bulk cargo

American  

[buhlk kahr-goh] / ˈbʌlk ˈkɑr goʊ /

noun

Transportation.

1. cargo that is shipped loose and unpackaged, as grains, coal, ores, and oil.

   The hatchways are inspected to insure safe loading and discharging of the bulk cargo.

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Etymology

Origin of bulk cargo

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The others were general and bulk cargo vessels.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

It is estimated that a third of the world's bulk cargo, and two-thirds of its oil, is transported across the Indian Ocean.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2023

Today, Foremost’s fleet, like many, primarily serves the Chinese market, hauling bulk cargo such as iron ore, coal and bauxite.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2019

In addition to bulk cargo shipments to the Netherlands, where MedCure operates a distribution hub, the Oregon company has exported body parts to at least 22 other countries by plane or truck, the records show.

From Reuters • Feb. 8, 2018

For a moment we were puzzled, and then we saw that the train was made up entirely of gondola cars such as are used to carry coal and other bulk cargo.

From The Image and the Likeness by Campbell, John Scott