Shipping oversized cargo requires specialized handling and experience. This is not a general cargo that any freight forwarder or shipping line can handle.
Therefore, before any breakbulk shipping process, you must understand the scope of the task, the cargo type, and have proper route planning.
Let’s start with the basics:
What is Breakbulk Shipping?
Breakbulk bulk shipping refers to transporting cargo or goods that do not fit the standard shipping container sizes. In most cases, the common shipping methods are lift-on/lift-off or roll-on/roll-off.
Usually, breakbulk cargo refers to extremely large goods, which may also be irregular shapes and can also be extremely heavy.
Therefore, whenever you want to ship this cargo, you may need special shipping vessels and handling equipment.
Types of Cargo Shipped as Breakbulk
Basically, any irregular-shaped, oversized, or overweight cargo that can’t go into a container requires breakbulk shipping. Ideally, there are many types of breakbulk cargo. However, to put this into perspective, we will mention a few:
- Locomotives – yachts, trucks, aircraft, boats, etc.
- Heavy machinery and equipment – bulldozers, compactors, excavators, cranes, etc.
- Construction equipment – tower sections, windmill blades, bridge parts, etc.
- Manufacturing equipment – Boilers, fully assembled production equipment, etc.
Breakbulk Cargo Handling Procedure & Shipping
· Pre-shipment Planning and Preparation
In pre-shipment planning and preparation, you will identify the type of cargo, shape, size, and weight to determine if it needs special packaging or stowage.
After evaluation, you can put your cargo in crates, pallets, or secure itproperly. This ensures the cargo can be handled easily. Besides, they will also withstand multiple handling like loading, unloading, and transit.
· Route Planning and Surveys
In route planning, you will check if the loading and destination ports can handle cargo. Also, you need to confirm berth strength and water draft.
· Special Packaging & Securing Cargo
In special packaging, you can pack your goods in crates, pallets, shrink wrap, or customized packing.
You will further secure your packaging using chains, wooden blocks, bracing, or airbags.
· Specialized Transportation
In specialized transportation, there is a combination of different types of vessels to safely move cargo across the sea and land.
Depending on the type of breakbulk cargo, you may need roll trailers, flat racks, or multi-purpose ships.
· Port of Loading Customs Clearance
At this stage, all cargo needs to be approved, ensuring that it complies with local and international regulations, laws, and requirements.
· Loading in Specialized Cargo, Securing & Shipping
Since breakbulk goods are heavy and some are irregular in shape, you will need special equipment, such as cranes, when loading. These may include loading cranes with the right tonnage.
You will then properly secure them to ensure they reach their destination intact.
· Unloading at Port of Destination
The right unloading equipment and skilled labor are needed here since cargo is handled one by one.
This process is delicate;therefore,you must be very careful to avoid damage to the cargo.
More importantly, confirm whether the port of destination has the right equipment to handle the breakbulk cargo.
· Custom Clearance atUnloading Destination
All cargo is checked thoroughly to ensure the conforms to all safety requirements and satisfies all regulations. These include paying required duties, complying with the required quality standards, and regulations.
Here, the process involves verifying the documents before releasing the cargo for transportation to the intended destination.
Note: Shipping breakbulk cargo requires proper planning. Right from the origin to the destination, you must know the mode of transport to use andthe cargo handling equipment. Also, this may require you to involve the local authorities to help with logistics and security, in case the cargo requires escort.
Packaging Options for Breakbulk Cargo
Unlike other types of cargo, oversized shipments may require special packaging. In most cases, the packaging will depend on the type of cargo. Some of the most common packaging options include:
· Bagged Cargo/Wrapping Cargo
These are cargoes that are packed in bags made of woven plastic or polypropylene for easy handling and transportation.
It may also involve wrapping the cargo with shrink wrap and steel straps while also supporting the cargo with dunnage.
· Corrugated Boxes
Specially designed corrugated boxes may be ideal for some parts of the breakbulk cargo. In most cases, these boxes are made of corrugated fiberboard that acts as a cushion and provides stack strength.
· Barrels
They are cylindrical in shape, made from steel, plastic, or wood. In most cases, these barrels are suitable for semi-solids and liquid cargo, providing protection and durability. However, they require careful handling and securing to prevent leakages.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Breakbulk Shipping
Before you ship breakbulk cargo, it is critical to conduct a risk assessment. You should try to identify possible challenges or problems you may encounter during the shipping process.
Some of these challenges include:
· Scheduling and Availability
Not all ports can handle specialized breakbulk cargo since they may lack special equipment. In such circumstances, this may result in loading and unloading delays.
You should identify alternative ports with breakbulk handling facilities and pre-book to secure a slot for your cargoes. It is for this reason that you must plan your route and processes in advance before the actual shipping begins.
· High Shipping Risk
Since breakbulk cargo is handled individually, there is a higher risk of damage due to mishandling.
Your breakbulk cargo will need proper packaging and securing with specialized equipment and skilled labor.
· Handling Complexity
Break bulk cargo differs in shape and size; therefore, handling can be a little tricky since it needs experience.
Therefore, you should invest in good lifting equipment or apply modular packaging designs to reduce irregular handling.
· Labor Intensive Process
Breakbulk cargo mostly relies on manual handling, creating slow operations since items are handled individually.
Here, you may need to train more workers. This will ensure efficiency when handling goods,thereby reducing accidentsand speeding up operations.
· Increased Cost
Handling costs, specialized equipment, port charges, and premiums tend to be costly.
Where possible, consolidate your cargo to speed up handling and reduce labor costs.
· Lack of Breakbulk Vessel
Breakbulk vessels are less fuel-efficient and require more crew, making them less profitable for operators.
Always secure vessel space well ahead of time to avoid last-minute shortages and provide detailed cargo specifications early for capacity allocation.
Let Bansar Handle your Breakbulk Cargo from China
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As a leading China freight forwarder, we have over 10 years handling breakbulk cargo. Our services include booking shipping space, customs clearance, and supervising loading. Additionally, we conduct a feasibility study to ensure your cargo can be shipped safely to the intended destination – request a quote now.
Conclusion
Shipping breakbulk cargo requires planning. From route planning, assessing the port of loading and offloading capability to handle breakbulk cargo, and supervising the loading process.
Of course, all these will come at an additional cost. However, following the steps we have highlighted here and mitigating the challenges will reduce the cost of shipping breakbulk cargo.
FAQs
What are the benefits of shipping breakbulk cargo?
It helps ship the cargo as it is, which may be necessary for goods that cannot be assembled on site. Additionally, it may be cost-effective by reducing handling costs for small parts.
Do breakbulk shipments require special carriers?
Yes. Breakbulk shipping requires special carriers since the cargo is irregular in shape and heavy.
What is the difference between Breakbulk and Bulk shipping?
First, in bulk shipping, you will ship loose cargo, which you can load directly into the shipping vessel. That is, you will be handling homogenous cargo such as coal or grain.
On the other hand, breakbulk cargo is a “huge or oversized” cargo that is shipped as a single entity or system.
What is the difference between Breakbulk and Container shipping?
Container shipping involves putting all items you intend to ship in a standard container size, then loading them into a ship. On the other hand, breakbulk cargo cannot fit in a standard shipping container. Therefore, they require specialized systems for shipping.
Is Break-bulk cargo and Bulk cargo the same?
No, the two refer to different types of cargo.
What is the difference between Ro-Ro and Breakbulk?
Ro-Ro is where cargo is driven directly to or off a vessel using ramps, while in break bulk shipping, cargo is loaded or unloaded individually in a vessel.
