What is Freight?
The term freight is typically for goods transport by train or truck. This is why we have the terms freight truck and freight trains. However, this is not always the case, as the term “air freight” is commonly accepted as correct usage. This is because freight is also the term used for the payment when certain goods are transported. To further complicate the matter, freight can also mean a cargo being transported via truck, train, plane, or ship. However, mail can’t be considered freight , as it is only used to describe commercial goods. Freight can denote many things. It may mean the product, merchandise, the amount payable, or the money charged. Cargo being transported may be referred to as freight if referring to both the goods and the money charged for their transport.
What is Cargo?
The term cargo is generally used for goods transported by ship or plane. We have cargo planes and cargo ships. Mail may also be called cargo. Used specifically for the goods only, cargo is not used to include the payment or the money being charged for the transport of goods. This means any product that is being transported can be called a cargo. Large cargo containers are usually used in transporting the goods called cargo. Cargo can be transported on pallets, in cargo handling nets, or by other means. The mailing services offered of parcels may also be known as cargo. Any item for consumption that is being transported can be referred to as cargo.
The Traditional Difference Between Cargo & Freight
In a traditional sense, the appropriate use of the terms cargo and freight depends on the vehicle carrying the goods in question.
When we refer to air freight, we don’t call the aircraft freight-planes — we refer to them as cargo planes. The same goes for ocean-going vessels it’s not a freight ship, but a cargo ship.
Conversely, trains carrying goods across the land are considered freight trains; you would rarely hear someone refer to one as a ‘cargo train.’ Long-haul trailers loaded with products are generally referred to as freight trucks.
So, traditionally speaking, ‘freight’ is products or goods moved overland via truck or train, whereas ‘cargo’ refers to goods moved overseas via ocean carriers or through air providers.
Still, even using traditional or contemporary definitions, the two terms share a few things in common. Both freight and cargo are used to communicate the transportation of products or goods, and they’re used almost exclusively in reference to commercial items.
One interesting exception to this rule is mail. The accepted term for mail – whether bundles of letters and correspondence or packages and parcels – is cargo. Mail is never referred to as freight, whether it’s transported by ship, plane, train, or truck.
In Summary, the Subtle Differences Between Cargo and Freight Are Well Worth Noting
In short, the term cargo is traditionally used to refer to commercial goods shipped by sea or plane, and mail of course, is always cargo.
Freight on the other hand, is cargo moved overland in trucks or trains. Plus it has the direct connection to the financial aspects of the transportation of goods.
As a shipper of your own products, better understanding of the differences between these terms will help you avoid confusion, and possible errors through miscommunication while talking to your freight forwarder or 3PL provider.
