What is Break Bulk?
Break bulk is general cargo that is shipped as individual pieces or units, such as crates, bales, drums, coils, steel beams, project cargo and machinery, rather than in containers or as loose homogeneous bulk. Each item is lifted and stowed separately, using ship's gear or shore cranes, and secured in the hold or on deck according to the vessel's Cargo Securing Manual and the IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing. It differs from dry or liquid bulk cargo, which is loaded loose by conveyor, grab or pipeline, and from containerised cargo, which is handled as standard units. Oversized pieces that cannot fit a container, or that would require flat racks across several slots, are commonly shipped break bulk or on heavy-lift and ro-ro vessels. Freight is usually charged per freight ton, comparing weight with measurement.
Why it matters for forwarders
Break bulk requires more planning than containers: accurate dimensions, weights, centre of gravity and lifting points must be provided early so the carrier can plan stowage and lashing. Claims risk is higher because each piece is handled several times, so pre-shipment surveys, marking and protective packing are worth the cost. Under the Hague-Visby Rules liability is calculated per package or unit or per kilogram, so how pieces are described on the bill of lading affects recoverable amounts. For US-bound shipments, bulk cargo is exempt from the 24-hour advance manifest rule but break bulk cargo is not automatically exempt and needs a CBP exemption granted case by case. Terms such as FIO, FILO or liner terms define who pays for loading and discharge and must be aligned between the charter or booking and the sales contract.