DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL CARGO

General cargo, which can be classified according to its characteristics, is made up an

infinite variety of goods. For example, it can be described as wet, dry, clean, and dirty.
However, each cargo can have more than one of these characteristics. General cargo
has different characteristics and forms of packaging because stowage can be a problem.

Wet cargoes, which are carried in drums and barrels, include such cargoes as vegetable
oil and wine. Therefore, there is always the possibility of leakage. They must not be
stowed on top of other cargoes.

Dry cargoes cannot possibly leak. But they can be damaged by leakage from wet
cargoes. Therefore, they must be stowed away from them. Flour, animal feed and rice,
which are examples of dry cargoes, are carried in bags.

Some cargoes which are known as dirty cargoes, leave a residue behind them. The dust
from cement and fertilizers can damage other cargoes because holds must be cleaned
out carefully after them.

Odorous cargoes, which give off fumes, include rubber and wool. These fumes can
damage delicate cargoes. Therefore, they must be stowed separately.

Heavy cargoes must be given bottom stowage. Because They will break more fragile
cargoes. When very heavy items are carried in ships. They should be stowed over
bulkheads as They might damage the deck plating.

Some cargoes are classified as dangerous cargoes such as combustible, toxic or liable to
explode. Also, they are a risk to human life and the safety of the ship. Therefore, they
are subject to strict laws

Perishable food is usually carried in refrigerated ships because some general cargo
vessels have refrigerated holds. Also, Meat and fish are often frozen solid. However,
Fruit and vegetables are only chilled.