shipping

Shipping refers to the movement of goods and passengers from one location to another by land, sea, air, or multimodal systems. It encompasses the planning, execution, and management of cargo and transport services across global supply chains. The maritime segment, or sea shipping, handles the vast majority of international trade by tonnage, using ships such as container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, and general cargo ships. Air freight provides rapid transport for high-value or time-sensitive goods, while road and rail handle regional distribution and hinterland connectivity. A core element is containerization: standardized containers enable efficient handling, transfer between ships, trucks, and trains, and reduce damage risk.

Key infrastructure includes ports, terminals, rail yards, and logistics corridors. Documentation includes the bill of lading, which serves as a contract of carriage and receipt for cargo, and various certificates and insurance policies. Incoterms define the seller’s and buyer’s responsibilities for costs, risk, and delivery. The logistics ecosystem features freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers, shipping lines, and port authorities. Shipping markets are organized by liner services and spot charters, with economics driven by fuel costs, vessel supply, and global demand.

Environmental and regulatory issues include emissions, ballast water management, and safety standards. Contemporary challenges include congestion, piracy in certain regions, and the need for sustainable practices. The industry remains central to global trade, balancing efficiency, reliability, and risk management.