Logistics starts with a fundamental yet critical question: what type of cargo are we transporting? The answer determines the choice of transport, rates, routes, customs clearance, and even safety measures. Cargo classification is not a formality but a practical tool that helps businesses reduce risks and optimize costs. In international practice, all carriers rely on unified standards, including the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, as well as the UNECE framework for transport, particularly the Dangerous Goods section and the ADR Agreement. Up-to-date ADR editions, such as ADR 2025, Vol. 1, provide detailed requirements that ensure consistency across countries and modes of transport.

Classification by Physical Properties

The first and most obvious way to categorize cargo is by its physical characteristics. This determines not only the type of transport but also how the goods are loaded, the applicable rates, and the equipment required.

• Bulk cargo. This includes grain, sugar, cement, and sand. Such goods are typically transported in dump trucks, grain carriers, or sometimes in special containers designed for bulk products. A critical factor here is moisture: even a slight increase can add several tons to the total weight of a shipment.
• Loose cargo. Examples are coal, ore, gravel, and salt. These are usually moved in open or semi-covered railcars, hoppers, or dump trucks. Loose cargo is often shipped in very large lots, for instance, a vessel carrying 30,000 tons of iron ore.
• General cargo. This category covers packaged goods, equipment, components, and machinery. It is the most common type in containerized transport. The key advantage is versatility: a single 40-foot container can hold a variety of items, including household appliances, auto parts, and textiles, all in one shipment. For bulk and general cargo, container shipping is most commonly used, as it enables the combination of various types of goods in a single shipment.

Example: During harvest season, Ukraine exports large volumes of corn and sunflower seeds. These are usually transported by grain trucks to seaports, where the cargo is reloaded into ship holds. At the same time, a company importing consumer electronics from China books a container shipment by sea, followed by inland delivery by truck to regional destinations.

Classification by Physical State

Another key criterion is the physical state of the cargo: solid, liquid, or gaseous. This factor directly influences safety requirements and the choice of specialized transport.

• Solid cargo. The most common types include metal structures, construction materials, and various types of machinery. These are shipped in containers, covered trucks, or on open platforms if the load is oversized.
• Liquid cargo. This category covers crude oil, fuel, dairy products, juices, and chemical solutions. They are transported in tank trucks or tank containers. For example, stainless steel ISO tanks enable the safe transportation of food-grade liquids without compromising quality.
• Gaseous cargo. Examples include liquefied gases, such as oxygen and propane-butane. These require gas tankers or gas containers, such as ISO T50 units for propane and butane. Such equipment must withstand high pressure and be certified under ISO standards.

Example: A company supplying dairy products to supermarket chains uses refrigerated tank trucks to maintain product quality. Meanwhile, suppliers of propane for industrial facilities rely on certified gas containers that comply with international standards.

Classification by Hazardous Properties

A separate and highly important category is hazardous cargo. Its transportation is regulated by the international ADR Agreement, which also applies in Ukraine.

Hazardous cargo is divided into nine classes:

• Explosives and explosive articles;
• Gases;
• Flammable liquids;
• Flammable solids;
• Oxidizing substances and peroxides;
• Toxic and infectious substances;
• Radioactive materials;
• Corrosive substances;
• Miscellaneous dangerous goods and articles.

The transportation of hazardous substances is only possible in compliance with ADR regulations, which is why we provide professional solutions for hazardous cargo.

Practical examples: Transporting gasoline falls under Class 3 (flammable liquids). It requires specialized tankers, proper labeling, and strict fire-safety conditions. Deliveries of explosives for mining companies fall under Class 1 and require special permits, armed security, and an official escort. Shipments of mineral fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate may fall under Class 5 (oxidizing substances). All hazardous cargo must be properly labeled, and both the driver and the carrier are required to hold valid ADR certificates. Non-compliance with these rules can lead to fines, delays, and even criminal liability.

Classification by Transport Conditions

Not all cargo is equally sensitive to transport conditions. For this reason, shipments are divided into universal and special categories.

• Universal cargo. These are goods that do not require special conditions, such as furniture, household appliances, or most packaged products. They can be shipped by almost any mode of transport without risk to their quality.
• Special cargo. This group requires strict control of temperature, humidity, or security. Food products and pharmaceuticals, for example, must be transported in refrigerated trucks with precisely defined temperature ranges. Fresh meat, for instance, must be shipped at temperatures ranging from -2 to +2 °C. Oversized cargo – such as turbines, industrial machinery, or significant construction elements – is carried on low-bed trailers that require special permits due to their non-standard dimensions. High-value cargo, including electronics, jewelry, and medical equipment, demands enhanced security measures and mandatory insurance.

Example: A pharmaceutical company delivering vaccines uses refrigerated trucks equipped with GPS temperature monitoring to ensure compliance throughout the journey. Meanwhile, a manufacturer of wind turbine equipment transports blades over 60 meters long using specialized trailers and escort vehicles.

Table: Examples of Cargo Classification

Practical Importance of Classification

Accurate cargo classification is the foundation of safe and cost-efficient logistics. It affects every stage of transportation, from rate calculation to final delivery. Freight costs are primarily determined by cargo category: moving grain is priced under one set of rules, while shipping pharmaceuticals or jewelry follows entirely different ones. This difference stems from variations in transport requirements, handling, temperature control, and insurance. Misclassifying cargo can result not only in financial losses but also in a failure to meet contractual obligations.

Customs clearance is another critical aspect. In international trade, every category has its own HS code, which dictates the required documents, applicable duties, and the involvement of specific control authorities. If the cargo is declared incorrectly, companies face the risk of border delays, penalties, or even seizure of goods. Proper classification, therefore, directly influences the speed and transparency of customs procedures, especially vital for businesses working with strict delivery schedules.

Insurance is equally important. Insurers set premiums based on the type of cargo and its risk profile. High-value or hazardous goods are subject to higher rates, but in return, the client gains assurance of compensation in the event of loss or damage. A shipment of medical equipment or chemical reagents, for example, is insured under special terms, whereas a standard load of furniture is covered under general conditions. In this way, classification directly shapes the financial model of the deal and the level of protection a business enjoys.

Safety considerations cannot be overlooked. The chosen mode of transport, type of packaging, and additional safety measures all depend on how the cargo is classified. Moving hazardous chemicals without complying with ADR regulations poses a threat not only to the driver but also to the public. Similarly, food shipments without temperature control can spoil before reaching their destination. Proper classification minimizes these risks, helping to prevent incidents, losses, and customer claims.

This is why the role of a logistics partner is so crucial. A freight forwarder ensures accurate cargo classification, selects the right transport, prepares the documentation, and guarantees compliance with international regulations. In global logistics, this expertise is indispensable: every country has different requirements, and only experienced forwarders can effectively navigate them by combining road, rail, and sea solutions. Cargo classification is therefore not an academic concept but a practical tool that underpins the reliability, efficiency, and safety of logistics every day.

Conclusion

The types and classifications of cargo form the basic language of logistics. Correctly identifying the category determines everything, from the cost of transportation to its safety. Bulk grain, liquid in a tank container, hazardous chemicals, or oversized equipment – each cargo type follows its own rules. Companies that treat classification systematically gain efficiency, predictability, and client trust.

If you are looking for a partner to handle these tasks professionally, entrust your cargo to Duke Active. We will ensure proper classification, select the best transport solution, and deliver your goods safely and on time.