Why are deliveries on a ship called “cargo”, but in a car, it’s called a shipment?”
The terms “cargo” and “shipment” are both used to refer to goods or commodities being transported, but the choice of term often depends on the mode of transportation and historical conventions rather than a strict linguistic rule.
- Cargo on a Ship:
- The term “cargo” is commonly associated with goods transported on a ship. Historically, the maritime industry has used the term “cargo” to describe the goods carried by a vessel. The usage of “cargo” in the context of shipping has deep historical roots and has become widely accepted in the maritime and logistics industries.
- Shipment in a Car:
- When goods are transported in a car or any other land-based vehicle, the term “shipment” is often used. This terminology is more general and is commonly used across various modes of land transportation, including trucks and trains. The use of “shipment” in this context may be influenced by the broader nature of land transportation, which involves various modes and vehicles.
In essence, the choice between “cargo” and “shipment” is influenced by traditional usage within specific industries and modes of transportation. While the terms are often interchangeable in casual conversation, they have become associated with certain modes of transport based on historical conventions and industry practices.
Thank you for reading my writings. If you’d like to, you can buy me a coffee for just £1 and I will think of you while writing my next post! Just hit the link below…. (thanks in advance)
The Sage Page 