A Primer on Cargo: Anahuac Transport Explains General Freight

Image source: freightwaves.com

Anahuac Transport Describes the Various Types of General Cargo

Around 90 percent of all goods worldwide are shipped by sea, notes Anahuac Transport. Though by tonnage, the majority of that is bulk cargo—loose commodity cargo such as petroleum, liquified natural gas, and iron ore—by value, the majority of these goods fall under the category of general cargo.

General cargo is differentiated from bulk cargo by its unitized load units. This includes break bulk, which refers to load carried in pallets, boxes, bags, and drums, as well as neo-bulk—such as lumber bundles and paper rolls—and containerized cargo, which includes all types of cargo that can be shipped in a standardized container unit.

According to liquid bulk transport specialist Anahuac Transport, 60 percent of maritime transport is containerized cargo. In fact, most consumer goods purchases were probably aboard a container vessel at some point prior to their sale.

However, Anahuac Transport is quick to point out that not all cargo shipped to end customers or retailers is containerized. For instance, the neo-bulk and break-bulk markets remain a huge part of sea transportation. This consists of all unitized cargo that cannot fit easily into a standardized shipping container, including heavy machinery, turbines, or steel beams.

Ultimately, Anahuac Transport notes that the growth of maritime trade shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. In 2019, the maritime trade volume was around 11 billion tons, which is 2.7 percent higher than the year before. Indeed, the average growth rate from 2019 to 2024 is predicted to be 3.4 percent because of the growing global market. The result is that consumers will become even more dependent on trans-oceanic trade.

AnahuacTransport hauls 100 percent liquid bulk products. Its fleet of cargo tank trailers serves the petrochemical and refining industries, covering the entire lower 48 states. For more information on Anahuac Transport, click here.