General cargo loading

In logistics, everything that can be transported individually in one piece is called general cargo. In unit load, containers such as loaded pallets, boxes, individual machines or plant components, paper, sheet metal or cable reels and drums are moved. If gases or liquids without their own container are pumped into a transport vehicle, this is not unloading of general cargo.

General cargo used to be loaded into general cargo wagons

If they are not packaged, coal, grain, sand or similar materials are considered to be suction or bulk goods. The general cargo loading was carried out in earlier times in general cargo wagons and general cargo ships. Today containers, which can be transported by different means of transport, are used for general cargo loading. The general cargo usually has a weight between 50 kg and 2500 kg and is usually transported together with many other consignments, as often only part of the vehicle payload and volume is used. If a customer delivery consists of several individual parts, these are combined into larger packages for better unit load, for example by packing them in cartons. These packages are then loaded as individually manageable pieces.

After unloading, a first completeness check can be carried out

The consignment note will then indicate the number of packages, which will be checked by the carrier during loading, as the carrier is liable for lost goods. After unloading, a first completeness check of the consignment can be made by comparing it with the number of packages on the delivery note.