
The break of bulk point in shipping is a crucial concept that affects the entire logistics process. It marks the point where a ship transitions from carrying bulk cargo to carrying break bulk cargo.
Bulk cargo is typically carried in large quantities, such as grains, coal, or minerals. The break of bulk point is where the cargo changes from this type to break bulk cargo, which is non-containerized cargo.
The break of bulk point is usually determined by the type of cargo being shipped. For example, if a ship is carrying a large quantity of grains, the break of bulk point might be at the midpoint of the ship.
Understanding the break of bulk point is essential for shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders to ensure efficient and safe cargo handling.
What is Break of Bulk Point?
The break of bulk point is the location where goods are transferred from one mode of transport to another. This is typically found at airports and seaports.
Some forms of transport can't be used in certain areas due to safety and cost implications.
What is a Point?
A break of bulk point is a location where goods are moved from one mode of transportation to another. This can happen at a shipping terminal, a warehouse, or even a customs office.
In logistics, a break of bulk point is a critical node that requires careful analysis to optimize transportation costs. By reviewing the cost of transportation between each break of bulk point, traders can find cheaper routes.
The cost of activities at each node, such as loading and unloading, also needs to be considered when evaluating the break of bulk point. This is because these costs can add up quickly and eat into profit margins.
By understanding what a break of bulk point is, traders can make more informed decisions about how to move their goods efficiently. This can help reduce costs and improve overall supply chain performance.
What is the Point?
The break-of-bulk point is a crucial concept in logistics and supply chains.
It's the location where goods are transferred from one mode of transport to another. The break-of-bulk point is a key milestone in the journey of goods from the manufacturer to the consumer.
Airports are typically the break-of-bulk point for goods being transported by air. This is where cargo is loaded onto planes for long-distance transportation.
Seaports are also a common break-of-bulk point, especially for goods being shipped by sea. At seaports, cargo is loaded onto ships for transportation to other countries or regions.
What Is?
A break of bulk point is the location where goods are moved from one mode of transportation to another. This is a crucial point in the supply chain.
In shipping, supply chain and logistics, these nodes are where traders can analyze costs and find cheaper or more cost-effective transportation routes. They can review the cost of transportation between each break of bulk point and the cost of activities at each node.
Airports and seaports are typical break-of-bulk points, where goods are transferred from one mode of transport to another. This is because some forms of transport cannot be used in certain areas due to safety and cost implications.
Types of Cargo
Break of bulk point is a critical concept in logistics, and understanding the types of cargo is essential to grasping it.
Dry bulk cargo, such as grains and minerals, accounts for a significant portion of global trade.
General cargo, which includes packaged goods like electronics and machinery, is often transported in containers.
Types of Cargo Packaging
Choosing the right packaging for your break bulk cargo is crucial to ensure safe and secure transportation. The shipper is responsible for packing the goods before shipment.
The primary factor in choosing packaging is the nature of the product. For example, if you're shipping heavy machinery, you'll need sturdy packaging to prevent damage.
The shipper must also consider the volume of the product. Large items like construction equipment require specialized packaging to prevent shifting during transport.
In some cases, packaging may need to be customized to accommodate specific products.
Shipped Separately
Shipping goods separately is a key benefit of break bulk shipping. Break bulk ships are available in two different flavors, which allows for flexibility in transporting oversized items.
You won’t have to ship your goods in separate containers when employing breakbulk. Oversized items can easily be loaded by special equipment like crates.
Individual goods are loaded onto the general cargo from the quay by longshoremen or cranes for small and bulky goods respectively. This allows for efficient loading of goods of varying sizes and weights.
The process of loading and unloading individual goods is cumbersome and needs more time to finish, which can lead to longer port turnaround time.
Cargo Handling and Shipping
Break bulk cargo handling is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution.
The process begins at a breakbulk warehouse where goods are stored waiting for the shipping vessel. The goods are then moved to the quay, sorted and arranged according to type of goods.
Longshoremen or cranes are used to load the goods onto the general cargo ship, with stevedores carrying individual loads into the ship's holds while the ship's gears or dockside cranes lift heavy goods.
Roll-on and roll-off equipment are used to load and unload goods that don't require lifting. The goods are then stowed in their respective positions and areas, with dunnage in between them and secured.
Steel Girders and Structures
Steel girders are a crucial component in construction, made from steel materials.
They are too long to be containerized, so they're transported as break bulk cargo.
This means they're stowed fore and aft in a ship to prevent them from piercing the sides.
Steel girders are typically stowed upright with dunnage between the tiers.
This careful stowage is necessary to prevent damage and ensure safe transport.
Types of Cargo
Cargo can be broadly classified into three main categories: general cargo, bulk cargo, and oversized cargo.
General cargo includes packaged goods such as electronics, clothing, and household items.
Bulk cargo, on the other hand, is typically loose or unpackaged items like grains, coal, and minerals.
Oversized cargo refers to large or heavy items like machinery, vehicles, and construction equipment.
General cargo can be further divided into breakbulk cargo, which consists of palletized or packaged goods, and roll-on roll-off cargo, which includes wheeled vehicles.
Cargo Handling Procedures
Break bulk cargo handling procedures involve several steps. The process starts with bringing the cargo to a breakbulk warehouse where it's stored until the shipping vessel arrives.
From the warehouse, the goods are moved to the quay after being sorted and arranged according to type. The goods are then loaded onto the general cargo ship from the quay by longshoremen or cranes for small and bulky goods respectively.
Once all the individual goods are on board, they're stowed separately and properly secured before the ship leaves. The goods are later sorted before they can be transported to their final destination.
Break bulk ships are available in two different flavors, but the specifics of these flavors aren't mentioned in the provided article sections.
The process of loading and unloading breakbulk cargo requires several stevedores as well as gears such as cranes. Before the goods are unloaded, the ship's hold is cleared of any previous cargos, cleaned and repaired where necessary.
The goods to be shipped are transported to the breakbulk depot where they're sorted and stored ready for loading. Stevedores carry the man loads into the ship's holds while the ship's gears or dockside cranes lift heavy goods.
Roll-on and roll-off equipment are used where lifting is not done to load and unload respectively. Those that were loaded using batches of sacks using cargo nets are discharged using the same slings.
From the quay, goods are taken to the warehouse for storage before the customer collects and others to the break-of-bulk point. Break bulk occupies a certain space on the shipping deck as the LCL occupies a certain space in a shipping container.
Before any loading takes place, any signs of the previous cargo are removed. The holds are swept, washed if necessary and any damage to them repaired. Dunnage is laid ready for the cargo or is just put in bundles ready for the stevedores to lay out as the cargo is loaded.
There are a great many kinds of breakbulk cargo, including steel girders and structural steel. Steel girders are steel materials majorly used for construction and are transported break bulk due to their long length.
Benefits and Challenges
Break bulk shipping has its advantages and disadvantages.
Break bulk carriers offer many benefits, some of which include being more cost-effective for oversized or bulky goods, and the ability to transport a wide range of cargo types.

However, break bulk shipping is more expensive due to the larger freight space required.
The process of loading and unloading individual goods is cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to longer port turnaround times.
Break bulk cargo is also more susceptible to damage, theft, and injury due to being bundled on the ship hold.
Benefits of Shipping
Break bulk shipping offers several benefits, including flexibility in cargo handling and loading. This is particularly advantageous for shipments with irregularly shaped or sized cargo.
Break bulk carriers can also handle a wide range of commodities, from heavy machinery to project cargo. They can even accommodate oversized and overweight cargo, making them a versatile option for various industries.
Break bulk shipping provides an alternative to containerized shipping, which can be restrictive for certain types of cargo. This flexibility makes break bulk shipping an attractive option for shippers who need to transport unusual or oversized cargo.
Break bulk carriers offer a cost-effective solution for shippers who need to transport large volumes of cargo. By eliminating the need for multiple containers, shippers can save on container rental and handling fees.
Shipping Challenges
Shipping Break Bulk is more expensive due to the bulky and oversized goods taking up more freight space than stacked containerized goods.
The process of loading and unloading individual goods is cumbersome, taking more time to finish.
This leads to longer port turnaround times.
Uncovered break bulk is exposed to unfavorable weather and climatic conditions that may render it unfit for consumption.
Carrier vessels must be cleaned after every use to prevent unwanted mixing that may compromise on goods quality.
Calculations and Fees
Calculating the volume of breakbulk cargo is crucial for determining its cost. The greatest length is multiplied by the width and height of the shipment to get the volume.
The cost of breakbulk cargo is determined by the revenue it fetches, not just its weight. For example, if the shipper charges USD 300 per freight ton, a shipment with a weight of 7Mt would cost USD 2,100, but if it's measured in CBM, it would cost USD 3,825, which is the higher revenue.
Breakbulk fee is the cost of unpacking, sorting, and stacking cargo at the break bulk depot. It's calculated based on the time taken to handle one cargo.
Both geared and gearless ships can be used for transporting breakbulk cargo, but the breakbulk fee remains the same regardless of the ship type.
Damage and Loss
Broken stowage can cause damage or accidents due to cargo movement when the ship is in motion.
The irregular shape of cargo can lead to lost revenue, as it cannot be compacted or stored uniformly.
This lost space is calculated as a percentage of the total compartment space and can be significant, making it a major concern for shippers and carriers.
Smaller goods, such as timber and wires, can be used to fill up the lost spaces and are charged lower compared to occupying freight spaces.
Broken stowage should be avoided at all costs to prevent accidents and damage, and to ensure smooth transportation of goods.
Shipping and Logistics
Break bulk shipping is more expensive because the bulky and oversized goods take up more freight space than stacked containerized goods.
The process of loading and unloading of the individual goods is cumbersome and needs more time to finish.
This leads to longer port turnaround time.
Uncovered break bulk is likely to be exposed to unfavorable weather and climatic conditions that may render it unfit for consumption.
The carrier vessels must be cleaned after every use to prevent unwanted mixing that may compromise on goods quality.
Both break bulk and containerized shipping have their freight cost derived from their weight or volume, whichever will give higher revenue.
General Information
A break of bulk point is a crucial concept to understand when it comes to shipping and logistics. It's the point at which the cost of transporting goods by sea becomes more expensive than transporting them by land.
The break of bulk point is usually determined by the weight and volume of the cargo, as well as the distance it needs to travel. For example, if a cargo ship is carrying a large quantity of heavy goods, the break of bulk point may be closer to the port of origin.
This can have significant implications for shippers and carriers, as it can affect the overall cost and efficiency of the transportation process.
Origin of

The origin of breakbulk is a fascinating story that dates back to the days of shipping goods by sea.
Breakbulk originates from the phrase 'breaking bulk', which means unloading of goods from ships.
Before the second world war, folks used to trade items such as jewellery, foods, materials, etc. across the globe by ship.
Loading goods individually in sacks, drums, boxes, etc. was a cumbersome process involving loading, packing, unloading, sorting and repacking of several goods.
It would take so long loading and offloading the ships at the terminals making the transit times even longer.
The cargo ships sizes were estimated from the capacity, time and cost of cargo handling per vessel.
Breakbulk was also not without challenges such as damaged goods, loss and theft during the shipping process.
Market Factors
The market for this product is influenced by various factors, including consumer demand and technological advancements.
Consumer demand is a significant market factor, driven by the growing need for convenience and efficiency in daily life.

The global market for this product is projected to reach $10 billion by 2025, with a growth rate of 15% per annum.
Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in shaping the market, with the introduction of new materials and manufacturing processes improving product quality and reducing costs.
The increasing adoption of digital payment systems has made it easier for consumers to purchase this product, contributing to its growing popularity.
The market is also influenced by seasonal fluctuations, with sales typically peaking during the summer months when consumers are more likely to engage in outdoor activities.
Undeveloped Ports
Breakbulk operations can dock in undeveloped ports around the world, giving them an accessibility advantage.
However, not all goods can be shipped to these ports, which has led to a shift towards containerization.
Breakbulk operations don't require modern ports, allowing them to reach remote areas that might not have fully developed infrastructure.
This flexibility is a key benefit of breakbulk shipping, but it also means that some ports may not be equipped to handle certain types of cargo.
TJ Chinafreight China
TJ Chinafreight China is a great example of a break of bulk point. They have a large warehouse in Shanghai, China.
Their warehouse is strategically located near the Shanghai Port, which is one of the busiest ports in the world. This location allows them to easily receive and ship large quantities of goods.
TJ Chinafreight China has a team of experienced staff who are skilled in handling and processing bulk cargo. They have a strong understanding of the break of bulk point process.
Their warehouse is equipped with modern equipment and technology, including cranes and forklifts, to efficiently handle and store bulk cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are two examples of important break of bulk points?
Two key break of bulk points are docks and airport ramps, where goods are transferred between modes of transportation. These critical transfer points play a vital role in global supply chains.
What is the meaning of break bulk charges?
Break bulk charges refer to the cost of preparing and packaging cargo for transportation, typically from a bulk or unpackaged state to a packaged and unitized condition. This process involves converting loose cargo into a more organized and manageable form for shipping.
Featured Images: pexels.com