Freight vs. Cartage: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Scope of Transportation
Generally long-distance
Typically short-distance within towns or cities
Volume of Goods
Large quantities, often in bulk
Smaller volumes, more localized deliveries
Mode of Transport
Ships, trains, trucks, airplanes
Smaller vehicles, vans, or trucks
Charges
Based on weight, volume, or distance
Often by distance within a city or specific services provided
Context
International or cross-country logistics
Localized delivery and distribution
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Freight and Cartage Definitions
Freight
Goods transported in bulk over long distances
The freight ship carried containers across the Atlantic.
Cartage
The process of transporting goods short distances
Cartage fees were applied for local deliveries.
Freight
A charge for transporting commodities
The freight costs for the shipment were higher than expected.
Cartage
The charge for hauling freight on carts or trucks
The vendor included cartage costs in the final bill.
Freight
Goods carried by a vessel or vehicle, especially by a commercial carrier; cargo.
Cartage
A carting service or company
The cartage company assured same-day delivery.
Freight
A burden; a load.
Cartage
Act of transporting or delivering goods within a town or city
Local businesses often rely on cartage services.
Freight
Commercial transportation of goods.
Cartage
The act or process of carting.
Freight
The charge for transporting goods. Also called freightage.
Cartage
The cost of carting.
Freight
A railway train carrying goods only.
Cartage
The transport of goods by cart; carting
Freight
To convey commercially as cargo.
Cartage
Any vehicular transportation of goods.
Freight
To load with goods to be transported.
Cartage
A charge made for such transport.
Freight
To imbue with a specified element or elements
Freighted her words with innuendo.
Cartage
The act of carrying in a cart.
Freight
(uncountable) The transportation of goods (originally by water; now also by land); also, the hiring of a vehicle or vessel for such transportation.
Cartage
The price paid for carting.
Freight
(uncountable) Goods or items in transport; cargo, luggage.
The freight shifted and the trailer turned over on the highway.
Cartage
The work of carting
Freight
(countable) Payment for transportation.
The freight was more expensive for cars than for coal.
Cartage
Short-range hauling of cargo
The cartage of goods from the warehouse to retail stores began early morning.
Freight
(figuratively)
Freight
(countable) A burden, a load.
Freight
Cultural or emotional associations.
Freight
(transitive)
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.
Freight
To transport (goods).
Freight
(by extension) To load or store (goods, etc.).
Freight
(figuratively) To carry (something) as if it is a burden or load.
Freight
Chiefly followed by up: to carry as part of a cargo.
Freight
(obsolete) Freighted; laden.
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.
Freight
The sum paid by a party hiring a ship or part of a ship for the use of what is thus hired.
Freight
Freight transportation, or freight line.
Freight
Employed in the transportation of freight; having to do with freight; as, a freight car.
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.
Freight
Goods carried by a large vehicle
Freight
Transporting goods commercially at rates cheaper than express rates
Freight
The charge for transporting something by common carrier;
We pay the freight
The freight rate is usually cheaper
Freight
Transport commercially as cargo
Freight
Load with goods for transportation
Freight
Merchandise loaded for shipment
The warehouse was bustling with freight ready to be dispatched.
Freight
The transportation of goods by truck, train, ship, or aircraft
The company specializes in air freight services.
Freight
Commodities being transported
The freight train was delayed due to weather conditions.
FAQs
Is "Freight" only related to sea transportation?
No, "Freight" can refer to transportation by ship, train, truck, or airplane.
Can "Freight" refer to international shipping?
Yes, "Freight" can encompass both domestic and international transportation.
What might affect "Cartage" fees?
Distance covered within a city, time taken, and specific services provided.
Can "Freight" services include insurance?
Yes, many "Freight" services offer insurance for goods in transit.
How are "Freight" costs typically calculated?
They're often based on weight, volume, or distance.
Is "Cartage" typically faster than "Freight"?
Not necessarily. While "Cartage" is short-distance, the speed depends on various local factors.
Is "Cartage" exclusively about road transportation?
Mostly, as it pertains to short-distance transport, usually within towns or cities.
Does "Cartage" deal with large quantities of goods?
Typically, "Cartage" deals with smaller volumes than "Freight" due to its local scope.
Is "Cartage" restricted to urban areas?
While it's common in urban settings, "Cartage" can also occur in rural areas.
Can "Freight" refer to digital goods?
Typically, no. "Freight" usually refers to physical commodities.
Can "Cartage" include services like unpacking or installation?
Some "Cartage" services might offer added services, but it depends on the company.
Can "Freight" involve air transportation?
Yes, goods transported by airplane are often referred to as air "Freight."
Which is more cost-effective: "Freight" or "Cartage"?
It varies based on distance, volume, and service specifics.
Are there any environmental concerns with "Freight"?
Yes, especially with modes like trucking or shipping, which can have carbon emissions.
Can "Freight" services track shipments?
Many "Freight" providers offer tracking capabilities for shipments.
Can a single company offer both "Freight" and "Cartage" services?
Yes, many logistics companies offer a combination of both services.
Are there international "Freight" regulations?
Yes, there are various regulations governing international "Freight" transport.
Is "Cartage" only about delivery?
It's primarily about transportation, but it often includes delivery to specific destinations.
Is "Cartage" a modern concept?
While the term has historic origins, its use in modern logistics is current.
Does "Cartage" always involve a physical vehicle?
Mostly, but with the rise of drones and other technologies, the definition might evolve.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
