Bulk cargo is unpackaged cargo moved in large quantities directly in the hold of a vessel, railcar, truck, barge, tank, or silo. It is usually homogeneous cargo that is poured, pumped, scooped, or conveyed rather than packed into individual boxes or containers. Common bulk cargo includes grain, coal, ore, cement, crude oil, chemicals, fertiliser, and liquid commodities. Bulk cargo requires specialised handling equipment, storage facilities, and safety controls because it is not shipped as separate packaged units.
Bulk cargo refers to commodities shipped loose in large quantities without packaging, loaded directly into a vessel’s cargo hold.
Types
- Dry bulk: grain, coal, iron ore, fertilizers, cement
- Liquid bulk: crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, vegetable oils
- Neo-bulk: steel, automobiles, forest products
Bulk shipping is cost-effective for large volumes of homogeneous commodities but requires specialized vessels and port infrastructure.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Break Bulk, Container, Ocean Freight, and LCL.
