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Today, we explore the term ‘Cartage,’ a term that might be less familiar to those in the trade and logistics sectors. We’ll define it, discuss its various types, the processes involved, and how it differs from the similar term, ‘Transportation.’

What is Cartage?

Cartage is a term commonly used in transportation to refer to the movement of relatively short distances. It primarily denotes the process or fee associated with moving cargo overland for short distances, often using trucks or rail freight. It most frequently describes the movement of goods over short distances. This type of cargo movement represents a crucial segment of the logistics chain, transporting goods from central hubs to final destinations (such as retail stores, local businesses, or directly to consumer’s doors).

Cartage vs Transportation

What’s the difference between the commonly known ‘Transportation’ and ‘Cartage’? While Cartage uses vehicles like carts or trucks, Transportation includes a broader range, including trains, airplanes, and ships.

Cartage is generally used for short, local deliveries within a specific area, whereas Transportation can refer to long-distance hauls covering broader geographical areas.

Although ‘Transportation’ is a term that comes to mind more frequently and is used more commonly in everyday language, ‘Cartage’ is less common in day-to-day conversations.

Types of Cartage Services

Cartage can be classified into several types, each serving distinct needs:

• Local Cartage: Typically refers to transporting goods within a city or specific industrial area. It’s vital for businesses that need to quickly move goods over short distances, usually carried out by small vans.
• Terminal Cartage:
  • Inter-terminal Cartage: Transport between different terminals within the same hub.
  • Intra-terminal Cartage: Operations within a single terminal, which might include sorting and temporary storage of freight.
  • Expedited Terminal Cartage: Focused on fast delivery within set deadlines.
• Pier Cartage: Important for transferring goods from ships to storage locations or other transportation methods, this service helps smoothly transition cargo from sea to land.

Understanding Cartage Fees

The cartage fee is not internationally standardized and is influenced by various factors including the type of vehicle used, fuel and maintenance costs, and the actual costs incurred during goods transportation. Certain types of goods may also incur additional costs for handling legal documentation.

Efficient and Quick Transportation Methods

Having explored Cartage, we understand its significance in ensuring speed and accuracy in logistics. With Our ‘ZimGo’ service, you can easily obtain quotes from various providers, track cargo in real-time, and effortlessly prepare necessary import and export documents with just a click.

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