Cargo Carrier
Definition

Cargo Carrier Definition

A cargo carrier is a commercial company or an individual, legally authorized, and specializes in shipping cargo from one place to another. The categorization of cargo carriers is dependent on the carrier's business operation.

Modes of Transportation Used by Cargo Carriers


Some companies may focus on the domestic shipment of goods, which means that they transport goods within the country's borders from one city to another. On the other hand, some companies may operate globally, shipping goods from one country to another. Other enterprises operate both locally and globally.


Shipping companies use different modes of transportation to move products from one location to another. Cargo can be shipped by air, water, rail, or land. A carrier will only specialize in one mode.

Carriers operating on both local and international scales will provide multi-modal freight carrier services. The choice of a multi-modal system of transportation depends on the cargo, time, and cost details. Before deciding which mode of transport to use, it is essential to consider the type of shipment a shipper has. Road freight transport is the most common mode of transportation.

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Types of Road Freight Transport with Cargo Carriers


Several variables come into play as far as road freight transport is concerned. Different cargo types require different degrees of care and superior handling, loading, and unloading. The most notable types of road cargo transport are:


  • Road transport of bulk cargo: This involves the transportation of large volumes of cargo without packaging or packing. The means of transport also doubles up as the container.
  • Heavy goods transport: Cumbersome loads may require specialized equipment such as hoisting platforms or cranes for their transportation. Goods that may require this type of road transport include construction, industrial, and machinery materials.
  • Dry goods road transport: Dry or general road freight are products that do not require any special transport conditions or equipment. Most of the cargo transported via road is "dry" falls under this category. This kind of freight is transported on a pallet or in packages.

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    Governing Bodies for Cargo Carriers


    Different organizations are governing the operations of cargo carriers. Most of the companies offering cargo carrier services are part of these organizations. These institutions establish the rules concerning the shipment of goods.


    They are also responsible for determining how freight is paid and setting the standard practices in the industry. They include Cargo Airline Association and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

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