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freight

Also known as: cargo, freightage

Quick Summary

Freight refers to goods or cargo being transported, or the cost associated with their transportation. It can also describe a train used for carrying goods. The demand for freight transportation is closely linked to the demand for the products themselves, with the difference in market value between two locations influencing the willingness to transport goods.123

Freight is often time-sensitive, as shippers may want to reduce the time inventory is held and speed up payment. In logistics, traffic management involves planning, arranging, and purchasing transportation services for a firm's freight. This includes consolidating smaller shipments into larger ones to reduce costs, selecting appropriate carriers and modes of transport (such as truck, rail, or air), and managing documentation and claims for loss or damage. Modern freight cars, designed to carry cargo, have evolved from basic types like open-top cars, boxcars, and flatcars, with specialized designs for various goods like bulk materials, manufactured items, and even livestock.345

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