What is the Difference Between General Cargo and Bulk Cargo?

International trade would never become a reality without reliable transportation. Today, trucks and ships move everything around the globe. Yet, the way different cargoes travel can be very diverse. 

General cargo and bulk cargo are two main categories used in logistics. Each of them needs different practices for packing, moving, and counting to be delivered timely and securely.

‘General Cargo’ Explained

‘General cargo’ describes anything that comes in individual packages, like boxes, pallets, or shipping containers. 

Examples of general cargo:

• ContainerizedIn this case, goods are placed inside a container. This method is widely used in midwest gateway shipping for tools, electronics, fabrics, etc.

• Break bulkWhen it comes to transporting oversized items, they cannot be placed inside a standard container. So, they come as separate parts and are lifted by special equipment.

• Palletized cargoSmaller goods of the same type are often placed on pallets and then fixed with a cover or wrapped for stability on the way.

• Neo-bulkWhile some uniform products, like steel coils or paper rolls, are commonly transported inside a container, sometimes they are treated as individual units. 

Pros and Cons

Advantages

The main advantage is versatility. Such transportation is suitable for different products. Using a container is also convenient when it comes to intermodal transportation. Meanwhile, pallets, boxes, and containers are also great solutions to simplify loading and unloading processes. 

Disadvantages

High cost often makes general cargo an expensive option. Packing the items, paying for boxes and containers requires extra spending and time. It also becomes too complicated when managing mixed shipments with many different product types. Plus, the size of transportation containers is not suitable for bulky things or large volumes. 

What Is Bulk Cargo?

‘Bulk cargo’ is anything transported unpacked. The cargo is placed directly into a ship or a truck body. 

Main types of bulk cargo:

• Dry bulkSome materials like sand, cement, or minerals carried in bulk containers, wagons, or trucks.

• Liquid bulkMany liquids are traditionally moved in tankers or sealed containers.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Dealing with bulk cargo is way cheaper, as you don’t need to pay for packing materials. Such transportation often involves conveyor systems or pumps, which can simplify loading. Bulk shipping also maximizes capacity, allowing more material to be transported in a single trip.

Disadvantages

Bulk transportation usually requires specialized vehicles, terminals, and storage facilities, which usually increases setup costs. Plus, goods are not protected from moisture and dirt, so bulk transportation brings a higher risk of damage. Finally, it is not suitable for many goods that need separate packaging.

Key Differences at a Glance

While the core distinction is the way shipment is packed and moved, there are also many other important differences: 

• HandlingWhile general cargo considers each item to be handled as a separate piece, bulk cargo is moved as a mass.

• CostBulk is cheaper, as you don’t have to pay for packing materials and their further recycling. 

• TransportGeneral cargo offers more flexibility as such goods can be moved by almost any transport, while bulk requires specialized vehicles.

• GoodsGeneral cargo is suitable for many products, including industrial tools and clothes, while cargo is used mainly for raw materials and chemicals.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between transportation options, you shall always consider your budget and the type of transported goods. While finished goods are usually shipped as general cargo, raw materials and liquids are better moved in bulk. Opting for the right transportation helps businesses save money and operate smoothly.