What is the Difference Between Shipment and Cargo?

The difference between shipment and cargo lies in their definitions and the scope of their meanings. Here are the key distinctions between the two terms:

• Cargo: Cargo refers to the goods or merchandise being transported from one location to another. It can include raw materials, finished goods, food, machinery, and other items. Cargo is typically larger and bulkier, and it is transported via container shipping, air freight, rail freight, or road freight.
• Shipment: A shipment is the act of transporting goods or merchandise from one location to another. It can involve a single load or multiple loads of goods. Shipment encompasses the process of packaging, preparing, and transporting the goods, as well as the logistics and handling involved in ensuring the products reach their destination.

In summary, cargo is the goods being transported, while shipment is the process of transporting those goods. Cargo is typically a specific load of goods, whereas shipment can refer to a single load or multiple loads. These terms are essential in the world of logistics and supply chain management, as they differentiate between the items being transported and the act of transportation itself.

Comparative Table: Shipment vs Cargo

The main difference between shipment and cargo is that shipment refers to the act of transporting goods or items, while cargo refers to the actual goods or items being transported. Here is a table illustrating the differences:

In summary, shipment is the process of transporting goods, while cargo is the actual goods being transported. The term "cargo" is often used to describe goods transported by air or sea, such as in planes or ships, whereas "shipment" can involve any mode of transport, including land, air, or sea.