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Cargo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“ฆ
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cargo

[หˆkษ‘หษกษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

Goods carried by a large vehicle or ship.

Synonyms

freight, load, shipment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cargo

Generally used to refer to goods carried on a ship, aircraft, or large vehicle.

  • The ship's cargo included electronics and machinery.
  • They unloaded the cargo from the airplane.
freight

Refers to goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft, often indicating commercial or industrial transportation.

  • The freight train was loaded with coal.
  • Freight costs have increased due to rising fuel prices.
shipment

Used for goods sent by any mode of transport, frequently emphasizes the action of sending or the scheduled arrival of items.

  • The shipment of medical supplies arrived on time.
  • The company is expecting a new shipment of products next week.
load

Commonly used for any items that are being transported or carried, could be in smaller quantities and can refer to personal belongings.

  • They packed the load into the car for the camping trip.
  • He had to carry a heavy load up the stairs.

Examples of usage

  • The cargo ship was loaded with containers from different countries.
  • The truck was transporting a valuable cargo of electronics.
Context #2 | Noun

business

The value of goods transported by a vehicle or ship.

Synonyms

commodities, goods, merchandise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cargo

Use 'cargo' to refer to items being transported, typically by a large vehicle such as a ship, airplane, or truck.

  • The ship's cargo included thousands of containers of electronics
  • The airplane's cargo hold was filled with medical supplies
merchandise

Use 'merchandise' to refer to commercial products available for sale, typically in a retail setting.

  • The merchandise at the store includes clothing and accessories
  • Retailers must ensure their merchandise is displayed attractively
goods

Use 'goods' to indicate items that are produced for sale, encompassing a broad range of products.

  • The store sells a variety of household goods
  • Imported goods often have higher prices due to shipping costs
commodities

Use 'commodities' to refer to raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold, like gold, oil, or wheat.

  • The price of commodities like oil and wheat can fluctuate greatly
  • Traders often invest in commodities to diversify their portfolios

Examples of usage

  • The company's annual cargo amounted to millions of dollars.
  • The cargo revenue increased by 10% compared to last year.
Context #3 | Noun

aviation

The passengers and crew aboard an aircraft.

Synonyms

crew, occupants, passengers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cargo

Use 'cargo' when referring to goods or products transported, especially by ship, truck, or aircraft.

  • The ship carried a large cargo of grain.
  • The cargo was unloaded at the port.
passengers

Use 'passengers' when referring to people who are traveling in a vehicle but are not driving or operating it.

  • The bus was filled with passengers headed to the city.
  • The plane had over 200 passengers on board.
crew

Use 'crew' when referring to a group of people working together, especially those operating a vehicle like a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft.

  • The flight crew ensured all passengers were safe.
  • The ship's crew worked tirelessly during the storm.
occupants

Use 'occupants' when referring to people who reside or are present in a space or vehicle.

  • The occupants of the building were evacuated safely.
  • The car was badly damaged, but all its occupants were unharmed.

Examples of usage

  • The cargo aboard the plane included 150 passengers and 10 crew members.
  • The cargo was safely evacuated during the emergency landing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Transportation

  • Cargo transportation is a vital part of global trade, with shipping accounting for over 80% of international goods transported.
  • Containers have revolutionized cargo shipping, making it more efficient and safe to transport large quantities of goods.
  • Air cargo services are growing rapidly, especially for perishable items like food and medical supplies.

Economics

  • The cargo industry is a multi-billion dollar sector, impacting economies worldwide through trade.
  • Freight costs can significantly affect the pricing of goods, influencing retail prices for consumers.
  • Just-in-time manufacturing relies heavily on effective cargo transport to reduce warehouse costs.

Environment

  • The cargo industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, leading to innovations in fuel-efficient shipping practices.
  • Some companies are exploring electric cargo ships as a greener alternative to traditional vessels.
  • The movement of cargo contributes to pollution, prompting efforts to create more sustainable transportation solutions.

Cultural Significance

  • Historically, the transport of cargo has shaped cities and trade routes, such as the Silk Road.
  • Maritime cultures often depend on cargo for economic stability, influencing their way of life.
  • Cargo ships symbolize globalization, connecting distant cultures through trade.

Origin of 'cargo'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cargo' comes from the Spanish term 'cargar', meaning 'to load'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 16th century, marking the rise of sea trade.
  • Originally referred primarily to goods carried on ships, now it includes all types of transport.

The word 'cargo' originated in the mid 17th century from Spanish 'carga' meaning load or burden. It was later adopted into English to refer to goods carried by a ship. Over time, the term expanded to include goods transported by any large vehicle or ship. The concept of cargo has been essential for trade and transportation throughout history, facilitating the movement of goods across regions and contributing to economic development.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,750, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.