Question

Why is it called ‘shipping’ if it goes by truck? Why is it called ‘cargo’ when it goes by ship?

Answer 1

Shipments is most likely an older term which originally referred to products retrieved from a large cargo ship. Take a container of goods that will be transported by some means. From the frame of reference of the ship, truck, or plane, and the people handling the container while in transit, that container is cargo.

Answer 2

Answer:

That container is cargo in the eyes of the ship, vehicle, or plane, as well as the persons who handle it while it is in transit. That container is a shipment in the eyes of persons on both ends who aren't involved in the actual transport.