
Storage Goods
Table of Contents
What are storage goods and what forms do they take?
Material goods are important for warehouse logistics and contract logistics: general cargo refers to goods that are transported in one piece. Containerised goods refer to the disposal of waste or garbage which is collected in containers or bins. Hazardous goods are often also disposed of in container transport. Containerised goods also include general cargo.
Grab cargo can be understood as (solid) bulk cargo that is handled by cranes with independent claws. Examples of grab cargo are grain, coal or ore.
Long goods are usually bulky materials, e.g. rods. Long goods are often used in the automotive industry. Transport is a challenge due to the size of the material.
So-called cyclone cutters are used for so-called suction material, which portion the material. Sucked goods include all types of grain.
Freight is goods that are transported by a carrier. The outsourcing for the transport is done, for example, to forwarding companies. However, they are exclusively responsible for the transport of the freight. Outsourcing is not mandatory; transport can also be carried out independently.
Lastly, there is heavy cargo. Heavy cargo is heavy or bulky cargo (bulky goods). Due to their weight, they cannot be transported in standard containers. Examples are turbines, railway wagons or wind turbines. You can read about the different types of bulk cargo on LAGERflaeche.de.
What types of bulk goods are there?
Bulk goods are production goods that have to be further processed before they reach the end consumer. Bulk goods are, for example, unpacked bulk goods. Bulk goods include building materials such as sand, gravel or cement. Bulk goods come in free-flowing or cohesive form. Grab goods also count as bulk goods. It is loaded with the help of a specific gripping tool.
Liquid goods are vegetable, animal or mineral goods. They are in a (semi-)liquid or gaseous state. Examples of liquid goods are hydrochloric acid or dairy products.
Solid goods, on the other hand, are divided into bulk goods and consolidated goods. In warehouse logistics and contract logistics, the term groupage refers to general cargo that is transported together as a consolidated load. Subsequently, service providers collect the general cargo from the various consignors or transport companies. From the service provider it goes on to the forwarding agent, who makes the consolidated goods available for the main transport.
Which storage goods are used in which industry?
Depending on the industry or company, various storage goods are used. For example, long goods as described are used in the automotive industry. General cargo is relevant for numerous industries. Above all, they are important for shipping and goods logistics. Liquid goods, for example, play a role in industrial operations at seaports. Bulk goods or vacuum goods, on the other hand, are found in more specific areas.
How do the costs of the different stored goods behave?
The costs can vary depending on the storage goods. For example, dangerous/hazardous goods are subject to special safety guidelines during storage. Checking and complying with these is time-consuming and costly.
The aforementioned outsourcing of freight can be costly depending on the quantity. Smaller goods, however, are best transported by truck yourself. For bulk goods, ship transport is usually used. However, for bulk goods or sucked goods, rail transport is suitable. Bulk goods can also be transported by tube chain conveyors. They are suitable for everything from coffee beans to recycling material. Goods are transported gently and cleanly thanks to tube chain conveyors. Driverless transport systems are now available for bulky goods. These are designed to simplify processes in intralogistics.
What special features need to be taken into account?
In the case of hazardous goods, a company should inform itself about the hazardous goods and their nature. Depending on the dangerous goods, different storage is required. Some require a certain temperature, others special storage equipment. In addition, the substances must be labelled with the dangerous goods symbol and their names. Fire extinguishers and emergency exits should be located in the immediate vicinity if there are several dangerous goods. Directive 2008/68/EC on the transport of dangerous goods should also be observed. Flammable liquids are stored in accordance with the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV).
Further information can also be found in the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health. Foodstuffs, on the other hand, require a cool environment. Specific requirements apply to milk, juices or beer. In addition to refrigeration, transfer from one warehouse to another must also take place without any problems. Various laws also apply to the transport of flowable goods. Flowable goods do not have a fixed, defined shape.