Or maybe the question should be: what do you mean by ‘freight’?

Freight is the term commonly used for goods transported in bulk. There are many types of freight from manufactured cars transported by road on a low-loader, to grains, coal and fertilizers transported in hopper cars by train. Air freight items tend to be more high value and fragile and can include human organs, electronics, jewellery and pharmaceuticals.

Cargo (freight goods transported by ship) can be loose, for example petroleum, chemicals or foods oils, or it can be general which are bulk goods in shipping containers, drums or on pallets.

Freight can also refer to the transportation of goods by truck (road freight), train (rail freight), ship (sea freight) or aircraft (air freight).

Freight is the word typically used when you transport goods by train or by truck.

The word cargo is more often used when goods are transported by ship or by air. Although when people are talking about them, they do tend to use the words cargo and freight to mean the same thing but technically they are different.

Freight can also be used to mean the cost of shipping your goods. The freight rates are determined by the mode of transport used (it could be air freight, rail freight, sea freight or road freight), the type of cargo being transported, the weight or volume of the goods being shipped and the journey distance to deliver it. Sea freight rates will also take into consideration any charges imposed by the ports and / or customs.

So, you could pay freight for the freight of your freight!

Global network coverage world map,Truck with Industrial Container Cargo for Logistic Import Export at yard (Elements of this image furnished by NASA)The word haulage is easier to explain: Haulage is simply the commercial transport of goods from one location to another. Typically, the goods are larger and heavier, often in bulk and are distributed in larger vehicles and articulated lorries. In road haulage the goods are usually transported on pallets. Haulage companies have networks of locations, drivers and fleets of rigid HGVs and tri-axle flatbed trailers available to provide national distribution services for their customers products. These companies usually have haulage contracts in place to ensure guaranteed deliveries and minimum service levels.