Cargo
What Is Cargo in Shipping and Logistics?
Cargo refers to goods or merchandise transported from one location to another by air, sea, road, or rail. It includes everything from individual parcels and freight pallets to full containers and bulk commodities. Cargo can be moved domestically or internationally and is the core of the global supply chain.
In logistics, cargo is typically categorised by:
Mode of transport (air cargo, sea cargo, road cargo)
Packaging method (containerised, bulk, breakbulk)
Handling type (hazardous, perishable, fragile, oversized)
Whether you're an eCommerce business sending products overseas or a manufacturer exporting bulk goods, cargo is the term that defines what you’re shipping.
Different Types of Cargo Explained
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| General Cargo | Parcels, boxes, palletised goods |
| Containerised Cargo | Items shipped in standard shipping containers |
| Bulk Cargo | Grain, coal, cement, oil |
| Breakbulk Cargo | Machinery, timber, oversized items |
| Special Cargo | Hazardous goods, perishables, fragile items |
What’s the Difference Between Cargo and Freight?
Though often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference:
Cargo refers to the actual goods being shipped.
Freight can refer to both the goods and the cost charged for transporting them.
In practice, “air cargo” and “air freight” might mean the same thing, but cargo always describes the physical items being moved.
How Is Cargo Transported Internationally?
Cargo can be shipped by:
Air Freight – for speed, used in time-sensitive shipments
Sea Freight – ideal for heavy or large-volume goods
Road Freight – cost-effective for domestic or cross-border loads
Rail Freight – commonly used in large supply chains across continents
Each method has its own documentation, handling rules, and customs requirements.
Common Cargo Documentation
Shipping cargo requires several key documents:
Bill of Lading (BOL)
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Air Waybill (for air shipments)
Export/Import licences (where applicable)
Does World Options Ship Cargo?
Yes. World Options offers a complete cargo shipping service for businesses of all sizes, from small parcel shipping to large freight movements. Through our platform, you can access major global carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and TNT.
Whether you're shipping eCommerce items, documents, or bulk goods, our team provides full support, including customs documentation, insurance, and international tracking.
Related Terms:
Need Cargo Shipping Support?
Let World Options simplify your cargo logistics with one easy-to-use platform. From quote to delivery, we help you ship smarter. Get in touch today.