GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Cargo
Freight forwarders, shippers, and customs authorities use the term cargo to describe all physical goods transported by sea, air, road, or rail, regardless of weight, volume, or commodity type.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_(transport)
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
94
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
Freight forwarders, shippers, and customs authorities use the term cargo to describe all physical goods transported by sea, air, road, or rail, regardless of weight, volume, or commodity type. Cargo covers bulk goods such as grain or liquids, breakbulk, and containerized shipments alike. Under customs law, cargo is treated as declarable merchandise, formally documented by instruments such as the bill of lading, air waybill, or CMR consignment note. Note the distinction from freight in its cost sense: cargo refers to the goods themselves, while freight can also denote the charges levied for their transport.
Next steps
Tools that match this term
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Related News
Transport
Trade in Transition: Networks for Freight Are Rapidly Changing
May 19, 202665411 min
Transport
Transport Capacity is Tightening: Why Strategic Partnerships Are Crucial Now
May 6, 2026113091 min
Transport
Brazil Invests Billions in Santos Port and Plans Multiyear Modernization
Feb 17, 2026115392 min
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.