Need to ship cargo that’s too large or irregular for a standard container? Break-bulk shipping offers a reliable and cost-effective solution. Read on to discover how break bulk works and when it’s the right choice for your freight.
What is break bulk cargo?
Break bulk cargo refers to freight that doesn’t fit inside standard shipping containers due to size, weight, or shape. Instead of being packed into boxes or bins, these goods are transported as individual units—crated, palletized, or shipped loose. You’ll often see them rolled, lifted, or secured directly onto a break bulk cargo ship.
Unlike bulk cargo (like grain or oil) or containerized freight, break-bulk shipping requires careful planning, heavy lifting equipment, and experienced logistics teams. It’s a common choice in project logistics, especially for mining or heavy construction industries.
Typical break bulk cargo includes:
- Large vehicles: Locomotives, trams, yachts, even aircraft fuselages
- Heavy industrial machinery: Excavators, cranes, turbines, and presses
- Infrastructure components: Wind turbine blades, bridge sections, steel girders
- Irregularly shaped items: Silos, tanks, boilers, pipes, and cylinders
Shipping breakbulk offers the flexibility to move oversized freight that standard containers can’t accommodate without compromising safety or efficiency. At ASLG, our tailored project logistics solutions ensure your break bulk cargo is delivered securely, on time, and with precision.
Compare breakbulk with other freight solutions
Break bulk vs. bulk shipping
Bulk shipping handles large volumes of uniform, unpackaged materials like grains, coal, ore, sugar, cement, and crude oil. Carriers load these goods directly into the vessel’s cargo hold by pouring, pumping, or conveying. It’s fast, efficient, and ideal for commodities that don’t require individual handling.
On the other hand, break bulk shipping is handled individually and often lifted onto a break bulk cargo ship using cranes and rigging equipment.
Here’s a quick example:
- You’d ship wheat as bulk cargo directly poured into the hold.
- But if you’re transporting a power plant turbine, that’s break bulk cargo—secured, lifted, and placed one piece at a time.
In short, bulk cargo is uniform and loose; break bulk cargo is varied and handled as separate units. If your freight defies standard dimensions or packaging, shipping break bulk is often your go-to option.
Break bulk shipping vs. container shipping
| Break Bulk Shipping | Container Shipping |
|---|---|
| Transports cargo too large or odd-shaped for containers | Handles goods that fit inside standard or special containers |
| Uses vessel cranes, rigging, or roll-on methods | Uses cranes to load containers directly |
| Loads cargo piece by piece onto the ship | Packs goods into containers before loading |
| Ideal for industrial machinery, infrastructure items | Best for food, electronics, and consumer goods |
Break bulk vs. out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo
OOG cargo refers to freight that exceeds the container’s dimensions or weight limits. Think of massive machinery, industrial tanks, or construction parts that stick beyond the container frame. Carriers often move out-of-gauge cargo using flat racks or open-top containers. It stays containerized but with some creative flexibility.
Key distinctions:
- Containment: OOG cargo ships in modified containers like flat racks. Break bulk shipping bypasses containers altogether and loads directly onto the cargo ship.
- Size factors: OOG freight must exceed standard container limits. Break bulk cargo might be large or awkward, but it doesn’t always break container size rules.
- Handling: Both require special planning and equipment, but OOG often involves more precision to ensure safe container-based transport.
Ship your break bulk cargo with Airsupply
Shipping breakbulk cargo requires precision, safety, and the right team behind every move. At Airsupply, we specialize in handling oversized, sensitive, and hazardous freight. With decades of hands-on experience, we deliver seamless break bulk shipping solutions across the globe.
Our break bulk experts work closely with you to plan every step, from port handling and vessel coordination to inland delivery. Whether you’re shipping industrial turbines, construction machinery, or out-of-gauge components, we ensure your shipment reaches its destination securely and on schedule.
