When you are involved in international shipping, you may come across the term “break bulk”. According to statistics, bulk cargo and break bulk cargo make up a significant portion of the cargo volume entering and leaving U.S. ports. The terms break bulk, bulk, and containerized cargo are interchangeably used in shipping, however, they are different notions.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these terms, define break bulk cargo, and the key considerations that businesses should take while being involved in break bulk shipping.
Break Bulk Cargo Definition
So, what is break bulk, anyway? Shipping break bulk is a major component of the logistics industry. The term comes from “breaking” a ship’s cargo space into smaller sections to accommodate individual items.
Break bulk shipment means the transportation of goods that cannot be shipped using standard shipping containers or units because they are irregularly shaped or too large. Break bulk is not containerized but instead packaged and loaded individually in bags, drums, or other handling equipment.
Bulk and Break Bulk
Many people confuse bulk cargo and break bulk cargo, but there is a primary distinction between them.
Break bulk cargo, as mentioned above, is huge or irregular goods that are packaged into units like pallets, bags, crates, drums, etc.
Example:
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Machinery and engines
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Steel pipes or beams
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Construction equipment.
Many of the break bulk shipments are transported in specially designed ships known as the break bulk vessel, which is equipped to accommodate these individual packaged units easily.
Related Reading: What Are Pallets, Skids, and Crates?
In contrast, the bulk cargo is basically loose materials in a large quantity that are not packaged. There are dry bulk and liquid bulk. Instead of being transported in units, they can be poured directly into the ship’s hold. Examples of bulk cargo include coal, iron ore, or other raw materials. They often need specialized handling as well as storage systems for their massive volume.
Break Bulk vs. Container Shipping
While shipping goods internationally, several methods of transportation are present in which the most common choice is sea freight shipping. Most sea freight cargo is transported in a container. When it comes to cargo safety, container shipping is proven to be more reliable than break bulk shipping, given to the protection of the container’s hard outer shell. Besides, containers are huge metal/wooden boxes that can be securely locked, providing better safety for goods.
However, break bulk is oversized/irregularly shaped items that cannot be containerized and are loaded piece by piece onto the ship.
Why Is Oceanic Break Bulk Preferred
When time is not a priority, oceanic break bulk shipment may be the best choice.
Shipping break bulk by air is not impossible, but rare and expensive. Rail is often used after sea transport to move cargo from the port to the final destination. It is suitable for the inland movement of break bulk. Nevertheless, shipping break bulk through sea freight is much cheaper per ton than air freight or rail freight, especially for big and heavy items.
Moreover, for wheeled cargo like cars or trucks, the roll-on-roll-off (RO/RO) method can be used. For containerized shipping, there are many additional expenses charged, such as costs for renting the container, storage, as well as handling fees. However, many of these costs are eliminated in RO/RO shipping, which is budget-friendly for shippers.
Key Considerations in Break Bulk
Even though the term “break bulk” is generally used interchangeably with the term “general cargo”, it includes a much wider array of goods. Some critical aspects need to be kept in mind when considering shipping break bulk for your business.
Thorough Planning and Preparation
Break bulk freight often includes complex logistics, which is why careful planning in advance is extremely important. It is necessary to develop a plan that is detailed and includes packaging, handling, transportation, and storage requirements. Some things you should consider are the fragility, size, and weight of the break bulk cargo.
Secure and Airtight Packing
Proper packaging and packing is a must if you want to protect your goods during transportation. For example, airtight packaging can safeguard certain products from moisture, dust, and changes in temperature.
Consultation with the Manufacturer
It is essential that you communicate with the original manufacturer to discuss the appropriate way to transport goods. They know all about packaging as well as handling the goods. If these recommendations are incorporated, then that would increase the efficiency and safety of the shipments.
Choosing Reliable Logistics Partners
You should choose a dependable logistics partner since they can simplify the entire process of break bulk transportation. Try to look for a provider who has relevant experience in handling similar kinds of cargo and transportation routes. Before choosing one, it’s ideal to compare different options to find the one that gives the best combination of reliability, budget, and expertise, catered to your needs.
Conclusion
Shipping break bulk cargo requires expertise. It can be a good choice with careful planning, secure packaging, and reliable logistics partners.
FAQs
What is break bulk cargo?
It is large, heavy, or oddly shaped freight (machinery, turbines, or construction equipment) that can’t fit in containers. It’s shipped piece by piece, often using cranes.
What is not general cargo?
When it comes to general cargo, the material should have a solid state that is packaged, palletized, or containerized. Liquid and gaseous materials such as gasoline, milk, and chemicals cannot be classified in this category. Break bulk is also not typical general cargo.
