Breakbulk ocean shipping is a common method used to successfully transport cargo or goods that cannot fit in standard-size shipping containers or cargo bins. Instead, cargo is transported in bags, boxes, crates, drums, barrels, other handling equipment, or is simply rolled, lifted, or pushed onto a ship or barge.

For examples breakbulk cargo include reels and rolls, steel girders, structural steel, heavy or oversized goods, manufacturing equipment, construction equipment and vehicles. Though the containerization method is one of the more popular shipping methods, breakbulk is noticing an influx of interested shippers with oversized items.

Here are the top four benefits of breakbulk shipping:

1. The ability to move oversized and overweight items that won’t fit in a container or cargo.

2. Reduction in time spent on deconstruction and reconstruction so that items are ready for dispatch.

3. Goods can enter smaller ports that typically would be unable to accommodate larger container ships or tankers.

4. Goods don’t have to be combined in a container; therefore, items can be shipped separately.

Affordable

Cargo is transported to and from ports by land, which is usually an efficient option for shippers needing inland services. Otherwise, breaking products up into containers tends to be more expensive than wholly containerized goods.

Reduced Deconsolidation and Reconsolidation

Cargo on a breakbulk vessel, such as a barge or ship, doesn’t have to be deconstructed or separated into pieces. Therefore, it may be a more affordable option for shippers with oversized cargo. Ultimately, this leads to a faster delivery time.

Smaller Ports

Breakbulk is deliverable to most ports around the world and requires little to no deconsolidation or reconsolidation. When loading and discharging goods at a port, equipment is already available on the ship, which saves time in transporting products.