Question 1

What is breakbulk shipping and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Breakbulk (also known as break bulk or break bulk cargo) is an ocean shipping method used to transport goods that don’t fit in standard-size shipping containers or cargo bins.

Instead of using containers, breakbulk cargo is loaded onto a vessel individually, piece by piece, or sometimes in smaller units such as crates, barrels, pallets, or bags. This type of cargo is typically too large, heavy, irregularly shaped, or fragile to be loaded and transported in standard containers.

Question 2

What is an example of break bulk cargo?

Accepted Answer

Examples of breakbulk goods/cargo include including:

construction machinery and equipment,

agricultural and farming machinery

vehicles,

steel,

lumber,

power equipment

trucks, buses and trailers

trains and trams,

boats and yachts,

mining equipment,

and other oversized or irregularly shaped items.

Question 3

Why ocean breakbulk is favored?

Accepted Answer

RO/RO (Roll On-Roll Off) is typically used when transporting breakbulk shipments.

This method is particularly chosen for the transportation of large and heavy breakbulk shipments as it helps to avoid various fees, including container rental, storage charges, additional labor costs, and equipment rental fees. RO/RO liner services also operate on a well-established and frequently scheduled timetable, reducing the likelihood of last-minute cancellations or delays. Heavy breakbulk cargo is securely fastened to specialized rolltrailers to prevent the need for lifting or dismantling. As a result, the cargo is smoothly rolled onto the deck of the vessel, considering its weight and width.

Question 4

What are the advantages of break bulk cargo?

Accepted Answer

The ability to transport bulky and heavy items that exceed container or cargo capacity. They can be sent without being taken apart. Our breakbulk ships are equipped with rolltrailers and other equipment like the Höegh bridge necessary to load and unload these oversized or heavy goods.

Time saved on disassembly and reassembly, ensuring quicker loading and offloading.

Access to smaller ports that would otherwise be incompatible with larger container ships or tankers.

Items don’t have to be combined into a single container, allowing for individual item shipments.

More affordable than container shipping (mainly because items don’t have to be broken down to fit containers).

Question 5

What are the drawbacks to breakbulk shipping?

Accepted Answer

Breakbulk shipping tends to be more expensive. Breakbulk is more labor intensive for the stevedores and takes up more space.

Question 6

What is the difference between bulk and break bulk shipment?

Accepted Answer

There seems to be a lot of confusion between these two terms. In bulk shipment, goods are transported in large quantities in a loose form (without being packaged or containerized). These goods typically include liquids (e.g., oil, chemicals), dry commodities (e.g., grain, coal), or raw materials (e.g., ore, sand). They are loaded directly into the vessel's hold or specialized bulk containers.

Question 7

How is break bulk cargo shipped?

Accepted Answer

Break bulk cargo, which includes large and out-of-gauge items, such as heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles, boats and other project cargo, is shipped piece by piece in a specialized RoRo vessel.

The cargo may be loaded onto crates, pallets, cradles, drums, rubber mats or other suitable packaging and rolled onto and off the vessel with the help of purpose-built rolltrailers. During transportation, the items are secured to the deck using designated lashing points.

Each break bulk cargo shipment is unique and comes with its own challenges. Therefore, all break bulk cargo must be approved by Höegh Autoliners’ Cargo Handling Team prior to booking, so we can ensure the safest methods are used for handling and transportation.

Question 8

How to book breakbulk cargo?

Accepted Answer

To book break bulk cargo for shipment with Höegh Autoliners, you can request a quote by filling in our freight inquiry form.

You will need to provide detailed information about your shipment, including:

Type of cargo;

Loading and discharge ports;

Your personal / company details;

Cargo measurements, such as quantity, length, width, height, weight (visit our Cargo Measuring Standard for guidance).

Please make sure all information is accurate, as any incorrect details may result in your cargo being refused at any point of transhipment.

Once submitted, our team will come back to you with a tailored quote as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that your quote is valid for 30 days from issuance, unless stated otherwise.

After accepting the quote, you may proceed with your booking. You will be asked to provide drawings and / or photos of the cargo, an explanation of lashing points and how the cargo will be secured and, if applicable, the location of the center of gravity.

Question 9

How is breakbulk cargo loaded onto ships?

Accepted Answer

The Roll-on / Roll-off (RoRo) vessels, as the name suggests, are designed to allow cargo to roll onto and off the ship without any lifting, significantly reducing handling risks and increasing efficiency. These vessels feature high-capacity ramps, liftable decks and extra high doors to accommodate heavy, oversized and irregularly shaped breakbulk cargo.

For cargo that cannot roll by itself (e.g. boats or power equipment), we utilize specialized rolltrailers, designed to safely transport different types of breakbulk. Our modern fleet includes super-low rolltrailers for high cargo, railed rolltrailers for trains and trams, heavy-duty for heavy cargo and double-wide concept for extra wide items.

Question 10

Do I need to provide lifting / lashing points or drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all cargo should be equipped with appropriate lashing points to secure it to the vessel. This is to prevent moving or rolling during the voyage, protecting both your items and our staff.

It is the shipper's responsibility to provide all requested information sufficiently in advance of loading, which may include drawings and / or pictures of the cargo and explanations on how it will be secured. These will be carefully studied by our experienced Cargo Handling Team to determine the best way to handle and ship it.

For more details on specific requirements for different types of goods, please visit our Customer Guide for Acceptance of Breakbulk Cargo.

Question 11

Is my cargo protected from weather and sea exposure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all breakbulk cargo is securely stowed underdeck in ventilated cargo holds, protecting it from rain, seawater, humidity, sun and other environmental elements during the voyage. It is a safe and reliable solution, especially beneficial for sensitive or weather-vulnerable cargo.

Question 12

What documents are required for breakbulk shipments?

Accepted Answer

The exact documents required for breakbulk shipment may vary depending on the type of cargo and destination country. This includes the following:

Bill of Lading (B/L);

Commercial invoice (showing the value of the goods);

Certificate of Origin (if applicable);

Export/Import Licenses (if applicable);

Cargo Insurance Certificate;

Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate, if required (some countries (e.g. Nigeria, Kenya) require such certificate to verify the goods before export);

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) - required if cargo is hazardous;

Lashing certificate;

Pre-shipment condition report;

Load and discharge survey for high-value items;

Any other specified documents.

Question 13

What is break bulk vs. container shipping?

Accepted Answer

Break bulk and container shipping are two different methods of transporting goods by sea, each with its own characteristics and advantages.

Breakbulk shipping, or conventional shipping, is the traditional method of shipping goods by loading them individually onto a vessel. In breakbulk shipping, cargo is not placed in standardized containers. Instead, it is loaded onto pallets, crates, drums, or other suitable packaging and then loaded onto the ship one piece at a time. This method is commonly used for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit into standard shipping containers.

Break bulk cargo includes machinery, heavy equipment, vehicles, steel coils, timber, and other project cargo. Break bulk shipping can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive than container shipping, as each piece of cargo must be handled individually.

Container shipping is a modern and highly efficient method of transporting goods using standardized containers. Standard shipping containers come in various sizes, with the most common being 20-foot and 40-foot containers. These containers are designed to fit onto container ships, trucks, and trains, allowing for easy intermodal transportation.

Goods are loaded into these containers at the point of origin and sealed. The sealed containers are then loaded onto container ships. Containerization offers several advantages, including faster loading and unloading times, reduced risk of damage or theft, and improved cargo security. Container shipping is well-suited for a wide range of cargo types, including manufactured goods, consumer products, electronics, and even some perishable goods.

It is a more cost-effective and efficient method for transporting large volumes of goods over long distances, contributing to globalization and the growth of international trade.

Question 14

Can I track my breakbulk shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may track your breakbulk shipment by visiting the My Cargo page and filling in your cargo details (you will need your booking number, B/L or VIN number for this).

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns about your shipment.

High & Heavy and Breakbulk Shipping

Breakbulk Transportation

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Vessels optimal for Breakbulk