How Break Bulk Cargo Shipping Works

The first analogy that arises in the mind of a non-professional in connection with cargo transportation is containers. But not all goods can be transported in a convenient, classic way. If there is a need to deliver large, heavy or non-standard cargo, break bulk cargo shipping comes in handy.

How does break bulk cargo shipping work? What are the specifics of this type of transportation, how are loading and unloading carried out, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of break bulk cargo shipping? Let us try to find answers to these and other questions. 

Contents

• What is break bulk cargo?
• What you need to transport with break bulk cargo
• Step-by-step break bulk cargo service
• Advantages and disadvantages of break bulk cargo shipping
• When to choose break bulk cargo shipping
• Conclusion

Key moments

Break bulk cargo shipping is the best solution for the transportation of non-standard, extra heavy or out-of-gauge goods. Break bulk cargo shipping allows the delivery of goods in time with optimal expanses and easy logistics. 

What is break bulk cargo?

Break bulk cargo is a freight that has large dimensions, a big weight, or an unusual shape, due to which it cannot be transported in a container. It requires increased attention to the fastening process in order not to damage the goods or the vessel on which the transportation is carried out. 

The widely used second name of break bulk cargo is general cargo, which is why vessels intended for the respective transportation have the widespread name general cargo ships.

What you need to transport with break bulk cargo

If you have to ship some out-of-gauge goods, first of all you need to find a reliable logistics operator, which can properly organize all stages of shipment. This company should have deep knowledge and long-term experience in order to delegate to it the complicated and full of pitfalls transportation process. Synex Logistics is an expert in delivering oversized cargoes. The company resources cover a wide range of services, including loading and unloading, drafting the necessary paperwork and ensuring compliance with all safety standards 

Secondly, you need to obtain some minimal knowledge to basically  understand how break bulk cargo shipping is conducted and to find out some crucial issues which should be under your control.  For example, you need to be aware that general cargo ships must be cleaned before each loading so that there is no unwanted mixing of goods. The cost of delivery of break bulk cargo is calculated in “ freight tons”. The volume (in cubic meters) and weight (in metric tons) of the product are taken into account, and the higher figure is billed. General cargo vessels could be equipped with gears or be gearless, etc.  

Step-by-step break bulk cargo service

There are some key steps within the break bulk cargo service: preparation and packaging of the goods, loading it on the vessel, transportation itself, goods unloading, and final delivery. Let us delve into the specifics of these processes. 

Preparation and packaging

While preparing for the shipping break bulk cargo is sent to the depot where sorting takes place. It is very important not to mix different types of goods, as this can negatively affect their quality. They require special packaging, in particular, bags, sacks, corrugated boxes, barrels or casks. This is what fundamentally distinguishes break bulk cargo from bulk cargo, which can be transported simply in the ship’s hold without special packaging or fixing (grain, oil or coal, etc.). Sorted goods are stored in this warehouse until loading. 

As we could understand, preparation and packaging of the break bulk cargo is a basic step which is the foundation for all subsequent shipment processes. Determination of the break bulk cargo type, identification of the appropriate break bulk packing are the highest priority. 

Loading and transportation

Before loading, the ship’s hold is thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, repairs are carried out. Without stevedores, loading of a break bulk cargo vessel is impossible. Also, this process involves the usage of cranes or other loading mechanisms.  As soon as the ship enters the port, break bulk cargo is transported to the berth and its placement on the ship begins. Cargo that can be carried by people is loaded manually, and cranes or roll-on and roll-off equipment are used for heavier goods. The goods are placed in predetermined places, securely fixed while maintaining the necessary distance between the cargo units. For transportation of break bulk cargo are used special vessels either break bulk ships or multi-purpose ones. Time table of general cargo vessels is usually strictly scheduled thus terminations or delays happen bloody occasionally.   

Unloading and final delivery

The unloading process has all the same steps as the loading one but in reverse order. Before unloading the goods must be thoroughly inspected for damage. Then the cargo is carefully transferred to the berth, and from there to the warehouse, where it will be stored until the customer picks it up. There is also another option when the goods are immediately sent to the customer’s warehouse, if this condition is specified in the contract.

Advantages and disadvantages of break bulk cargo shipping

Break bulk cargo shipping offers a wide range of benefits to those who choose this type of goods transportation. Among them, we can observe:

• Using different ports including small ones. As break bulk cargo does not need much reconstruction or deconstruction it could be shipped to almost every port all over the world, even the smallest ones. Moreover, as general cargo ships usually contain gear mechanisms there is no need to search for a technically well-equipped port;
• Perfect match with non-standard, extra heavy or out-of-gauge goods. Frankly, it is the only way to transport oversized and large cargo in a fast and efficient manner. You have only one bill of landing as the whole cargo is estimated as one piece of goods, so you do not spend a lot of time on customs clearance. The large capacity of general cargo vessels allows them to ship bigger amounts of goods in comparison with smaller ships;
• Cost-effectiveness. The customer should not have additional expenses for container purchasing or leasing and for individual packaging as well.
• Delivery to one or several customers on the same vessel. Break bulk cargo can be delivered to an unlimited number of clients. Moreover, the type of cargo can be one kind of goods or a combination of different goods.

At the same time, break bulk cargo transportation has some disadvantages, but none of them are critical or insurmountable.

• The process of loading/unloading is labor-intensive and time-consuming, accordingly, working hours in the port increase. Yet you can do it at any port with the support of an experienced stevedore. 
• Probability of personal injuries, destruction or theft of goods.  Proper monitoring compliance with safety regulations and extra security could cope with these challenges.
• Spoilage of break bulk cargo due to unfavorable climatic or weather conditions. In order to avoid this problem the appropriate packaging of the product must be selected.
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• Compliance with different regulations. It is true that break bulk cargo transportation requires safety certificates, environmental permits, and various custom documentation. Experienced forwarders can easily deal with this stuff. 

When to choose break bulk cargo shipping

 Break bulk cargo shipping is mainly used within the heavy industries activities. Classic examples of break bulk cargo include wind turbines, aircraft parts, boats, ship propellers, construction equipment, generators, steel beams, etc. 

However, break bulk cargo may include more everyday goods (coffee, fertilizers, rice, sugar, beer, wine, fruit, etc.). Food products delivery requires compliance with specific conditions and regulations. Logistics companies should guarantee the safe transportation of food cargo, and that іs exactly what Synex Logistics does. 

Conclusion

Break bulk cargo shipping, although it is not a leader among transportation methods, has its own distinct niche and supporters. Of course, taking into account digital changes, break bulk cargo shipping should develop and expand its digital potential. 

Improving the safety of both the product itself and the personnel working with it during the delivery process also requires considerable attention. However, break bulk cargo shipping is an indispensable method of transportation for certain categories of goods. It has its advantages and disadvantages, but with a comprehensive approach, it can become an effective solution for many customers. 

Synex Logistics is a competitive operator with a profound expertise in different shipping approaches and a highly professional team which operates all over the world and has positive feedback from its customers. If you need to organize break bulk cargo shipping we would be glad to assist you at all stages of this challenging but completely understandable to us process.