Break Bulk
What is Break Bulk?
Break bulk is a shipping term for cargo that does not fit in a standard shipping container or cargo bin. Break bulk cargo is instead transported individually in bags, boxes, crates, drums, or barrels.
Shipping break bulk takes more time than shipping in standardized containers because each item must be loaded and unloaded individually using special equipment.
Break bulk is different from bulk cargo, which is free flowing, liquid, or dry items shipped loosely and unpackaged.
Examples of breakbulk cargo include the following:
- Construction equipment
- Manufacturing materials
- Oversized vehicles
- Boats
- Ship propellers
- Generators
- Large engines
Why do shippers choose break bulk?
Shippers use break bulk when cargo is too heavy, too tall, or too oddly shaped for a container. Crews load and secure each piece separately, so it's slower and usually costs more per unit than containerized freight. Plan for extra lead time, specialized port handling, and careful packing, since each piece is lifted individually.
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