7 Types of Cargo Carried by Ships and How They’re Transported
The global shipping industry takes care of billions of tonnes of cargo each year, as it is the base of international trade. Approximately 11 billion tons of goods are shipped annually. Different types of cargo from everyday customer goods to large industrial goods like machinery, ships transport multiple varieties of goods across the oceans efficiently and cost-effectively.
Understanding the types of cargo carried by ships is important for sellers to expand their reach to global markets. With technological advancements in shipping technology and logistics, transporting goods through the sea has become more accessible. This provides sellers with new opportunities to connect with multiple international buyers and manage the supply chain.
This blog explores the types of cargo carried by ships, how they are transported, and why understanding these can help you make informed decisions.
The seven types of cargo carried by the ships are:
- Container Cargo:
Container cargo, also known as shipping containers, is cargo transported in containers using intermodal transportation. These cargo containers’ capacity is massive and typically 20 or 40 feet long. These containers can hold multiple products from consumer goods like textiles, toys, electronics, industrial machinery, etc.
How they are transported: Containers are loaded on container ships using cranes and stacked properly and securely to optimise space. All the containers are numbered and tracked using computerised systems. Once the cargo containers reach their destination, they can be efficiently transferred to trucks, trains, two-wheelers, etc., for last-mile delivery.
ALSO READ: Difference Between Freight & Cargo Shipping
- Liquid Bulk Cargo:
Liquid bulk cargo, also known as tanker ships, contains liquid goods and shipped in bulk. It includes liquids like liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, citrus juice, fresh water, edible oils, wine, and chemicals like chlorine and ammonia.
How they are transported: Liquid bulk cargo is shipped through special tanker ships, which are designed with secure storage tanks for liquid. Depending on the type, these tanks also include cooling, heating, and pressurisation systems. Pumps load and unload the liquid bulk cargo while ensuring its transport is safe and spill-free.
- Dry Bulk Cargo:
Dry bulk cargo refers to loose and unpackaged goods like iron, coal, grains, ore, and elements. It is usually not packaged and is transported in large quantities. The food and infrastructure industries are highly dependent on this cargo type for smooth operations.
How they are transported: Dry bulk cargo is loaded into and out of a ship’s hold using conveyor belts, hoppers, or grab cranes. Similar machinery is used for unloading at the receiving or destination port. Waggons and lorries also play an important role in transportation.
- Breakbulk Cargo:
Breakbulk cargo, also known as general cargo, must be loaded individually or separately and not in containers or bulk with other things like oil or grain. The breakbulk cargo includes large or heavy items that are generally not suitable for containers, like construction materials, machinery, and oversized vehicles.
How they are transported: These items are individually handled and loaded onto ships using forklifts, cranes, or other heavy equipment. The goods are often secured with nets, straps, and bracing to prevent movement during transportation. This shipping method also accommodates unique or irregularly shaped items.
ALSO READ: What is Bulk Shipping?
- Livestock Cargo:
Livestock cargo includes movement of animals like sheep, cattle, poultry, etc. Livestock and animals are some of the most commonly transported cargo between different countries. While transporting livestock cargo, you need to take intensive care and ample maintenance during the transportation process.
How are they transported: Specialised livestock carriers are used to transport the livestock cargo to ensure the animals’ safety and welfare during the transportation process. The ships transporting it have ventilation systems, watering and feeding facilities, and pens designed to reduce stress. The loading and unloading of the cargo is conducted carefully to avoid any injury to the animals. And people included follow the animal welfare regulations strictly to ensure a humane transport process.
- Ro-ro Cargo (Roll-on/Roll-off):
Ro-ro means roll-on/roll-off. It is one of the most important cargos, as it contains goods that can be loaded and unloaded using the principle of rolling. This method is used to transport vehicles of all sizes and types, such as motorbikes, cars, buses, vans, tractors, trucks, and JCBs. Regardless of the size of the vehicle, this method can transport vehicles across the globe.
How are they transported: Ro-ro ships use built-in ramps, which allow vehicles to drive directly into the vessels. Once loaded or on board, they are securely strapped to prevent movement. This method is highly effective for you if you are in the construction and automotive industries, as it reduces handling and transportation time.
- Refrigerated Cargo:
Refrigerated cargo is typically used to transport perishable commodities (packaged or frozen foods) that need temperature-controlled transportation, such as meat, fruits, fish, vegetables, dairy products, etc. These items have a short shelf life and are highly likely to spoil, so refrigerated ships are used to transport them, as they have temperature-controlling features to help cargo last longer.
How are they transported? Reefer or refrigerated cargo shipping includes temperature-controlled systems to maintain the required storage conditions during transportation. Food items are loaded on/in general cargo or refrigerated ships with advanced monitoring systems to ensure consistent temperature and humidity and keep them fresh.
ALSO READ: Freight Shipping Guide for Beginners
Why Choose Shiprocket for Your Cargo Needs?
Shiprocket Cargo is a reliable and efficient solution for managing all your domestic cargo needs, offering services customised to help your business stand out in the competitive shipping world. Here are some reasons that you should choose Shiprocket for your cargo needs:
- Shiprocket provides you with comprehensive logistics solutions and end-to-end logistics services from pickup to house delivery to provide a seamless shipping experience.
- They have a wide network of courier partners and services to make sure that your cargo reaches both international and domestic destinations efficiently.
- Shiprocket provides competitive pricing to make sure that you can ship cargo without overspending.
- There is real-time shipment tracking to monitor the shipments while ensuring transparency and reliability throughout the process.
- A dedicated support team helps you with any queries and ensure a smooth operations experience without any delays.
- There is no platform fee at Shiprocket Cargo’s site, and it is easy to understand.
- There are no hidden charges at Shiprocket; the pricing structure is transparent for everyone.
ALSO READ: Challenges Associated With Ocean Freight
Conclusion
The shipping industry plays an important role in global trade, as it helps businesses expand their reach and connect with international markets efficiently. The types of cargo containers for each type of freight need unique handling and transportation methods to make sure that the cargo is safe and efficient. Understanding such things can help you make smarter decisions, optimise operations, and maximise the profitability of your business. With Shiprocket Cargo, you have a reliable logistics partner that can simplify your shipping needs. They offer cost-effective and seamless solutions to navigate the complexities of the shipping world. So, take your business global—start shipping with Shiprocket Cargo today!
