Break bulk (also known as bulk transport) is a freight transport system that does not use containers. In fact, the goods are packaged in drums, boxes or crates, and are loaded individually.
Break bulk is mainly used for goods that are oversized in terms of weight and/or dimensions. Let’s think for example of the machinery used in the oil and gas sectors, construction equipment, boats, pipes, ship propellers, turbine blades. The greatest advantage is that during transport all these types of goods do not have to be dismantled, which would happen if they were to be transported in containers.
In this article we will take a closer look at the characteristics of break bulk, what its advantages are and the cases in which it is best to use it.
Break Bulk meaning
The term break bulk indicates a type of maritime transport in which the goods are not containerized but loaded individually.
The choice to use break bulk can be attributed to extremely large dimensions or excessive weight that cannot fit inside a container (without being dismantled).
Prior to the mid-20th century and the widespread adoption of containerization, bulk shipping was the dominant method of maritime transportation.
Break Bulk Shipping: how it works
Let’s see what the key steps of break bulk shipping are:
- Preparation of goods: the load is adequately packaged and placed in crates, barrels or bags;
- Arrival at the port and cargo handling: using trains or trucks, the cargo is brought to the port of departure. Next, dockworkers and stevedores manually load each piece of cargo onto the ship. Winches, cranes and other equipment are used for this operation;
- Unloading and arrival at destination: once arriving at the destination port, the cargo is manually unloaded from the ship and transported from the port to the final destination.
Break Bulk cargo: all the advantages
Especially when it comes to large or irregularly shaped loads, break bulk shipping has several advantages.
- Flexibility: the load can be made individually. This allows for more flexible planning and management of different shipments (especially when it comes to international shipments);
- Versatility: break bulk allows you to transport non-containerized goods, large equipment, heavy machinery;
- Cost effective: When dealing with large cargo, break bulk shipping can be a cost-effective option compared to container shipping;
- Accessibility: ports that do not have container facilities can always handle break-bulk shipments.
ISS Palumbo: pioneer in the sector
ISS Palumbo stands out in the Project & Freight Forwarding sector. Founded in 1974, the company combines technical expertise and innovation to offer integrated logistics solutions on a global scale. Their merger with Inchcape Shipping Services has further strengthened their leading role in marine services and complex project management.
Dedicated to innovation, ISS Palumbo offers tailor-made maritime services, adapting to customers’ specific needs. Our commitment to integrated logistics is reflected in our ability to manage projects of all sizes, from break bulk transport to complex maritime services.
Read the other success stories!
Case study: Our break bulk transport from Pyeongtaek to Ruwais
The recent break bulk transport project from Pyeongtaek (South Korea) to Ruwais (UAE) highlights the extraordinary capabilities of ISS Palumbo. This transport included 7 Main Columns, each with a maximum weight of 650 tons, maximum length of 115 meters, maximum width and height of 11 meters, together with 4 Top Davits, also of considerable size, demonstrating ISS Palumbo’s ability to handle overweight loads efficiently and safely.
ISS Palumbo: We Move Your Business
ISS Palumbo continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions in Project & Freight Forwarding and integrated logistics. Their commitment to marine services and complex project management, as evidenced by the transportation of exceptional cargoes from Pyeongtaek to Ruwais, sets new standards of excellence in the industry.
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