How to Achieve Greater Efficiency in Bulk Cargo Transportation?

  • 14/10/2024
  • 10 minutes

To ensure that cargo reaches its destination safely and is properly preserved, it is essential to use an appropriate means of transport. This point is even more significant when discussing goods that require special conditions, such as bulk cargo.

Whether transporting domestically or internationally, this type of cargo requires considerable care. Otherwise, part of the volume may be lost during transit, leading to increased costs or even loss of business.

Follow along to better understand how bulk cargo transportation works and how to make it more efficient.

What is Bulk Cargo?

Bulk cargo refers to goods transported in large quantities without individual packaging, such as grains, fruits, seeds, wood, iron, water, and fuel. This category is distinct from general cargo, a term used to refer to all types of goods transported in packaging. It differentiates products that require different treatments during storage and relocation.

What Are the Types of Bulk Cargo?

Bulk cargo is divided into two categories for better understanding. Here are the categories and some examples:

Liquid Bulk These are products stored in liquid form during transport. Some common examples include:

  • Oil
  • Fuels
  • Water
  • Juices

For this reason, liquid cargo requires a vehicle with an impermeable container for transportation.

Solid Bulk Solid bulk products are the most common, stored together in large quantities. Some common examples include:

  • Sand
  • Coffee
  • Iron
  • Grains
  • Wood
  • Stones
  • Soybeans

Again, the use of an appropriate vehicle is essential—especially for perishable goods or those more vulnerable to rain and erosion.

What Are the Main Transportation Methods for Bulk Cargo?

Since many bulk products are extracted or cultivated inland, it is necessary to integrate different transportation modes to facilitate their distribution. Sometimes, it is necessary to consider multiple types of ships and trucks for the same route. The chosen method depends on the availability and destination of the goods.

Here are the main methods and their applications:

Maritime According to a survey by the National Agency of Waterway Transportation published in 2022, there was a 4.8% increase in cargo volume transported by sea between 2020 and 2021, totaling 1.2 billion tons. This trend has continued in subsequent years.

For import and export, maritime transportation is the best option, both in terms of transport volume and efficient use of resources and time. A significant portion of the bulk cargo traded worldwide is transported by ships from its origin to its destination.

To optimize these resources, it’s crucial to pay attention to port logistics. This includes defining which major ports are most accessible, how customs clearance will be handled, container preparation, etc.

Road In Brazil, road transport of cargo remains one of the most widely used methods, as access to highways is easier and more extensive than railroads and airports. Large freight trailers are used to accommodate different types of bulk products, whether liquid or solid.

Various vehicle models are available today for transporting these goods. They vary in power, load limits, and versatility, especially if they need to reach difficult or remote areas.

Rail Rail transport is one of the most efficient ways to move bulk cargo over long distances on land. Many stations and railways are specifically created to facilitate the flow of minerals and agricultural products.

The main challenge lies in the location and access to these railways. Many areas only have access to highways, limiting potential integrations. Therefore, planning for integration in the cargo itinerary is essential.

What Precautions Should Be Taken During the Transportation of This Cargo?

When planning the transportation of cargo over long distances, consider some challenges. Here are the main ones and the precautions to avoid them.

Appropriate Vehicle An important aspect of bulk cargo is that, due to the nature of the material, it requires more attention regarding the vehicle. Products are transported loose, and some may be lost along the way if there is inadequate sealing. Hence, the importance of using specific containers for each type of cargo.

Maintenance of these vehicles must also be included in your planning. If not properly cared for, there is a high risk of accidents or damage to the cargo during transit.

Properly Packaged Cargo Even though bulk and fractional cargo is transported loose, it still needs to be properly placed in containers to prevent damage. Sealing must be done carefully to avoid heat or moisture entering, which could harm the product.

Correct Weighing Two important aspects of weighing cargo must be considered. First, it influences freight costs, which are proportional to the volume and type of goods. Second, it is crucial to ensure that the vehicle is within weight limits. Therefore, this measurement must be done carefully.

Safety For high-value cargo, including grains and fuel for export, investing in security is fundamental. This can range from proper container locking to hiring escorts.

Qualified Handling Regardless of location, cargo handling should be performed by a specialized team. All professionals involved in this supply chain must be prepared to deal with unforeseen circumstances and minimize the risk of accidents.

What Laws Should Be Considered in Bulk Cargo Transportation?

Maritime transport is regulated by the National Agency of Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ). One particularly relevant regulation is the tolerance for variations in measured volume between the declared amount, the registered amount at product departure, and arrival. If there is a discrepancy of less than 1% in cargo volume between acquisition and delivery, it will not be taken into account for tax purposes. This tolerance recognizes that there are always inconsistencies in bulk cargo during transportation—especially at sea, where moisture can alter weight and volume.

It is important to remember that regulations may change over time, so staying informed about new publications is essential.

As we’ve seen, bulk cargo is commonly circulated, both domestically and in exports and imports, requiring specific transportation methods to maintain its integrity. If you deal with these products, it’s worth learning more to improve your planning, ensure compliance with laws, and achieve success in your business.

Want to improve the transport of your cargo, whether for import or export? Then check out our complete guide to increase logistical efficiency and get informed right away.