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Freight transport, or cargo transport, is the movement of goods from origin to destination using transport networks. It is a core activity of logistics and supply chain management, covering domestic shipments and international trade. Freight transport involves route planning, mode selection, scheduling, and ensuring delivery that is timely, safe, and cost-efficient.

Common modes are road, rail, sea, and air, often combined in multimodal or intermodal logistics. Road transport offers flexibility and door-to-door service; rail supports high-volume, long-distance moves; sea transport handles large cargo volumes at relatively low cost; air freight provides rapid delivery for time-sensitive goods. Freight forwarders and logistics providers coordinate multi-leg shipments, packaging, labeling, insurance, and documentation, while handling various cargo types such as bulk commodities, containerized goods, and general cargo.

Freight transport operates under national laws and international conventions. Key elements include documentation (such as bills of lading and customs declarations), liability regimes, and contract terms (Incoterms). Compliance with safety, weight, and environmental standards is essential, as is risk management, insurance, and security. Performance is measured by indicators like transit time, cost per ton-kilometre, and on-time delivery rates.

Trends shaping the sector include digitization, real-time tracking, and digital freight platforms, as well as shifts toward intermodal networks and decarbonization. The industry faces capacity and price volatility, regulatory complexity, and exposure to global trade cycles.