General cargo

General cargo (or break-bull cargo) - all kinds of processed product and finished product, which is moved in bulk or prepackaged. It is characterized by a constant external form of load, and possibility to isolate smaller cargo units, that are not subject to further division in handling and reloading. It has different external dimensions and different characteristics, and in addition value of one unit is much higher than in the bulk cargo. General cargo require special care in transit and handling. In contrast to bulk cargoes, content of one unit of general cargo can be weighted. General cargoes due to small volume, could be included in bigger consolidated shipments. Individual loads of many senders are collected and combined by the freight forwarder, and then sent as a one bigger load to individual customers.

Characteristics

• low weight of one consignment,
• different shape and packaging,
• dispersion of senders and recipients,
• the client pays for the actual weight of the goods, vehicle is chosen by the shipper and its size does not affect the rate of shipping.
• bill of lading is issued for a collective load of the vehicle.

Advantages of general cargo

• possibility of adjust the size of the supply to the customer needs,
• just in time delivery,
• no need for storage of stocks of goods,
• reduced costs associated with their storage, internal logistics, etc.

Disadvantages of general cargo

• lower efficiency compared to whole vehicle (container) cargo,
• under-utilization of the cargo space in trucks and the warehouse,
• the need for transfer small consignments to and from terminal,
• the need for a variety of handling equipment and diverse instrumentation.

Examples of General cargo

• Furniture: General cargo can include furniture such as beds, chairs, tables, couches, dressers, and other items. These may be shipped in individual pieces or in sets, and require careful packaging and handling to prevent damage during transit.
• Automotive Parts: Automotive parts such as engines, transmission, suspension, and other components are often shipped as general cargo. These parts are usually shipped in boxes or crates to protect them from damage.
• Electronics: Electronics such as computers, televisions, and other devices may be shipped as general cargo. These items require special packaging and handling to prevent damage during transit.
• Industrial Machinery: Industrial machinery such as pumps, motors, and other equipment can be shipped as general cargo. These items require careful packaging and handling to prevent damage while in transit.
• Clothing: Clothing such as t-shirts, jeans, and other apparel can be shipped as general cargo. These items require special packaging and handling to ensure that they arrive undamaged.

Other approaches related to General cargo

Below is a list of other approaches related to General Cargo:

• Cargo Consolidation - the process of combining multiple shipments into a single shipment to reduce shipping costs. This is often advantageous when shipping from multiple vendors to one recipient, as it reduces the number of shipping charges.
• Cross-Docking - a warehouse or distribution center process that involves transferring freight from one mode of transport to another without any significant storage or handling.
• Cargo Sorting - the process of sorting and organizing cargo for efficient loading and unloading. This process is often done manually, but can also be done with automated systems.
• Freight Brokering - a service provider who acts as a middleman between shippers and carriers, negotiating the best rates and arranging for the most efficient transport of goods.
• Cargo Insurance - an insurance policy that covers the cost of goods that are lost, damaged, or stolen during transportation.

In summary, there are many approaches related to general cargo such as cargo consolidation, cross-docking, cargo sorting, freight brokering, and cargo insurance. Each of these services can help to streamline the transportation process, reduce costs, and protect goods while in transit.

General cargo — recommended articles

Transloading — Tertiary packaging — Door to door service — Container depot — Break bulk cargo — Direct delivery — Internal transport system — Consolidated shipment — Stacking height

References

• Vigarié A., From break-bulk to containers: the transformation of general cargo handling and trade, "GeoJournal", May 1999, Volume 48, Issue 1, p. 3-7