UNDERSTANDING BREAK BULK IN LOGISTICS

Most shippers are familiar with popular cargo transportation methods such as container shipping and air freight. However, when cargo is too large or heavy to fit in a container or be transported by air, the Break Bulk method becomes an ideal solution. This method ensures that oversized or bulky goods are transported safely and effectively when they cannot be accommodated in containers or transported by regular air freight. Let Smart Link guide you through what Break Bulk in logistics with the following article!

What is Break Bulk in Logistics? Related Concepts

What is Break Bulk?

The term Break Bulk in Logistics refers to goods that are bagged, bundled, boxed, or unpackaged (such as vehicles, steel, etc.). These goods share the characteristic of being unable or challenging to fit into containers.

What is the Break Bulk Fee?

The Break Bulk fee is an additional charge applied during the shipping of bulk goods. This fee is imposed by carriers to cover the extra handling and management costs associated with goods transported outside of regular containers.

What is Break Bulk Cargo?

Break Bulk cargo consists of oversized or heavy items, such as large vehicles, propellers, or large engines, which cannot fit in standard containers or ship holds.

What is a Break Bulk Vessel?

A Break Bulk vessel is a multipurpose cargo ship designed specifically to transport various types of cargo, including containers, packaged goods, bulk goods, and even chemicals and natural gases.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Break Bulk Shipping

Advantages:

Capable of transporting oversized, overweight items that do not fit in containers.
Suitable for delivering large items directly from point A to point B.
Cargo can be loaded onto ships without disassembly.

Disadvantages:

Transportation costs can be higher.
Bulk cargo occupies more space on the ship, leading to increased shipping costs.

Difference Between Bulk and Break Bulk

Bulk:

Bulk refers to unpackaged goods such as iron ore, grains, etc., which are transported in large quantities without being containerized and are typically shipped in the short or long term with freight calculated per metric ton.

Break Bulk:

Break Bulk refers to goods that cannot or are difficult to containerize, such as steel coils or cement bags. These items are often shipped on specialized vessels, such as Multi-Purpose or General Cargo ships.

Break Bulk Shipping Process

Determine the requirements and type of cargo to be shipped.
Choose an experienced carrier.
Prepare the cargo for shipping.
Load and unload the cargo carefully to ensure safety.
Begin transport to the destination.
Unload and handle the cargo upon arrival at the destination.
Complete the shipping process.

We hope this information provides you with a clearer understanding of Break Bulk and its differences from Bulk shipping. We are proud to have over 14 years of experience in the logistics industry and look forward to supporting you throughout your journey.

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