The cargo handling mode is lift on/lift off to and from the holds (and 'tween decks) by way of weather deck ( and 'tween deck) hatches.

Various features may include:

• a single deck, double skin sides and wide deck openings (box shape holds). Ships of this type may be intended specifically for the carriage of forest products, cargo handling of which may be by use of gantry crane.
• strengthening for the carriage of heavy cargoes (including ore)
• certain holds equipped with container securing arrangements, hoistable or movable vehicle decks, or other facilities pertaining to the carriage of a particular type of cargo
• the weather deck equipped with container securing arrangements, or arrangements for the carriage of timber
• the carriage of liquid cargo in specially-designed tanks
• a refrigerated cargo space for the carriage of perishable cargoes
• additional cargo handling to and from the cargo spaces by way of a side-loading/unloading system (for the carriage of cargo in pallet form and other unitised cargo)
• additional cargo handling to and from a 'tween deck by way of a stern-, side-, or bow-door/ramp situated below the weather deck, and where additional cargo segregation is provided by hinged 'tween deck openings or a hinged movable bulkhead