Tramp trade refers to the commercial operation of cargo ships that operate on the spot market, picking up available freight and delivering it wherever the charter dictates. Unlike liner trades which follow strict timetables and routes, tramp vessels go wherever the market demands. This sector primarily handles dry bulk commodities like grain, coal, or iron ore.
Heard on the job
We secured a cargo of soybeans for the return leg, typical tramp trade routing to minimize empty ballast days.
Insider tip
The term comes from the idea of a ship wandering without a fixed home route, not from the quality or condition of the vessel itself.
Also heard as
- tramp shipping