The Difference Between Freight and Cargo
Freight and cargo are terms commonly used when goods need to be transported from one place to another, particularly for businesses rather than personal items. Although people often mix up these words, there are some subtle differences between them.
Freight, typically associated with trains, trucks, planes, or ships, refers to both the items being transported and the financial aspect of transportation. It encompasses various modes of moving things, such as trucks, trains, planes, or ships. It's essential to note that regular mail isn't classified as freight; it specifically pertains to items bought or sold. "Freight" can denote the items themselves, the merchandise for sale, the money required for transportation, or the overall cost of moving them.
In contrast, "cargo" is primarily used for items transported by ships or planes. Unlike "freight," "cargo" solely focuses on the goods being moved, excluding any financial considerations. Cargo encompasses a wide range of products in transit, utilizing different methods such as large cargo containers, pallets, cargo handling nets, or other means. Interestingly, the term "cargo" is sometimes applied to mail, emphasizing the content inside the mail rather than the associated costs.
The key distinction lies in the fact that "freight" includes both the transported items and the associated financial aspects, while "cargo" solely refers to the goods being moved. In simpler terms, if the discussion revolves around the cost of moving items, it pertains to freight. If the focus is solely on the items being moved, that falls under the category of cargo.
Both freight and cargo play vital roles in the import and export of goods, contributing significantly to the movement of items between locations. While cargo historically pertained more to ships and planes, and freight to trucks and trains, modern usage has blurred these distinctions. This article aims to clarify these terms and underscore their significance, particularly in the context of Air Cargo Services in India and Multimodal Transportation solutions.