Welcome to CargoHandbook

Welcome to CargoHandbook.com, the world's largest database on transportation of cargoes in the marine industry.

Every day thousands of different commodities are transported over the globe, either by air, road, rail or sea. While every mode of transport has its own challenges and limitations, it is particularly during marine transportation that cargoes are often exposed to extreme conditions. These conditions can be of an external nature, such as the forces caused by a rolling vessel and, for instance, the constantly changing atmosphere and conditions caused by the change in temperature, movement of the cargo, different climate zones, etc.

The limiting factor can also be the cargo itself because of, for instance, a limited shelf life in relation to the duration of the voyage. Even the cargo can become dangerous to itself or its surroundings because of its own hazardous nature.

Knowledge about cargoes and their specific transportation requirements is the key to the cargo arriving in an undamaged condition and to prevent casualties from occurring.
Extensive research on storage and transportation of cargo has been carried out and is still ongoing. Knowledge improves with every shipment. However, every year millions of cargo related casualties still occur. This website is aimed at providing a platform acceptable for everyone to provide and share the best knowledge available on cargo transportation, thereby hoping to contribute to a better understanding and prevention of loss.

This website has been developed by BMT de Beer, part of the BMT Group and one of the leading cargo specialist surveyors in North West Europe.

"Knowledge is the only form of wealth that grows by sharing" Cargohandbook has been set up with the assistance of various partners, who have contributed by sharing their knowledge. To find out about these companies and institutions, or find out how you can support Cargohandbook.com, click here.

"Make your input count" If you are of the opinion that this website contains incorrect information, or better, if you have information to add, we appreciate your input. Valuable contributions may be awarded by us by making you (or your company) supporter of CargoHandbook.com (see further here).