A commodity is any product or raw material that’s shipped, traded, or transported through the supply chain. It can be bought, sold, or exchanged for commodities as long as they’re of similar value, but prices depend on supply and demand.
While often used interchangeably with “cargo,” the term “freight commodity” specifically refers to basic goods produced in large quantities for commerce. For beverage brands, raw ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and flavor concentrates are considered a distinct shipping commodity.
Commodity meaning in shipping directly determines freight class, handling needs, and shipping costs. They’re often transported as bulk cargo. Some commodities, like perishable ingredients, may require cold chain shipping or other specialized logistics to maintain quality and value.