Breakbulk cargo refers to goods that are loaded individually onto ships rather than in containers. This includes oversized equipment, heavy machinery, steel, lumber, and other items that don’t fit standard containers or are more efficiently shipped loose.
What Is Breakbulk?
Characteristics
- Non-containerized cargo
- Loaded piece by piece
- Often oversized or heavy
- Requires specialized handling
- Uses traditional cargo ships
Common Breakbulk Cargo
| Category |
Examples |
| Machinery |
Generators, turbines, compressors |
| Vehicles |
Construction equipment, trucks |
| Steel |
Coils, plates, pipes, beams |
| Forest products |
Lumber, plywood, logs |
| Project cargo |
Plant components, wind turbines |
| Bagged goods |
Coffee, cocoa, cement |
Breakbulk vs. Container
| Factor |
Breakbulk |
Container |
| Cargo type |
Oversized, heavy, odd-shaped |
Standard goods |
| Loading |
Piece by piece |
Container unit |
| Ships used |
Multipurpose, heavy lift |
Container ships |
| Handling |
More labor intensive |
Mechanized |
| Cost |
Higher per ton |
Lower per ton |
| Transit time |
Often longer |
Faster |
When to Use Breakbulk
Breakbulk Makes Sense For
- Items too large for containers
- Extremely heavy single pieces
- Project cargo (plants, facilities)
- Ports without container infrastructure
- Certain commodities (steel, lumber)
Size Thresholds
Container limits (standard):
- Max dimensions: ~12m × 2.3m × 2.3m
- Max weight: ~26,000 kg
If cargo exceeds these = consider breakbulk
Breakbulk Shipping Process
Documentation
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list (detailed dimensions/weights)
- Bill of lading (traditional format)
- Lift plans for heavy items
- Stowage plans
Loading Operations
- Cargo arrives at port
- Pre-slung or rigged for lifting
- Ship’s cranes or shore cranes lift
- Placed in ship’s hold or on deck
- Secured with lashings/dunnage
- Stowage plan updated
Discharge Operations
- Vessel arrives at port
- Hatches opened
- Cargo lifted out individually
- Placed on dock/transport
- Inspected for damage
- Released to consignee
Breakbulk Vessels
Ship Types
| Vessel Type |
Use |
| Multipurpose |
General breakbulk, some containers |
| Heavy lift |
Very heavy single pieces |
| Tweendecker |
Multiple decks for flexibility |
| Geared vessel |
Has own cranes |
| Gearless |
Relies on shore cranes |
Key Features
- Onboard cranes (often)
- Open hatches
- Tweendecks for stowage
- Reinforced decks for heavy cargo
- Flexibility in cargo types
Breakbulk Pricing
Cost Factors
- Weight (cost per ton)
- Volume (W/M - weight/measure)
- Handling difficulty
- Special equipment needed
- Port charges
- Origin and destination
Pricing Basis
| Basis |
Description |
| W/M |
Weight or measurement, whichever greater |
| Per ton |
Based on metric tons |
| Lump sum |
Fixed price for shipment |
| Per piece |
For project cargo |
Example Cost Components
Breakbulk shipment: 50 tons machinery
Ocean freight: $80/ton × 50 = $4,000
Heavy lift: $500/lift × 4 = $2,000
Wharfage: $15/ton × 50 = $750
Handling: $25/ton × 50 = $1,250
Documentation: $200
Total: $8,200
Breakbulk Challenges
Operational
- Weather delays loading/discharge
- Labor-intensive handling
- Damage risk during lifts
- Specialized equipment needs
- Port congestion at breakbulk terminals
Documentation
- More complex than containers
- Detailed cargo specifications
- Lift plans required
- Insurance documentation
Security
- Cargo more exposed
- Pilferiage risk
- Weather exposure on deck
- More handling points
Breakbulk Markets
Still Strong For
- Oil and gas equipment
- Mining machinery
- Power generation
- Infrastructure projects
- Steel products
- Developing regions
Geographic Focus
- Middle East (construction)
- Africa (project development)
- Asia (manufacturing)
- Latin America (mining)
Working with Breakbulk
Shipper Responsibilities
- Accurate weights and dimensions
- Proper packaging/crating
- Lift points identified
- Documentation complete
- Insurance arranged
Best Practices
- Provide detailed cargo specs
- Allow for weather delays
- Use experienced forwarders
- Inspect cargo at loading
- Document everything