cargohandling

Cargo handling refers to the systematic movement, control, and storage of goods from origin to destination, including loading, unloading, stowage, and transfer within terminals. It covers marine, air, and land intermodal movements and is carried out by port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, airlines, freight forwarders, and specialized ground handling companies.

In seaports, cargo handling includes stevedoring, quay side and yard operations, crane work, container handling equipment, palletized and bulk cargo, and transfer to and from ships, trucks, and rail. In airports, air cargo handling encompasses receiving shipments, security screening, customs clearance, warehousing, packing, labeling, documentation, and loading onto aircraft.

Operations rely on specialized equipment such as dock cranes, gantry cranes, reach stackers, straddle carriers, forklifts, conveyors, and container handling equipment, as well as pallets and unit load devices. Information systems, including terminal operating systems and cargo community systems, support inventory control, tracking, and intermodal handoffs; compliance covers dangerous goods, cold chain management, and security standards from IATA and other authorities.

Safety and regulatory compliance address occupational hazards, equipment operation, ISPS-related security, and insurance; environmental considerations emphasize energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and waste management. Recent trends include automation and mechanization, digitization of documentation and traceability, data-sharing across stakeholders, and expanded cold-chain capabilities for perishables.