cargos

Cargos, or cargo, refers to goods or commodities transported by ship, aircraft, train, or truck. The term is used in shipping, logistics, and insurance to describe items in transit and the legal rights and obligations that accompany them.

Cargo can be classified by type, mode, or packaging. By type, it includes dry bulk (grains, coal, ore), liquid bulk (crude oil, chemicals, liquefied gases), general or break bulk (machinery, steel, pallets not in containers), and containerized cargo (goods packed in intermodal containers).

By mode, cargo moves on ships, airplanes, trains, or trucks. Handling varies with packaging: bulk shipments require dedicated facilities; containerized cargo is loaded in standardized containers; general cargo uses pallets and crates. Intermodal transport links multiple modes to optimize efficiency.

Documentation and liability are central to cargo transport. The bill of lading serves as a contract of carriage and receipt of goods; an airway bill performs a similar function for air freight. Freight forwarders arrange transport, and cargo insurance covers loss or damage. Incoterms define who bears costs and risk at different points in the journey.

Regulation and safety govern the handling of cargo, especially hazardous or dangerous goods. Standards such as the IMDG Code and IATA DGR apply to classification, packaging, labeling, and stowage. Containers and packaging must meet securing, stacking, and labeling requirements to prevent accidents and losses.

Economic role and challenges: cargo flows drive global trade and are affected by seasonality, capacity constraints, and geopolitical events. Advances in tracking, electronic documentation, and digital inventories improve visibility, efficiency, and resilience in supply chains.