Cargo refers to freight transported by truck, ship, plane, or rail. These include commercial deliveries of goods, both domestically and internationally.
The term "cargo" is derived from English and translates as "cargo" or "freight." It refers to goods that are prepared for transport and transported over long distances. These goods can be transported on pallets, loose, packaged, or in containers. It does not matter whether it is a single package or a full truckload.
Cargo encompasses various types of goods: general cargo, heavy goods, hazardous goods, or groupage. Different regulations and requirements apply depending on the type of goods. For example, hazardous goods must be specially labeled and are subject to strict safety regulations. Perishable goods such as food also require special transport conditions.
In practice, cargo plays a central role in the logistics chain. Without functioning freight transport, international trade would quickly come to a standstill. Companies rely on specialized freight forwarders to get their freight to its destination efficiently and safely. Transport is often organized intermodally – that is, across multiple modes of transport.
Another important field is air freight. This form of transport is often referred to as "air cargo." This mode of transport is particularly suitable for time-critical or high-value goods. However, rapid transport by air is usually more expensive than transport by ship or rail.
Customs is also closely linked to cargo. For international shipments, customs documents, delivery notes, and transport papers must be completed correctly. This is the only way to ensure smooth processing.
A distinction is also made between import and export cargo. While export involves goods being taken out of the country, import cargo refers to incoming deliveries. Both variants place different demands on the service providers involved.
The technological aspect should not be neglected. Modern cargo systems operate digitally and enable real-time shipment tracking. This allows senders and recipients to always have an overview of their cargo.
Typical terms used in the context of cargo are: Cargo handling, Transshipment, Direct Shipping and Express Freight Shipping
