Freight: meaning, definitions and examples

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freight

 

[freษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

Goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft.

Synonyms

cargo, load, shipment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freight

Freight is typically used when referring to the transportation of goods, especially in large quantities, by vehicles such as trucks, trains, or ships. It often implies the commercial aspect of transporting goods.

  • The company specializes in freight services for heavy machinery.
  • Freight costs have increased due to rising fuel prices.
cargo

Cargo is used to describe goods that are being transported, especially by ship or plane. It's a broad term that can be used in both everyday and professional contexts.

  • The cargo hold of the airplane was loaded with perishables.
  • The ship is carrying various cargo including electronics and textiles.
shipment

Shipment is used when referring to goods that are being sent or delivered, particularly focusing on the process and stages of sending the goods. It is commonly used in logistics and supply chain contexts.

  • The shipment of medical supplies will arrive tomorrow.
  • We need to track the shipment to ensure it arrives on time.
load

Load refers to the amount of goods or items being transported, often emphasizing the quantity or weight. It can be used in more casual or specific situations involving any kind of transportation.

  • The truck had a heavy load of bricks.
  • Ensure the load is secured properly before driving.

Examples of usage

  • The freight train was carrying coal from the mine to the port.
  • The company ships its products by sea freight to reduce costs.
Context #2 | Verb

shipping

To transport goods as freight.

Synonyms

send, ship, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freight

Utilized in large-scale commercial or industrial settings referring to the goods being transported.

  • The company specializes in the freight of raw materials.
  • Heavy freight is often shipped by rail.
ship

Appropriate for the logistics of moving items over long distances, often internationally, and usually in a commercial setting.

  • We need to ship these products to Europe by the end of the month.
  • The company ships goods worldwide.
transport

A more general term fit for both commercial and non-commercial contexts, emphasizing the act of moving items from one place to another.

  • They use trucks to transport agricultural products.
  • Please transport these boxes to the storage room.
send

Commonly used in casual or less formal contexts for smaller items or non-commercial purposes.

  • Can you send me the documents by email?
  • I will send her a birthday gift next week.

Examples of usage

  • The company freighted the furniture to the new location.
  • We need to freight these boxes to the warehouse by the end of the day.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'freight' comes from the Old French term 'freit,' which means 'loading' or 'cargo.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'fractus,' meaning 'broken,' associated with the idea of loading or breaking bulk.
  • This term has evolved over the centuries to encompass various goods transported for trade.

Transport History

  • Freight transport has been vital since ancient times, with examples including caravans in trade routes like the Silk Road.
  • The invention of the steam engine in the 19th century revolutionized freight transport, allowing goods to travel faster over land.
  • With the rise of container ships in the mid-20th century, global trade expanded significantly, simplifying the loading and unloading process.

Economics

  • The freight industry plays a crucial role in the economy, affecting prices and availability of goods across regions.
  • Changes in fuel prices can significantly impact freight costs, influencing what consumers pay for products.
  • Efficient freight services can lead to economic growth by improving supply chain management and reducing delivery times.

Modern Innovations

  • Technology has enhanced freight logistics through GPS tracking, allowing real-time monitoring of cargo locations.
  • Electric trucks and autonomous delivery vehicles are emerging trends aimed at making freight transport more sustainable.
  • Blockchain technology is being introduced in the freight industry to improve transparency and reduce fraud.

Environmental Impact

  • Freight transport contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting a shift towards more sustainable practices.
  • Rail transport is generally more environmentally friendly compared to road transport, as trains can carry larger volumes more efficiently.
  • Shipping organizations are exploring alternative fuels and carbon-neutral options to lessen their environmental footprint.

Translations

Translations of the word "freight" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น frete

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคพเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fracht

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ muatan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะฐะฝั‚ะฐะถ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล‚adunek

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฒจ็‰ฉ (ใ‹ใ‚‚ใค)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fret

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ flete

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yรผk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ™”๋ฌผ (hwamul)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุญู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nรกklad

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nรกklad

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ดง็‰ฉ (huรฒwรน)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tovor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ farmur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถาฏะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ•แƒ˜แƒ แƒ—แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yรผk

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ flete

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,885, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.