Shipping for manufacturers – general cargo, pallets and heavy goods

What is general cargo?

General cargo is goods shipped as individual packages, for example boxes, pallets or cartons that are too large or heavy for regular parcel shipping. General cargo is usually consolidated with other shipments and goes via the carrier's terminals. Exactly where the limits for weight and size lie varies between carriers, which is why it pays to compare.

The difference between general cargo and part loads

Part loads are larger shipments, for example several pallets to the same recipient, that take up a larger share of the cargo space. Part loads often go more directly between sender and recipient and can therefore have a shorter lead time than general cargo. Which service is cheapest depends on weight, volume and destination, so it pays to compare for each shipment.

Bulky and heavy goods

For bulky goods, it is often volume rather than weight that determines the price, since carriers calculate volumetric weight. By packing efficiently, using the right pallet and entering accurate dimensions at booking, you avoid unnecessary surcharges. Heavy goods can require special handling during loading and unloading, for example a tail lift.

Special transports

Some shipments don't fit the carriers' standard services, for example long goods, unusually heavy goods or goods that require special handling. In that case a special transport is needed. Shiplink's shipping experts help you get a quote and find a transport that suits the goods.

Shipping for the construction industry

For construction companies and suppliers to the construction industry, construction logistics is about getting the right material to the right place at the right time. Building materials are often shipped as pallets, general cargo or bulky goods. With Shiplink you can compare and book such deliveries with several carriers and track them in one place.

Transport procurement or ready-made shipping agreements?

Larger manufacturers often run their own transport procurement to get agreements that suit their flows. This takes time and requires sufficient volumes. For many manufacturing companies, pre-negotiated shipping agreements are a simpler alternative: you get competitive prices with several carriers right away, without your own procurement or contract administration.