What is meant by the term bulk material?

Bulk material refers to granular or lumpy goods that can be poured or shoveled. If it occurs in large quantities, it is referred to as mass bulk goods. Bulk materials must be physically suitable for bulk handling and transport. They are usually not sold to end consumers, but instead to industrial buyers. Examples include construction materials (sand, gravel, cement), raw materials (coal, ores, salts), and foodstuffs (grain, sugar, flour).

Bulk materials are categorized as free-flowing or cohesive. Depending on their sensitivity, they are stored outdoors, in silos, or in bunkers.