When most people think of international freight, they picture containers—those uniform steel boxes stacked neatly on ships. But not everything fits inside a standard container. For oversized, irregular, or heavy cargo, break bulk shipping offers an essential alternative.

At ISS Shipping, we handle break bulk shipments for industries that move complex cargo across borders. In this blog, we’ll explain what break bulk is, who it’s for, and why it’s sometimes the smartest way to ship.

What Is Break Bulk Shipping?

Break bulk refers to cargo that is transported piece by piece rather than inside a container. These items are loaded individually—either directly onto a ship, onto flat racks, or inside the vessel’s hold—and secured using chains, lashings, or custom cradles.

Examples include:

*Machinery and industrial equipment

*Steel pipes, beams, or large structural components

*Vehicles or heavy-duty trailers Wind turbines and blades

*Prefabricated building materials

*Mining or agricultural equipment

If it’s too large, too heavy, or too oddly shaped to fit into a container, it’s likely a candidate for break bulk.

When Is Break Bulk the Right Option?

Break bulk may be your best solution if:

*Your cargo exceeds container dimensions: Standard containers are typically 20 or 40 feet long with fixed width and height. Break bulk is ideal for longer, wider, or taller items.

*Your cargo is too heavy for container handling equipment: While containers have a maximum payload (usually around 28–30 tonnes), break bulk cargo can be safely handled using cranes and heavy-lift gear at specialised ports.

*You’re shipping a small quantity of oversized cargo: Shipping one or two large pieces may not justify booking a flat rack or project cargo vessel. Break bulk allows flexible loading options.

*You’re delivering to ports without container infrastructure: In remote or developing regions, container handling cranes might be unavailable. Break bulk cargo can often be offloaded using shipboard gear.

Industries That Rely on Break Bulk

Break bulk shipping is commonly used in:

*Construction and infrastructure (e.g., steel girders, bridges)

*Oil and gas (e.g., pipeline equipment, generators)

*Mining and resources (e.g., drilling machines, loaders)

*Renewable energy (e.g., wind turbines, solar farm components)

*Agriculture (e.g., tractors, silos)

For these sectors, timely and secure delivery of large or irregular equipment is business-critical.

Challenges and Considerations

Break bulk has unique benefits—but also challenges:

*Handling complexity: Specialised lifting, rigging, and securing is required—this adds time and cost, but ensures safety.

*Longer port times: Unlike containers, which are quickly transferred, break bulk must be individually loaded and secured. This can increase dwell time.

*Documentation and customs: Each piece may require its own packing list and handling instructions. Clearance can take longer than for standard container freight.

*Cost variability: Break bulk pricing depends heavily on size, weight, and origin/destination port facilities. But for cargo that simply can’t be containerised, it remains a cost-effective choice.

How ISS Supports Break Bulk Shipments

At ISS Shipping, we manage the logistics of break bulk from start to finish:

1. Pre-shipment Planning and Feasibility: We assess dimensions, weight, and handling needs early—recommending the safest, most cost-efficient approach.

2. Site and Port Coordination: We liaise with origin and destination ports to confirm capabilities, permits, and required equipment.

3. Route and Carrier Selection: ISS works with break bulk carriers experienced in heavy lift and out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo.

4. Packaging, Crating, and Lashing Advice: We ensure your cargo is properly protected and compliant with international marine standards.

5. Insurance and Risk Management: We provide cargo insurance and advise on risk factors like weather exposure or complex transhipments.

Final Thought

Break bulk shipping might not be the most talked-about freight method, but for oversized, heavy, or irregular cargo, it’s often the most reliable option.

ISS Shipping ensures your break bulk cargo is handled with care, precision, and efficiency—every step of the way! 

FAQs

What is breakbulk shipping?

Breakbulk shipping—also known as break bulk shipping—is the transportation of cargo that is too large, heavy, or irregularly shaped to fit in a standard shipping container. Instead of being containerised, break bulk cargo is loaded and unloaded as individual pieces, often onto or inside a vessel's hold.

This method is essential for transporting oversized cargo, unitised cargo, or complex machinery that cannot be broken down or containerised.

What is break bulk cargo?

Break bulk cargo refers to any item that must be transported separately due to its dimensions, weight, or configuration. Common breakbulk cargo includes:

*Large machinery or construction equipment

*Steel structures, beams, and pipes

*Wind turbines and other renewable energy components

*Generators, transformers, or drilling rigs

*Crated items that exceed standard-sized container limitations

Unlike containerised goods, this cargo is secured with chains, lashings, or custom break bulk packing and loaded by crane or specialised handling equipment.

When should I choose break bulk shipping?

Break bulk cargo is the right choice when:

*Your cargo cannot fit inside a standard shipping container

*You’re transporting a few oversized items that don't justify full project cargo

*The destination port lacks container handling equipment

*You’re delivering to regions with limited infrastructure or barge access

*The shipment includes heavy, irregularly shaped cargo that needs specialised handling

In such scenarios, breakbulk shipping offers flexibility and cost-efficiency not possible with container freight.

What are common examples of break bulk cargo?

Common break bulk cargo includes:

*Prefabricated building materials

*Industrial machinery

*Heavy-duty vehicles and trailers

*Mining equipment like ore crushers or drilling machines

*Agricultural equipment like tractors or silos

*Power generation components (e.g., turbines)

*Pipes, cables, and infrastructure components

All of this is considered special cargo and typically shipped via bulk vessels or general cargo ships.

What industries use breakbulk transport?

Breakbulk is widely used in industries where unitised or oversized cargo is the norm, including:

*Construction (steel frameworks, cranes)

*Oil and gas (pipeline and rig components)

*Mining and resources (drilling and hauling equipment)

*Renewable energy (solar arrays, wind blades)

*Agriculture (machinery and bulk cargo or goods)

*Government or defence (specialised or heavy breakbulk units)

Each break bulk shipment often involves custom logistics planning and break bulk cargo handling equipment.

What are the key steps in the break bulk shipping process?

The break bulk shipping process involves several steps:

1. Pre-shipment planning – Assessing cargo needs, dimensions, and selecting appropriate mode of transport

2. Port and site coordination – Ensuring that vessels, ports, and handling equipment are ready

3. Break bulk packing and crating – Custom solutions to protect and stabilize cargo

4. Loading and unloading – Using cranes to load and unload the shipment from break bulk vessels

5. Inland transport – Coordinating freight from port to final destination

This entire process requires coordination between shipping companies, carriers, and port authorities to move breakbulk goods safely and efficiently.

What makes breakbulk different from bulk shipping?

While bulk shipping typically involves loose materials like iron ore, grains, or coal, breakbulk shipping refers to discrete, heavy items loaded separately. Think of it this way:

*Bulk cargo: Raw materials in large quantities, shipped without packaging

*Breakbulk cargo: Large, distinct items that need custom securing and specialised handling

Both require bulk carriers or bulk vessels, but the operations differ significantly in planning, execution, and cargo services.

What challenges come with transporting breakbulk cargo?

Transporting breakbulk has unique challenges:

*Longer loading and unloading times

*Increased port dwell time compared to container ships

*Higher documentation needs (individual crates, pieces)

*Reliance on cranes, lifting gear, and handling equipment

*Susceptibility to weather or port congestion delays

Despite these, break bulk shipping remains crucial for cargo that cannot fit inside a standard container.