Break bulk refers to cargo that is transported as individual pieces or units rather than in standardized shipping containers or as loose bulk commodities. This shipping method involves loading, transporting, and unloading goods piece by piece, with each item handled separately using specialized equipment such as cranes, forklifts, or slings. The term originates from the historical practice of “breaking” large shipments into smaller units for individual handling and stowage aboard vessels. Break bulk is typically employed for oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot be efficiently accommodated within standard shipping containers or transported as homogeneous bulk material.
Key Characteristics
- Non-Containerized and Non-Bulk Cargo
- Oversized and Heavy Items
- Individual Handling and Stowage Requirements
- Project Cargo and Industrial Applications
