Key Aspects of Break Bulk Shipping for Goods Transport
Shipping involves many challenges, especially for unusual types of cargo. When containerized shipping limits your cargo, you can opt for break bulk shipping. It is of shipment method ideal for accommodates goods that exceed the typical container size. This is suitable for items that are large, heavy, or require special handling in the transport process.
Many break bulk cargo shipping lines are well-equipped with tools, facilities, and manpower required to perform the loading and unloading process. Discover the essential information you need about break bulk shipping in this helpful guide.
Break Bulk Cargo: Essential Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages
What is break bulk cargo?
This refers to individual, non-containerized cargo, which are loaded and unloaded individually. This type of cargo is typically too large to fit in ordinary containers used for shipping, and therefore requires special types of handling. This can include heavy equipment, crates, barrels, bags/sacks, and bales.
What is break bulk shipping?
It refers to the method of transporting break bulk cargo. Because these items are too large for containerization, it allows you to transport these goods without requiring disassembly or dismantling. Individual units such as barrels, crates, or drums, on the other hand, can be loaded directly onto the ship and unloaded with particular handling.
Industries that use break bulk
Containerized shipping has become a popular choice since its introduction in the 1960s. Meanwhile, some large-scale industries still benefit more from break bulk cargo shipping. The agriculture, construction, mining, and oil and gas industries use break bulk to transport big tools and equipment used in their facilities.
Types of Break Bulk Cargo
Many types of cargo use this shipping method, but the most common items can be classified as:
- Project Cargo: Heavy equipment used in construction, energy, and mining. Examples are steel, pipes, cement machines, wind turbines, gas tanks, oil and gas plant components, and oversized vehicles.
- Reefer Cargo: Perishable items and goods that require temperature-controlled environments, such as meat and fruits.
- Individual units of cargo: Bags and sacks, palletized items, drums, casks, bales, wooden crates.
Differences Between Break Bulk vs Bulk vs Container
Break bulk shipping moves cargo individually through the use of cranes, as well as rigging and lifting by shipyard workers. It handles unitized goods, as well as bulky and heavy goods, resulting in higher costs for handling and storage. Special handling typically means slower loading and unloading time. It is a flexible option for some manufacturers.
Bulk shipping refers to the movement of large amounts of homogeneous, unpackaged cargo. This includes dry goods such as cement, grain, and liquids such as oil and petroleum. These are usually hauled onto the hold of a bulk carrier vessel using conveyors or cranes, depending on the commodity.
Containerized shipping is loaded faster than break bulk. It makes use of standardized shipping containers, in which goods can be stacked to maximize the space. Its shipping costs are more affordable than break bulk; however, it can restrict the type or amount of materials to be transported.
Advantages of Break Bulk Shipping
- Access to smaller ports
Most smaller ports do not have the necessary equipment to handle large containerized goods, but through break bulk shipping, units such as barrels and crates can easily be unloaded at small ports without special gear.
- Flexibly ship massive goods
Break bulk cargo shipping lines are built with a large carrying capacity, making it possible to transport large, and heavy commodities.
- Ship complete equipment bodies
Other shipping methods like containerization can limit your cargo, requiring disassembly. Break bulk shipping , meanwhile, allows you to transport massive equipment like industrial vehicles without breaking down each component.
- Fulfill industrial projects
The construction, oil and gas, and mining industries are at an advantage because it enables them to transport equipment to sites across the globe.
Disadvantages of Break Bulk Shipping
- Costlier than containerized shipment
There are many factors that contribute to the increased costs, such as the required manpower. Oversized shipment also takes up more space compared to containerized goods.
- Slow and laborious
Cargo shipped in units takes a longer loading and unloading time, while oversized freight requires special handling and manpower to avoid damages.
- Prone to damage and theft
Because these goods are not containerized, units may be stolen or damaged. Bags, sacks, and crates are highly susceptible.
Unique shipments are not impossible to transport; they just need the right methods and tools. Through break bulk shipping, manufacturers do not need to worry about delivering or receiving goods safely and efficiently.
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc. is committed to providing quality sea cargo shipping for you and your business. We accept rolling cargoes and just about all types of cargoes, which we safely transport aboard our vessels. Our cargo routes operate between Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. Book your cargoes with us today.
ALSO READ: Essential Tips for Domestic Cargo Shipping in the Philippines
