Bulk Freight

Bulk freight is large quantities of unpackaged goods transported loose in ships, railcars, or trucks, instead of containers or packages.

Examples: Grain in railcars, coal in bulk vessels, or oil in tankers.

Advantages: Efficient for massive quantities, lower cost per unit compared to packaged goods.

Challenges: Needs specialized handling equipment, higher risks of spillage or contamination.

Real-world example: The Port of New Orleans handles millions of tons of bulk grain exports annually.

Explain like I’m five: It’s like dumping a whole bag of rice into a box instead of putting it into little containers.

FAQ: How is bulk freight different from breakbulk? Bulk is loose goods like grain or liquids; breakbulk is big items shipped individually.

Bottom line: Bulk freight powers global trade in raw materials, but requires specialized infrastructure and careful handling.