Break Bulk Cargo: Meaning, Benefits, and Shipping Process

Break bulk cargo is a type of shipping that involves loading and unloading cargo at ports, often using cranes or other heavy machinery. This process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Break bulk cargo is typically transported in non-containerized form, meaning goods are not packed into shipping containers. The cargo is instead loaded directly onto the ship using specialized equipment.

The shipping process for break bulk cargo can be complex, requiring careful planning and coordination between ship owners, cargo handlers, and port authorities. This process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

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Break bulk cargo is a type of cargo that is not packaged or containerized, but rather loaded and unloaded from a ship individually.

It can include a wide range of goods, such as project cargo, oversized cargo, and even cars.

Break bulk cargo is often handled by specialized cargo handling equipment, such as cranes and forklifts.

These types of cargo require a lot of manual labor and specialized equipment to handle, which can increase costs and complexity.

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The size and weight of break bulk cargo can vary greatly, from small machinery to large construction equipment.

Break bulk cargo is typically transported on roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships or general cargo ships, which are specifically designed for this type of cargo.

In many cases, break bulk cargo is also transported on specialized ships, such as bulk carriers and container ships, but not in containers.

Break bulk cargo is often used for large or heavy items that cannot be containerized, such as construction equipment or vehicles.

The handling and transportation of break bulk cargo requires careful planning and execution to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

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Break bulk cargo can include almost any type of oversized, heavy, or irregular cargo. This includes machinery and equipment like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.

Heavy machinery and equipment can be shipped as break bulk, such as turbines and presses. Vehicles like trains, locomotives, and trams can also be transported in this way.

Infrastructure materials like steel beams, bridge parts, and windmill blades are also suitable for break bulk shipping. These materials often require special handling and transportation due to their size and weight.

Odd-shaped cargo like silos, tanks, and boilers can be shipped as break bulk. This type of cargo often requires careful planning and execution to ensure safe and efficient transportation.

Some examples of break bulk cargo include:

Break bulk cargo has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is that it requires more resources at the wharves, including longshoremen, loading cranes, warehouses, and transport vehicles.

Break bulk cargo can transport oversized or irregularly shaped cargo, which is a significant advantage. It also has no weight restrictions, unlike containers.

However, break bulk cargo is less efficient than container shipping in terms of time and effort. This is because it requires port infrastructure for special handling, which can be a challenge in areas where development has not kept pace with shipping technology.

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In areas where port development has not kept pace with shipping technology, break-bulk shipping can still thrive. This is because it requires relatively minimal shore facilities, making it a more viable option in these areas.

Here are some key differences between break bulk and container shipping:

Break bulk cargo is ideal for minimal or infrequent shipments, making it a cost-effective option in these cases. However, it's worth noting that specialized vessels and equipment are required for heavy lifts, which can be a drawback.

Overall, break bulk cargo has its advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to weigh these factors before making a decision.

Shipping break bulk cargo requires special care and handling. Break bulk cargo is typically loaded and unloaded individually, often using cranes or manual labour.

To accommodate oversized and heavy items, ships used for breakbulk shipping are often outfitted with special cranes and other pieces of equipment.

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Breakbulk cargo is often stored in warehouses before being loaded onto the ship, and then each item is lifted on board separately. This process can be labour-intensive, but it allows for the transportation of goods that wouldn't fit in standard containers.

The key to shipping break bulk cargo successfully is to have the right infrastructure and equipment in place. Break bulk cargo needs customised port infrastructure and heavy-duty handling equipment that suits oversized individual cargo units.

Here are the steps involved in shipping break bulk cargo:

Break bulk cargo requires special handling and infrastructure to transport oversized or irregular-shaped items. These items are typically loaded onto a ship using cranes or manual labour, and are often stored in warehouses before being transported to the dock.

Heavy-duty cranes and equipment are needed to handle break bulk cargo, which is why dedicated terminals are used for handling these types of shipments. These terminals are equipped with the necessary gear to handle oversized cargo.

Break bulk cargo is loaded and unloaded individually, often using cranes or manual labour. This process is labour-intensive and requires careful planning to ensure that the cargo is handled safely and efficiently.

To secure cargo within the vessel, dunnage and lashing are used. This is especially important for oversized or heavy items that need to be stabilized during transport.

Here are the steps involved in shipping break bulk cargo:

Break of bulk point is the point where the handling or mode of transport changes, like port to ship or ship to truck. This requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a smooth transition.

Container shipping is a reliable and efficient way to transport cargo. It's ideal for most cargo due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness.

The maximum dimensions a container can accommodate are limited, which can be a challenge for oversized cargo. However, this limitation also means that containers can be neatly stacked on top of each other in the hold and on the deck.

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Containers have weight capacity limits, usually around 28,000 kg, which is a significant restriction for heavy cargo. On the other hand, this weight limit also ensures that the cargo is safely secured and transported.

Here's a comparison of the key characteristics of container shipping and break bulk shipping:

Container shipping is also quicker and easier to load and unload compared to break bulk shipping. This is because container units can be lifted and moved as a single unit by crane, reducing the complexity and time required for handling.

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Shipping oversized and heavy items is more difficult than standardized cargo, but companies like Crowley are capable and ready to handle the job.

Crowley's expertise and equipment make it possible to move nearly anything, anywhere by ship, as they're often outfitted with special cranes and other pieces of equipment to accommodate such loads.

With the right equipment, companies can successfully transport oversized and heavy items, making it a viable option for those who need to ship unique or difficult-to-move cargo.

When shipping break bulk cargo, it's essential to understand the two main types of vessels involved in this process.

Gearless ships need cranes or cargo-handling equipment to operate, limiting them to terminals equipped with the necessary machinery.

These ships rely on the terminal's equipment for loading and unloading operations, which can be a significant constraint.

Conversely, geared ships have cranes or cargo handling equipment onboard, allowing them to call at any suitable berth in a port and perform cargo operations independently.

This flexibility provides greater freedom when it comes to berthing arrangements and cargo handling.

Here's a comparison of the two types of vessels:

In practice, geared ships offer greater flexibility and efficiency when shipping break bulk cargo.

Break bulk cargo offers several benefits and preferences that make it an attractive option for shipping oversized and heavy items. It allows for the movement of items that won't fit in a container or cargo, reducing the need for deconstruction and reconstruction.

One of the key benefits of break bulk cargo is its cost-effectiveness. By eliminating the need for container hire, storage, and additional labor, businesses can save money on transportation costs. Additionally, break bulk cargo can be shipped to smaller ports that typically wouldn't be able to accommodate larger container ships or tankers.

Break bulk cargo is often transported using RO/RO (Roll On-Roll Off) services, which offer a frequently scheduled time table and fewer short notice cancellations or postponements. This ensures that cargo reaches its destination in a reasonable time, even for complex routes.

Break bulk cargo is particularly well-suited for heavy shipments that require lashing to handling equipment. This prevents lifting and dismantling, making the transportation process safer and more efficient.

Here are some of the top benefits of break bulk cargo:

Booking break bulk cargo requires careful planning and collaboration with a reliable project logistics partner.

High security and top-tier infrastructure are essential at every stage of the shipping process.

Working with a partner that offers human and digital capabilities can help ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Maersk's special cargo experts have decades of experience and can guide you through the entire process, from booking to delivery.

Wooden shipping containers are often used for stowing goods on ships. They're typically placed on double dunnage in the holds and single dunnage in the 'tween decks.

The way these containers are loaded can be quite specific. Heavy boxes are usually given bottom stowage to prevent them from shifting during transit.

Loading slings are often left on wooden shipping containers to aid in discharge. This can save time and effort when unloading the goods at the destination port.

Booking break bulk cargo requires a reliable project logistics partner with human and digital capabilities to ensure efficient shipping.

You'll need to work with a partner that understands the challenges of break bulk cargo, like Maersk, which has decades of experience dealing with special cargo.

Break bulk cargo needs high security and top-tier infrastructure at every stage of the shipping process, so choose a partner that can provide that.

To get started, discover Maersk's Special Cargo services and get an online quote within four hours.

Breakbulk shipping is a great option for oversized or heavy goods that are tedious to break down. Equipment or goods that are tedious to break down or oversized can benefit from breakbulk shipping.

A breakbulk ship is typically equipped with high capacity deck cranes and additional equipment necessary to load and unload these oversized or heavy goods. High deck strength barges are sometimes used to facilitate loading this cargo by rolling it on and off the vessel.

Heavy lift cargo refers to goods that exceed standard shipping containers' average weight or size limits. This typically involves transporting heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or components that require specialized lifting equipment and expertise for loading and unloading.

Out-of-gauge cargo refers to goods that exceed the dimensions of standard shipping containers, either in terms of length, width, height, or a combination of these. It includes oversized machinery, large vehicles, or goods with irregular shapes that require special handling and securing during transport.

Break bulk vessels provide the necessary infrastructure and equipment to accommodate such cargo, ensuring safe and efficient delivery to their destinations.

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Break bulk cargo offers a convenient solution for transporting bulky items, allowing them to be loaded with special equipment such as cranes to load the ship.

This makes bulky items easier to transport, eliminating the need for complicated containerization processes.

Break bulk cargo reduces the hassle and cost associated with deconsolidation, a process that often occurs with traditional containerized shipping methods.

Reduced Deconsolidation is a game-changer for shippers with oversized cargo.

Cargo on a breakbulk vessel, such as a barge or ship, doesn't have to be deconstructed or separated into pieces. This makes it a more affordable option for shippers with oversized cargo.

Breakbulk transportation doesn't require separating goods into containers, making it easier to transport bulky items.

This means that heavy or oversized items can be loaded onto a ship using special equipment like cranes, eliminating the need for containerization.

In fact, this method makes bulky items easier to transport, which is a significant advantage over traditional container-based shipping methods.

Breakbulk transportation is a more flexible and efficient way to move large or heavy goods, allowing for more creative and practical loading solutions.

By loading these items with cranes, shippers can save time and resources compared to traditional container-based shipping methods.

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Smaller ports can be a game-changer for project shipping, especially when it comes to breakbulk cargo. Breakbulk is deliverable to most ports around the world.

Smaller ports often have equipment already available on the ship, which saves time in transporting products. This makes project shipping more efficient.

Breakbulk requires little to no deconsolidation or reconsolidation, making it ideal for smaller ports with limited resources.

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Smaller ports have a significant advantage when it comes to breakbulk shipping. Breakbulk is deliverable to most ports around the world.

This flexibility allows for efficient transportation of goods, even to smaller ports. Equipment is already available on the ship, which saves time in transporting products.

Smaller ports can handle breakbulk shipments with ease, thanks to the minimal need for deconsolidation or reconsolidation. This reduces the complexity and cost associated with shipping large volumes of goods.

Breakbulk shipping to smaller ports requires little to no additional resources, making it a cost-effective option for businesses.

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Project shipping is a specialized field that requires careful planning and handling, especially when dealing with oversized or heavy cargo. This is evident in the case of large-scale infrastructure development, where transporting goods for oil and gas projects or power plant construction is a common occurrence.

Project cargo often involves high-value goods that demand precise engineering and handling to prevent damage or loss during transportation. Specialized equipment and expertise are typically required to ensure a safe and successful delivery.

Smaller ports, however, can still play a significant role in project shipping by offering more personalized and efficient services. This can be particularly beneficial for clients who require customized handling and transportation solutions.

The careful planning and handling of project cargo is critical to preventing delays and ensuring timely completion of projects.

There are two primary types of shipping that are used for break bulk cargo: container shipping and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping.

Container shipping is a popular method for transporting break bulk cargo, as it provides a secure and weather-tight environment for the cargo.

This type of shipping uses standardized containers that can be easily stacked and secured on a ship, making it an efficient way to transport cargo.

The size of the containers can vary, but they are typically 20 or 40 feet long.

RORO shipping, on the other hand, involves loading vehicles and other heavy equipment directly onto the ship, where they are secured to the deck.

This method is often used for transporting large or heavy cargo, such as construction equipment or vehicles.

RORO shipping can be more cost-effective for large or heavy cargo, as it eliminates the need for additional handling and storage.