Shipping Modes
Breakbulk
General cargo loaded individually onto a vessel rather than in containers or as free-flowing bulk, typically as crates, drums, bags, or bundles.
In depth
Breakbulk predates containerisation and survives where cargo simply does not fit a box — steel sections, machinery, timber, bagged commodities. Each piece is lifted aboard and stowed separately, which makes loading and discharge far slower and more labour-intensive than container handling, and increases handling damage risk. It also demands specialist stowage planning and vessels or terminals equipped for it. Rates are quoted per freight tonne, using weight or measurement whichever produces the higher figure.
Key points
- Cargo loaded piece by piece, not containerised or free-flowing bulk
- Slower to load and discharge with higher handling risk
- Priced per freight tonne on weight or measurement, whichever is greater
- Requires specialist vessels, terminals, and stowage planning