Breakbulk refers to goods that are not loaded in containers but are not completely bulk. These goods are usually transported individually in bundles, boxes, bags, drums, or pallets. Common examples include machinery and equipment, steel, timber, and large bags of produce. Breakbulk transport is a traditional mode of freight transport that is flexible and suitable for transporting bulky goods that are irregular in shape or require special handling.
What is Breakbulk?
Breakbulk is a form of cargo transport between bulk and containerized cargo. Unlike bulk cargoes (e.g., coal, grain), breakbulk cargoes are usually packaged in a particular form; however, unlike containerized cargoes, they are not loaded in standardized containers.
The transport of break-bulk cargoes is characterized by a wide variety of cargoes and significant differences in their shapes and weights, so specialized loading, unloading, and securing equipment is required for their transport.
Advantages of breakbulk transport
Adaptable: Breakbulk transport suits many cargo types, including large, overweight, or irregularly shaped items.
No need for standardized packaging: Compared to containerized transport, breakbulk transport reduces the need for standardized packaging.
High flexibility: transport can be combined by different modes of transport (e.g., sea, rail, road) and is suitable for diversified needs.
Saving transport costs: breakbulk transport may be more economical than container transport for smaller quantities or non-standard goods.
Suitable for special cargoes: such as extra-long, extra-wide, or extra-high equipment that cannot be transported in containers but can be transported by breakbulk.
How are breakbulk cargoes transported?
The mode of transport for breakbulk cargo varies depending on the type of cargo and the distance traveled; standard modes of transport include:
Sea freight:
Transportation using bulk carriers is particularly suitable for large quantities of goods or bulky cargo.
Cargo handling requires cranes, hoists, and other specialized equipment.
Suitable for transporting large or heavy goods, usually using open wagons or flatbed trucks.
Road transport:
Used for short-distance transport, especially for distribution from the port to the final destination.
Multimodal transport:
It combines sea, rail, and road transport and is suitable for long-distance and cross-border transport of break-bulk cargoes.
The most suitable ships for breakbulk transport
Bulk cargo transport requires specialized vessels, depending on the cargo characteristics. Common bulk cargo vessels include:
Multipurpose Vessel (MV):
Designed for breakbulk transport, they can carry a wide range of cargoes, including steel, machinery, equipment, and construction materials.
Heavy Lift Vessel:
Equipped with high-strength lifting equipment suitable for transporting overweight or oversized cargo.
Roll-on Roll-off Vessel (RORO Vessel):
Suitable for transporting vehicles, construction machinery, and other goods that can be rolled and loaded.
General Cargo Vessel (General Cargo Vessel):
Mainly used for transporting packaged general cargo, such as timber, chemicals, and grain-bagged cargo.
Common Types of Bulk Cargo
Industrial equipment: large machinery, generators, turbines, etc.
Construction materials: steel, aluminum, pipes, cement, etc.
Timber products: logs, planks, plywood, etc.
Agricultural products: large bags of grain, fertilizer, etc.
Vehicles: cars, trucks, construction machinery, etc.
Specialized goods: bridge components, large storage tanks, wind turbine blades, etc.
Summary
Breakbulk transport is essential in international trade and logistics and is particularly suited to transporting bulky, non-standardized, or diversified commodities. You can ensure that your breakbulk cargo reaches its destination safely and efficiently by choosing the proper mode of transport and vessel type, combined with specialized loading and securing techniques. Understanding breakbulk cargo’s characteristics and transport requirements is essential in optimizing logistics solutions.
