Bulk cargo is
commodity cargo that is transported
unpackaged in large quantities. It refers to material in either liquid or granular, particulate form, as a mass of relatively small solids, such as
petroleum/
crude oil,
grain,
coal, or
gravel. This cargo is usually dropped or poured, with a spout or shovel bucket, into a
bulk carrier ship's hold,
railroad car/
railway wagon, or
tanker truck/
trailer/
semi-trailer body. Smaller quantities (still considered "bulk") can be
boxed (or
drummed) and
palletised. Bulk cargo is classified as
liquid or
dry.