Break bulk cargo – also known as general cargo – means non-containerised goods stowed on a general cargo ship. The term comes from the phrase ‘breaking bulk,’ which means to extract part of a ship’s cargo in individual units. The term should not be confused with ‘bulk cargo’ which applies to freight shipped in loose form – like oil, grain, or ore – and directly loaded into the ship’s holds.
Break bulk shippers need to be alert to hidden handling costs, correct equipment and loading procedures – and there are also quarantine regulations to be observed. Officers from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) conduct surveillance inspections to ensure freedom from contaminants that pose a biosecurity risk. Imported break bulk cargo, including new motor vehicles, must be examined externally for soil and other contamination and treated if necessary.
Goods transported through break bulk are handled piece by piece for convenient unloading and loading. These days, this method represents a much smaller percentage of global sea traffic compared to containerised shipments, and there are pros and cons when using break bulk.
Advantages.
Break bulk shipping is often used for oversized or heavy items that cannot fit into standard containers, such as large machinery, structural steel piping and other construction materials. The main advantage of this method is its flexibility in accommodating various sizes and shapes of cargo.
Break bulk shipping is especially useful in small or underdeveloped ports, with offloading to smaller vessels and lighters for onward transport. It is effective in even the most minimally-developed port which the normally large container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers might not be able to access due to size and/or water depth.
Break bulk shipping is also sometimes the more economical option. Unlike containerised loading, the shipper is paying only for the space occupied by the goods without the need to dismantle or deconsolidate it.
Disadvantages.
On the other side of the coin, breakbulk can demand more resources at the wharves at both ends of a ship’s journey: longshoremen, loading cranes, warehouses, transport vehicles.
It also tends to be more time-consuming, as each piece must be loaded and unloaded individually, which can lead to higher labour costs and potential delays. Therefore, meticulous planning and coordination are necessary to minimize these risks.
Since break-bulk cargo requires more handling, it can increase the risk of damage or loss and we always advise shippers to consider taking out marine insurance.
Packing.
Just because the freight is not containerised does not do away with the need for packing, which will serve to protect the goods from damage, theft, and pilferage during the break bulk journey.
Shippers are advised not to skimp on packaging – cutting corners on packing materials can be costly. Robust packaging should be chosen that is specifically designed to withstand the rigors of international transport and effectively protect the cargo throughout its journey.
Packed break bulk cargo refers to goods transported in packaging such as:
– Crates, fibreboard boxes and cartons – these are often palletised.
– Wooden barrels and casks, Plastic drums, Steel drums
– Bulk bags, designed to hold large amounts of weight.
– Bales, usually of compressed goods that are stackable on top of one another.
There are, of course, certain things that simply cannot be packed, such as vehicles and large machinery, which is referred to as ‘unpacked break bulk cargo.’
Planning.
With careful advance planning, break bulk offers a reliable and efficient solution for transporting non-containerised shipments. Get the right advice on the specific packing that corresponds to your cargo, and the methods needed to stow them on the vessel. Make informed decisions, prioritise high-quality packaging and have all your costings calculated correctly.
Colless Young has had decades of experience handling general shipping around the globe. To understand more about break bulk cargo and how it can help with your business, talk to Andrew, Tel: +61 7 3890 0800 email enq@collessyoung.com.au.
