Tramp Steamer (Noun)
Meaning
A commercial steamer for hire; one having no regular schedule.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The tramp steamer was available at the port for immediate hire, as the captain was finding alternative cargo routes every day.
- Shipping companies hired tramp steamers when their regular fleet couldn't handle demand.
- Most tramp steamers follow the cargo rather than a prefixed route, often altering their itinerary.
- During economic downturns, even larger shipping companies resorted to using tramp steamers.
- Regular cargo shipping lines viewed tramp steamers with disdain, but many owners became wealthy filling the market gaps.