Cartage refer to the transportation of goods by land, typically over relatively short distances. The term "cartage" can also be used more broadly to refer to the cost of transporting goods from one place to another, regardless of the mode of transportation used.

In logistics and supply chain management, cartage is an important factor to consider when calculating the total cost of transporting goods. This can include not just the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance, but also labor, insurance, and other overhead costs associated with the transportation of goods.

It's worth noting that cartage is just one aspect of the broader category of transportation, which also includes air, water, and rail transportation. Depending on the nature of the goods being shipped and the distance they are being transported, different modes of transportation may be more or less suitable.