Source: adapted from Meeuse, G.C., (1977), Technologische aspecten van het geïntegreerd transport, Nederlands Vervoerswetenschappelijk Instituut: Rijswijk.
Cargo can be bundled into pieces or units (horizontal arrows) that dock workers can manipulate. This refers to the man load, except for gases and some liquids that are transported in bulk.
- Continuous transport. Cargo that can be potentially carried without interruption and load handling equipment. This applies to gases and liquids that can be transported by pipes from one storage medium (on shore or a ship).
- Discontinuous transport. Cargo that needs to be handled in specific loads requires a form of consolidation and deconsolidation.
- Determined content. Cargo is carried in known and measurable quantities, which require a load unit such as a tank, a pallet, a box, or a container.
- Own form. Cargo, which, due to its physical characteristics, can be carried as is without the need of a container.