Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays
A freighter is a ship designed to carry cargo rather than passengers – in other words, a cargo ship. Freighters move most of the world’s trade, and a few also carry a handful of paying passengers. Here’s what the word means, the main types and how freighter travel works.
Key facts at a glance
What is a freighter? It’s any ship whose main job is carrying freight – goods, raw materials or vehicles – rather than people. The word is also used for cargo aircraft (“air freighters”) and, on the Great Lakes, for long lake ships. In everyday shipping language, freighter and cargo ship are interchangeable.
| Type | Carries |
|---|---|
| Container ship | Goods in standard containers |
| Bulk carrier | Loose dry cargo: ore, coal, grain |
| Tanker | Oil, chemicals, liquefied gas |
| Ro-ro ship | Cars, trucks and wheeled cargo |
| General cargo / multipurpose | Mixed and project cargo |
| Reefer | Refrigerated food |
For more detail see types de navires de transport de marchandises, what is a bulk carrier, what is a ro-ro ship et what is an oil tanker.
Freighters work in two main ways. Liners follow fixed routes and schedules, like a bus service – most container ships work this way. Tramps go wherever the next cargo is, often bulk carriers and tankers. Passenger travel is almost always on liners, because the schedule is predictable.
A cruise ship exists to carry passengers in comfort. A freighter exists to carry cargo, and any passengers are a small extra. That’s why a freighter has no casino or theatre – but it does have big sea views, a working crew and real authenticity.
Yes. Some shipping lines have a few cabins for paying passengers, typically up to 12, which is the limit before a ship must carry a doctor and be classed as a passenger ship. Fares are about €100–150 per day including meals. Read shipping lines that take passengers et how to book a cargo ship voyage.
A ship (or aircraft) designed mainly to carry cargo rather than passengers.
Yes. In shipping the two terms mean essentially the same thing.
Yes, some freighters carry up to 12 paying passengers.
A freighter without a fixed route that goes wherever the next cargo is.
The largest container ships and crude oil tankers are among the biggest freighters afloat.
Travel on a freighter
Join a working cargo ship as one of just a few passengers.
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