Freight vs. Cartage: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
"Freight" refers to goods transported in bulk, often over long distances, while "Cartage" specifically denotes the short-distance transportation of goods.
Key Differences
"Freight" and "Cartage" are both terms that pertain to the transportation of goods, but they have specific nuances. "Freight" generally refers to the movement of commodities in large quantities, usually involving ships, trains, trucks, or airplanes. It is commonly associated with long-distance transportation and may cross national or international borders.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
On the other hand, "Cartage" often connotes short-distance transportation, usually within a town or city. It might involve smaller vehicles and is often used in the context of delivering goods from a central point, such as a depot or a warehouse, to their final destination. While "Freight" emphasizes the volume and mode of transport, "Cartage" is more about the scope and range of the delivery.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
In many instances, a single supply chain can involve both "Freight" and "Cartage." Goods might be shipped as freight across countries or continents, but once they reach their destination city or port, cartage services might be employed to distribute those goods to specific locations or retailers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
The costs associated with both can vary significantly. "Freight" charges are often calculated based on weight, volume, or distance, while "Cartage" fees might consider factors like time taken, distance covered within the city, and specific services provided.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Both "Freight" and "Cartage" are integral components of logistics and supply chain management. While they have distinct definitions, it's essential to understand how they complement each other in the broader context of goods transportation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Scope of Transportation
Generally long-distance
Typically short-distance within towns or cities
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Volume of Goods
Large quantities, often in bulk
Smaller volumes, more localized deliveries
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Mode of Transport
Ships, trains, trucks, airplanes
Smaller vehicles, vans, or trucks
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Charges
Based on weight, volume, or distance
Often by distance within a city or specific services provided
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Context
International or cross-country logistics
Localized delivery and distribution
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Freight and Cartage Definitions
Freight
Goods transported in bulk over long distances
The freight ship carried containers across the Atlantic.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Cartage
The process of transporting goods short distances
Cartage fees were applied for local deliveries.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Freight
A charge for transporting commodities
The freight costs for the shipment were higher than expected.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Cartage
The charge for hauling freight on carts or trucks
The vendor included cartage costs in the final bill.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Freight
Goods carried by a vessel or vehicle, especially by a commercial carrier; cargo.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
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Cartage
A carting service or company
The cartage company assured same-day delivery.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Cartage
Act of transporting or delivering goods within a town or city
Local businesses often rely on cartage services.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Freight
To imbue with a specified element or elements
Freighted her words with innuendo.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Freight
(uncountable) The transportation of goods (originally by water; now also by land); also, the hiring of a vehicle or vessel for such transportation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Freight
(uncountable) Goods or items in transport; cargo, luggage.
The freight shifted and the trailer turned over on the highway.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Freight
(countable) Payment for transportation.
The freight was more expensive for cars than for coal.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Cartage
Short-range hauling of cargo
The cartage of goods from the warehouse to retail stores began early morning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Freight
The sum paid by a party hiring a ship or part of a ship for the use of what is thus hired.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Freight
Employed in the transportation of freight; having to do with freight; as, a freight car.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Freight
The charge for transporting something by common carrier;
We pay the freight
The freight rate is usually cheaper
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2022
Freight
Merchandise loaded for shipment
The warehouse was bustling with freight ready to be dispatched.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Freight
The transportation of goods by truck, train, ship, or aircraft
The company specializes in air freight services.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Freight
Commodities being transported
The freight train was delayed due to weather conditions.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
FAQs
Is "Freight" only related to sea transportation?
No, "Freight" can refer to transportation by ship, train, truck, or airplane.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Freight" refer to international shipping?
Yes, "Freight" can encompass both domestic and international transportation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What might affect "Cartage" fees?
Distance covered within a city, time taken, and specific services provided.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Freight" services include insurance?
Yes, many "Freight" services offer insurance for goods in transit.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
How are "Freight" costs typically calculated?
They're often based on weight, volume, or distance.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Cartage" typically faster than "Freight"?
Not necessarily. While "Cartage" is short-distance, the speed depends on various local factors.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Cartage" exclusively about road transportation?
Mostly, as it pertains to short-distance transport, usually within towns or cities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Cartage" deal with large quantities of goods?
Typically, "Cartage" deals with smaller volumes than "Freight" due to its local scope.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Cartage" restricted to urban areas?
While it's common in urban settings, "Cartage" can also occur in rural areas.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Freight" refer to digital goods?
Typically, no. "Freight" usually refers to physical commodities.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Cartage" include services like unpacking or installation?
Some "Cartage" services might offer added services, but it depends on the company.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Freight" involve air transportation?
Yes, goods transported by airplane are often referred to as air "Freight."
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Which is more cost-effective: "Freight" or "Cartage"?
It varies based on distance, volume, and service specifics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Are there any environmental concerns with "Freight"?
Yes, especially with modes like trucking or shipping, which can have carbon emissions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Freight" services track shipments?
Many "Freight" providers offer tracking capabilities for shipments.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can a single company offer both "Freight" and "Cartage" services?
Yes, many logistics companies offer a combination of both services.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Are there international "Freight" regulations?
Yes, there are various regulations governing international "Freight" transport.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Cartage" only about delivery?
It's primarily about transportation, but it often includes delivery to specific destinations.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Cartage" a modern concept?
While the term has historic origins, its use in modern logistics is current.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Cartage" always involve a physical vehicle?
Mostly, but with the rise of drones and other technologies, the definition might evolve.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
