The shipping industry has witnessed remarkable advancements in transportation service speed and capacity in the modern era. As a result, transporting goods via seaborne vessels has emerged as one of the most cost-effective methods.
Ships have been adapted and modified to accommodate a wide range of goods, including machinery, equipment, foodstuff, and vehicles. This article will look at the major types of cargo transported through the shipping industry and how Shadow Group can help!
Livestock and Animals – Transportation Service
Livestock and animals are also transported through the shipping industry, albeit with special considerations for their welfare and safety during transit. It may be for breeding purposes, for meat, or for animal by-products.
Livestock carriers or vessels are designed specifically to transport animals, ensuring their well-being and minimizing stress during the journey.
Dry and Liquid Bulk Cargo – Transportation Service
Dry bulk cargo – Includes commodities such as coal, iron ore, grain, cement, fertilizers, and other similar materials transported in large quantities without packaging. These goods are typically loaded directly into the ship’s hold or specialized bulk carriers.
Liquid bulk cargo – Also known as “wet” cargo, this category includes liquids transported in large quantities, usually stored in specialized tanks within ships. Examples include crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), chemicals, and edible oils.
Foodstuff – Transportation Service
There are many types of foods, including fresh, packaged, frozen, partially processed, and others. As a result of their short shelf life and high chances of spoilage, food presents one of the greatest challenges in shipping.
Perishable goods that need to be kept in a controlled environment during transit, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods. Specialized refrigerated containers or reefer ships are used for this purpose.
LNG and LPG Carriers -Transportation Service
For this type of cargo, ships are the most cost-effective option as they can transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum gas (LPG). Due to the cryogenic nature of these gases, they are transported in highly insulated and pressurized tanks.
Ro-Ro Cargo – Transportation Service
Short for “roll-on/roll-off,” this type of cargo refers to wheeled vehicles, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and even railway cars, that are driven onto the ship at the port of origin and driven off at the destination. Ro-Ro vessels have built-in ramps or access points to facilitate this process.
These ships are specially built to withstand the large load exerted by the vehicles while also considering the forces exerted on the aft when the vehicles are loaded or lowered onto the ship.
Breakbulk Cargo – Transportation Service
Shipping machinery and parts can be very lucrative when large parts are moved. Due to their lack of specific shipping requirements, ability to withstand sea motion, and lack of problems generally associated with other cargo types (spoilage, volatility, etc.), these goods are easier to ship.
Breakbulk Cargo transportation services refer to cargo individually loaded onto a vessel, typically secured with lashings or other means. Breakbulk cargo can include heavy machinery, construction materials, vehicles, oversized equipment, and other goods that cannot be containerized.
Containerized Cargo – Transportation Service
Containerization has revolutionized the shipping industry. Goods are packed into standardized containers, then loaded onto specialized container ships. These types of transportation service are the best fit for a wide range of products, including consumer goods, electronics, machinery, textiles, and perishable goods.
Further Assurance That Your Delivery is in Good Hands
It’s important to note that many ships are designed to transport multiple types of cargo, allowing for flexibility and efficiency in the shipping industry.
As one of the premier container drayage services in Canada and the USA, Shadow Group offers a steadfast fleet of truckers and a distinctive partner carrier foundation across North America. Building this base has enabled us to become an experienced and dedicated company committed to superior drayage services for our customers. We also provide services such as
- Transloading
- Line haul
- Logistic
- Bulk pneumatic
Check out our article on how Shadow Group is revolutionizing transportation services to learn more about what we do! Contact us today and let us know how we can help.