General cargoes represent various goods differently packed. Goods packed in bags, cases, bales and drums are considered as general cargoes. For example, if green sugar is shipped in the hold without tare, in bulk, it is a bulk cargo and if it is packed in bags, we can consider it as general cargo.
It frequently happens that some varieties of cargo are carried on deck. It is to be understood that in this case "on deck" means on an uncovered space and that the cargo is exposed to weather.
Many classes of dangerous goods, such as acids and gas cylinders are carried on deck. Small consignments of goods which may damage other cargo are also given deck stowage. Cargo carried on deck is shipped at "shipper's risk", unless contracted otherwise, and Bills of Lading are qualified accordingly, but nevertheless responsibility falls upon the ship to counteract to any possibility of loss and damage.
Proper means of fastening the cargo must be provided by lashings; protection from the sun and weather can be obtained by the use of tarpaulins where necessary for certain cargoes. All reasonable amounts of wooden dunnage must be laid to provide drainage courses.
Units of especially heavy cargo are frequently carried on deck. Locomotives, lorries, crates of heavy machinery such as transformers and extremely large lengths of heavy timber (logs) find suitable stowage on deck. These cargoes will require wire and chain lashings connected to ring bolts and provided with bottle screws for tightening and shoring with timber, and the building of cradles and beds.
Units of especially heavy cargo are frequently carried on deck. Locomotives, lorries, crates of heavy machinery such as transformers and extremely large lengths of heavy timber (logs) find suitable stowage on deck. These cargoes will require wire and chain lashings connected to ring bolts and provided with bottle screws for tightening and shoring with timber, and the building of cradles and beds.
Bulk cargoes and general cargoes are two distinct categories of goods transported by ships, each with unique characteristics and handling requirements:Bulk Cargoes1. Definition: Bulk cargoes consist of large quantities of unpackaged, homogeneous goods.2. Types:- Dry Bulk Cargo: Examples include grains, coal, iron ore, cement, and fertilizers.- Liquid Bulk Cargo: Examples include crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).3. Transportation: Typically transported in bulk carriers or tankers. Dry bulk carriers have large, open cargo holds, while liquid bulk cargoes are transported in specialized tankers with multiple compartments.4. Handling: Requires specialized equipment for loading and unloading, such as conveyor belts, cranes, and pumps for liquid bulk. The process is usually automated and efficient due to the homogeneity of the cargo.5. Storage: Stored in large silos, tanks, or stockpiles at ports and terminals.General Cargoes1. Definition: General cargoes consist of goods that are packaged and shipped in various forms such as containers, crates, pallets, or drums.2. Types: Includes a wide variety of items such as machinery, vehicles, textiles, electronics, and other manufactured goods.3. Transportation: Typically transported in general cargo ships, container ships, or multi-purpose vessels. Container ships are particularly common, allowing for efficient handling and transfer.4. Handling: Requires diverse handling equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and pallet jacks. The process is often more labor-intensive due to the varied nature of the cargo.5. Storage: Stored in warehouses, containers, or open yards at ports and terminals.Key Differences
- Nature of Goods: Bulk cargoes are homogenous and unpackaged, while general cargoes are varied and packaged.
- Transportation Methods: Bulk cargoes use specialized bulk carriers or tankers, while general cargoes use container ships and general cargo ships.
- Handling: Bulk cargoes require automated, specialized equipment; general cargoes need diverse, often manual handling methods.
- Storage: Bulk cargoes are stored in large, open spaces like silos or tanks; general cargoes are stored in containers or warehouses.
Understanding these differences helps in optimizing the logistics and transportation strategies for different types of goods, ensuring efficient and safe delivery.
