| | [[Image:Tramp_steamer.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A tramp steamer, Liverpool]] | | [[Image:Tramp_steamer.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A tramp steamer, Liverpool]] |
| − | A '''Tramp line''' is an ocean carrier company operating vessels ('''Tramp steamers''' or '''Trampers''') not on regular runs or schedules. They call at any port where [[cargo]] may be available.<ref>U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration [http://www.marad.dot.gov/publications/glossary/glossary.html]</ref> They are available to charter in several ways: | + | A '''Tramp line''' is an ocean carrier company operating vessels ('''Tramp steamers''' or '''Trampers''') not on regular runs or schedules. They call at any port where [[cargo]] may be available.<ref>[http://www.marad.dot.gov/publications/glossary/glossary.html U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration]</ref> They are available to charter in several ways: |
| − | Trampers are a descendant of the early merchant ships whose masters (who were also their owners) loaded them with cargo at home to sell abroad, and vice versa. Depending on the size of the vessel, they are also classified as ''Seaway'' or ''Handy'', ''[[Panamax]]'', ''Suezmax'' and ''Cape'', indicating the type of routes they are likely to take, carrying mainly loose grain, coal and other mineral ores in holds below deck.<ref>''Traveling by Tramp Steamer'' [http://www.freighter-cruises.com/tramp-voyages.html Maris.com] Accessed July 13 2007</ref> | + | Trampers are a descendant of the early merchant ships whose masters (who were also their owners) loaded them with cargo at home to sell abroad, and vice versa. Depending on the size of the vessel, they are also classified as ''Seaway'' or ''Handy'', ''[[Panamax]]'', ''Suezmax'' and ''Cape'', indicating the type of routes they are likely to take, carrying mainly loose grain, coal and other mineral ores in holds below deck.<ref>''Traveling by Tramp Steamer'' [http://www.freighter-cruises.com/tramp-voyages.html Maris.com] Accessed July 13, 2007</ref> |
| − | *'''Clarkson Research Studies''' ''The Tramp Shipping Market'' [http://www.marisec.org/ClarksonReportFinalDraft.pdf] Accessed July 12 2007 | + | *'''Clarkson Research Studies''' ''The Tramp Shipping Market'' [http://www.marisec.org/ClarksonReportFinalDraft.pdf] Accessed July 12, 2007 |