subject: The Utility of Cargo Services [print this page] The Utility of Cargo Services The Utility of Cargo Services
Cargo or freight refers to the produce or goods transported for commercial gains. This is done through ship, aircraft, van, truck or train. In the present scenario, containers are utilized in majority of inter-modal long-haul transport. Depending upon the mode of transport, freight is divided into sea freight, air freight, freight train and truck or van freight.
Sea freight takes a variety of forms like automobiles, containers, break bulk, bulk, project and heavy lift. Automobiles are managed at several ports, generally carried on specialist roll-off/roll-on ships. Similarly, break bulk refers to the material stacked on wooden pallets. These are lifted in and out of the vessel using cranes. However, this type of freight has witnessed a decline due to the growth of containerization.
Bulk freight is described as the commodities that are not handled as separate pieces. The commodities like salt, tallow, scrap metal or tallow that constitute bulk freight are neither in containers nor on pallets. Heavy lift and project freight might include items like factory components, manufacturing equipment, power equipment like wind turbines and generators as well as any other overweight or bulky item that fits in a container.
Despite the availability of several other forms of sea freight, containers remain the fastest growing and the largest category in most parts of the world. All kinds of material ranging from shoes, frozen meat, sea food and toys to machinery components and auto parts constitute containerized cargo.
Air freight is the fastest amongst all the modes of transport utilized for shipment of freight. With the passage of time, specially designed aircrafts were utilized for transport of freight. Aircrafts like An-124 and Boeing 747 can be employed shipment purposes. These large aircrafts use loading containers similar to the containerized ships.
Trains can transport several containers that have just left the shipping ports. They are utilized for transportation of wood, coal and steel. Generally, trains are capable of pulling a large quantity and have a direct route to their destination. Moreover, it offers a more cost-effective as well as energy-efficient mode of transport as compared to road. However, it lacks the flexibility provided by road transport. Consequently, rail freight is often substituted by road transport.
