Freight vs. Cartage: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Freight refers to goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft, while cartage is the transport of goods over a short distance, particularly in the context of loading or unloading from a larger transport method.
Key Differences
Freight encompasses the large-scale movement of goods across distances, possibly internationally, using various transportation modes. Cartage, in contrast, usually involves short-distance transport, often as part of a longer freight journey.
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Dec 01, 2023
The term freight can refer to the cargo itself or the charge for transporting it, covering a wide range of goods. Cartage specifically denotes the service or fee for transporting goods within a short radius, typically within a city or metropolitan area.
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Dec 01, 2023
Freight transportation is integral to global trade, linking distant markets and supply chains. Cartage services are crucial for the final delivery phase, connecting freight hubs like ports or warehouses to final destinations.
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Dec 01, 2023
Freight services can be complex, involving logistics management over long distances and borders. Cartage services, being localized, usually deal with simpler, more direct routes and logistics.
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Dec 01, 2023
Freight charges are calculated based on distance, weight, and type of goods, and can vary significantly. Cartage fees are generally lower due to the shorter distances involved and are often a subset of overall freight costs.
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Dec 01, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Distance
Long-distance, possibly international
Short-distance, usually within a city or region
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Dec 01, 2023
Scope
Wide range of goods, often in large quantities
Smaller shipments, final phase of delivery
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Dec 01, 2023
Role in Supply Chain
Integral for connecting distant markets
Crucial for last-mile delivery
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Dec 01, 2023
Complexity
Involves extensive logistics and planning
Simpler logistics, direct routes
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Dec 01, 2023
Charges
Based on distance, weight, and type of goods
Generally lower, for short-distance transport
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Dec 01, 2023
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Freight and Cartage Definitions
Freight
Freight refers to goods transported in bulk by various modes.
The freight arrived at the port this morning.
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Nov 25, 2023
Cartage
Cartage is the transport of goods over a short distance.
The cartage of goods from the warehouse to the retail stores was efficient.
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Nov 25, 2023
Freight
Freight can be the cargo carried by a large vehicle.
The train was loaded with freight bound for the north.
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Nov 25, 2023
Cartage
It refers to the charge for such short-distance transport.
The cartage fees were included in the delivery costs.
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Nov 25, 2023
Freight
It encompasses the system or process of transporting goods.
Their business relies heavily on freight services.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Cartage
It can also mean the vehicle or method used for this transport.
A small truck was used for the cartage of the products.
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Nov 25, 2023
Freight
Freight is used to describe goods transported commercially.
The freight included various electronics and garments.
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Nov 25, 2023
Cartage
Cartage often involves the final delivery phase of transported goods.
Cartage services are essential for last-mile delivery.
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Nov 25, 2023
Freight
Goods carried by a vessel or vehicle, especially by a commercial carrier; cargo.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cartage
Cartage plays a key role in the logistics chain.
Efficient cartage solutions are crucial for customer satisfaction.
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Nov 25, 2023
Freight
To imbue with a specified element or elements
Freighted her words with innuendo.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
(uncountable) The transportation of goods (originally by water; now also by land); also, the hiring of a vehicle or vessel for such transportation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
(uncountable) Goods or items in transport; cargo, luggage.
The freight shifted and the trailer turned over on the highway.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
(countable) Payment for transportation.
The freight was more expensive for cars than for coal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
To load (a vehicle or vessel) with freight (cargo); also, to hire or rent out (a vehicle or vessel) to carry cargo or passengers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
That with which anything is fraught or laden for transportation; lading; cargo, especially of a ship, or a car on a railroad, etc.; as, a freight of cotton; a full freight.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
The sum paid by a party hiring a ship or part of a ship for the use of what is thus hired.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
Employed in the transportation of freight; having to do with freight; as, a freight car.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
To load with goods, as a ship, or vehicle of any kind, for transporting them from one place to another; to furnish with freight; as, to freight a ship; to freight a car.
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
Transporting goods commercially at rates cheaper than express rates
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
The charge for transporting something by common carrier;
We pay the freight
The freight rate is usually cheaper
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Oct 19, 2023
Freight
It also means the charge for transporting goods.
The company paid the freight for the overseas shipment.
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Nov 25, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is freight used for international shipping?
Yes, freight services are essential for international shipping.
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Dec 01, 2023
How is freight charged?
Freight charges are based on distance, weight, and the type of goods.
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Dec 01, 2023
What is freight?
Freight is the transportation of goods in bulk by truck, ship, train, or aircraft.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can cartage services handle large items?
Cartage services can handle a variety of items, including large and bulky goods.
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Dec 01, 2023
What is the main purpose of freight?
The main purpose of freight is to transport goods efficiently over long distances.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can freight include perishable goods?
Yes, freight can include a wide range of goods, including perishables.
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Dec 01, 2023
Does freight include logistics services?
Freight often involves logistics and supply chain management.
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Dec 01, 2023
What is cartage?
Cartage is the transport of goods over a short distance, especially for loading or unloading.
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Dec 01, 2023
Are there different types of freight?
Yes, there are various types of freight, including air, sea, and land freight.
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Dec 01, 2023
Where is cartage commonly used?
Cartage is commonly used for local deliveries within cities or metropolitan areas.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is cartage expensive?
Cartage fees are generally lower and are calculated for short-distance transport.
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Dec 01, 2023
How does cartage fit into the supply chain?
Cartage is often the final step in the supply chain, delivering goods to their final destination.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can individuals use freight services?
Yes, both businesses and individuals can use freight services.
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Dec 01, 2023
What kind of vehicles are used in cartage?
Cartage often uses smaller trucks or vans for local delivery.
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Dec 01, 2023
Are there specialized cartage services?
Yes, there are specialized cartage services for different types of goods, like refrigerated items or hazardous materials.
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Dec 01, 2023
How does weather affect freight transport?
Weather can significantly impact freight transport, especially sea and air freight.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is tracking available for freight shipments?
Most freight services offer tracking for shipments.
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Dec 01, 2023
How fast is cartage delivery?
Cartage delivery is usually fast due to the short distances involved.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is cartage part of express delivery services?
Cartage can be part of express delivery, especially for last-mile services.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can cartage be scheduled for specific times?
Yes, cartage can often be scheduled for specific delivery windows.
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Dec 01, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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