaded in a transport vehicle. However, in the current context, the term covers a wide range of products, including those transported via rail, truck, van or intermodal container.

Although the term “cargo” includes all items in the transport vehicle, it does not include personal items, equipment, or products used to facilitate the exchange of items in the vehicle. Cargo delivery is carried out in a commercial context where the carrier issues an E-Way bill and proof of delivery.

Types of Cargo

Cargo refers to commodities that are moved from one place to another using various means of transportation such as air, sea and land. Starting from foodstuffs, oil, to large equipment, various types of goods can now be transported to various corners of the world via delivery services.

Land Cargo

Determining inland cargo transportation options is an aspect of great importance when planning a freight shipment.

There are a number of factors that influence the decision regarding the appropriate type of transportation, from the dimensions of the load, its weight, to the need to maintain a certain temperature.

Curtain roof trucks are the vehicle variant most often used in road transportation. This type of truck is recognized by its roof structure which is equipped with curtains, and its sides which consist of PVC curtain material.

One of the factors that makes this type of truck the main choice for land cargo transportation is the presence of curtains on the sides of the vehicle, which significantly simplifies the loading and unloading process.

Sea Cargo

Maritime transportation is a way of transporting commodities on a large scale via cargo ships. Goods are placed into special containers which are then loaded onto ships, with the final destination of delivery to the destination country.

Container cargo is goods transported in containers via a cross-modal transportation system. The capacity of these containers is very large, allowing a large number of goods to be transported smoothly.

Generally, cargo in containers consists of products such as electronic devices, clothing, toys and similar items. The process of loading and unloading container cargo is generally carried out using mechanical equipment on board the ship.

The consistent size of containers used to transport cargo also provides convenience in organizing and sending goods.

Types of Cargo Based on Type of Goods

The distribution of cargo variants can also be found by paying attention to the type of goods sent. From this point of view, three cargo classifications can be identified:

General Cargo

In the realm of logistics, the term “general cargo” refers to goods that can be transported individually in intact condition. These items may be pallets, packages, barrels, or boxes. When these units are collected from different shippers and combined into a larger unit, it is usually referred to as a “batch shipment.”

Special Cargo

Special category cargo is goods which, due to their characteristics, weight, dimensions, and/or value attached to them, may require special requirements which include special packaging, special labeling, preparation of special documents, and special treatment when going through a series of processes. transportation.

Dangerous Cargo

Dangerous goods refer to substances, materials and items that are included in the IMDG Code and are considered to pose a risk due to their characteristics such as the ability to burn easily, corrosiveness, toxicity or other dangerous attributes.

In the context of the IMDG Code, hazardous materials that have a melting point or initial melting point of 20 degrees C or lower at a pressure of 101.3 kPa need to be considered liquid substances, unless there are explicit or implicit instructions stating otherwise.

Substances that have viscous properties with a specific melting point that cannot be determined must be tested in accordance with the ASTM D 4359-90 standard. In addition, products of certain classes, namely 1, 2, 6.2, and 7, have been grouped into packaging categories according to the degree of hazard involved; namely category I for major hazards, category II for moderate hazards, and category III for minor hazards.

How to send cargo

Cargo delivery involves a series of extensive steps and processes, including activities such as packing and loading goods, transportation to the port or airport, involving the customs declaration and administration process, as well as managing customs aspects, then continued with delivery until it reaches its final destination.

Additionally, different types of cargo may require different handling, packaging, and delivery modes to ensure that delivery occurs safely and on time.

Conclusion

Cargo shipping can be a profitable option for companies that wish to send their products in large quantities and to more distant locations. Although shipping costs in the context of cargo tend to be slightly higher, flexibility in choosing the mode of transport, load dimensions and real-time tracking facilities contribute to reducing the overall cost burden for businesses.

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