GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Break Bulk
Unlike containerised freight, break bulk cargo is loaded and discharged as individual units—crates, drums, bags, pallets, or coils—handled piece by piece without consolidation into standard containers.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakbulk_cargo
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Logistics Concept
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Definition & Explanation
Unlike containerised freight, break bulk cargo is loaded and discharged as individual units—crates, drums, bags, pallets, or coils—handled piece by piece without consolidation into standard containers. Each unit must be separately rigged, stowed, and tallied by stevedores, making the process significantly more labour-intensive than container shipping. Typical commodities include heavy machinery, steel coils, project cargo, and oversized items that exceed standard container dimensions. The additional handling translates into higher stevedoring costs, extended port dwell times, and elevated damage risk. Break bulk should not be confused with bulk cargo, which is shipped loose in a vessel's hold with no packaging whatsoever.
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