Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-21 Origin: Site
In the logistics and transportation industry, heavy goods and bulky goods are two crucial concepts that directly relate to cargo stowage, transportation, storage, and freight calculation.
Below is a detailed analysis of these two terms to better understand their role in logistics and transportation.
Definition of Heavy Goods
Heavy goods refer to cargo with a large weight per unit volume, i.e., the actual weight is greater than the volume weight. Such goods are generally dense and occupy relatively little space. From the perspective of ship stowage, any cargo with a stowage factor smaller than the ship’s cargo capacity coefficient is classified as heavy goods.
In accordance with international shipping practices, cargo with a stowage factor of less than 1.1328 cubic meters per ton (or 40 cubic feet per ton) is also regarded as heavy goods. Under China’s current regulations, any cargo weighing more than 1 ton per cubic meter is defined as heavy goods.
Heavy goods are mostly dense products, such as metal products. During transportation, the key focus for these goods is their actual weight, as freight is usually calculated based on the actual weight.
Definition of Bulky Goods
Bulky goods, also known as light-bulky goods, refer to cargo where the volume weight is greater than the actual weight. Such goods typically have a large volume but low weight, such as cotton and bubble wrap. From the perspective of logistics and transportation, bulky goods require more container space; therefore, freight is usually calculated based on the volume weight.
The volume weight is generally calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the cargo to get the volume, then multiplying by a factor (usually 6000 or 5000, depending on the transportation company’s regulations). For example, a package with a large volume but light weight may have a volume weight much greater than its actual weight—such cargo is considered bulky goods.
Under China’s current regulations, any cargo weighing less than 1 ton per cubic meter is defined as bulky goods. In cross-border logistics and transportation, the chargeable weight for bulky goods is usually their volume weight rather than the actual weight.
Methods to Distinguish Between Heavy Goods and Bulky Goods
Weight and volume: For heavy goods, the actual weight is greater than the volume weight; for bulky goods, the actual weight is less than the volume weight. The two can be easily distinguished by calculating the cargo’s actual weight and volume weight.
Product category: Generally, dense products such as metal products are heavy goods, while light and large-volume products such as home textiles and plastic products are bulky goods.
Transportation method: Due to differences in the nature of heavy and bulky goods, the equipment and space required for transportation vary. Heavy goods usually need stronger load-bearing capacity and more compact stowage space, while bulky goods require larger stowage space to accommodate their volume.
Impact of Heavy Goods and Bulky Goods on Freight
In logistics and transportation, the freight calculation methods for heavy goods and bulky goods differ. For heavy goods, freight is usually calculated based on the actual weight; for bulky goods, freight is calculated based on the volume weight. This means that even if two shipments have the same actual weight, their freight may differ significantly due to differences in volume.
Therefore, reasonably classifying heavy goods and bulky goods is of great significance for reducing transportation costs and improving transportation efficiency.
Summary
Heavy goods and bulky goods are important concepts in the logistics and transportation industry, directly related to cargo stowage, transportation, storage, and freight calculation. By understanding the definitions, distinction methods, and impact on freight of these two terms, we can better plan transportation schemes, reduce transportation costs, and improve transportation efficiency. Meanwhile, mastering these basic concepts is essential for personnel engaged in the logistics and transportation industry.
It should be noted that the classification of heavy goods and bulky goods in this article is for reference only and does not represent actual practices. There is often a large gap between theory and practice. Moreover, in reality, different companies may have different regulations. It is necessary to consult specific freight forwarders, transportation companies, courier companies, or logistics companies.
