Break bulk cargo

Break-bulk cargo is a type of cargo that is transported in bags, crates, boxes, barrel, drums and usually safely stacked on a pallet, but it is not containerized and transported loose. Each cargo must be individually loaded on a board of a ship which is usually called general cargo ship. If the cargo is too heavy or too large it is loaded on a specialized ship, which has a spacious open deck or a part which is semi-submerisible.

The biggest disadvantage of break-bulk cargo is the fact, that it needs more workforce at the end and at the beginning of transport. This workforce is named stevedores and they make activities, such a:

• loading ships and warehouses,
• taking care of the space on board,
• secure the goods,

Unitization of break-bulk cargo

Break-bulk cargo is very laborious, that is why there is need to huge groups of stevedores are working at the same time with the same load. However, their amount of commitment to work for a man-hour depends on many factors:

• type of product, which is loaded,
• type of packaging,
• atmospheric conditions,
• no limited space on board,

In the 1950s and 1960s work norm per working hour was 1 ton, then took place unitization of break-bulk cargo and productivity increased. In a developed country, in 1985, productivity reached 3 tones per man-hour. Moreover, in America, employees earned about $10-20 per tone and in Europe, half of American's earnings.

It is possible to point out types of unitization of brak-bulk cargo :

1. Container cargoes - In the latter 1960s appeared container cargoes, which could fit more goods in containers. But break-bulk cargoes were not supplanted by them and what are more break-bulk ships began to run more often, because of many reasons. One of these reason is the fact that not every type of cargo is being able to transport in a container (for example coffee). What is more container ship is more expensive.
2. Pallets - Pallets provide security for the goods. Stevedores place the goods on pallets in such a way that everything suits the container or deck area accordingly.
3. Barges - this method involves loading goods onto specially constructed barges, which are loaded onto a ship transporting barges with a crane. Barges are usually used in developing countries that have extensive inland navigation.
4. Roll-on/ roll-off trades - until the 1960s they were used for short routes, but these days they run on transoceanic routes. The reason for their invention was to improve the loading and unloading of the ship. However, they had lots of requirements, which relate to containers, uncrated export cars and large indivisible loads.

Examples of Break bulk cargo

• Building materials: Building materials like steel beams, cement, gypsum boards, timber logs, pipes, cables, and other such items are transported as break-bulk cargo since they are usually too large for containers.
• Heavy machinery and vehicles: Heavy machinery such as construction equipment, farm machinery, and vehicles like cars, buses, and vans are often transported as break-bulk cargo.
• Agricultural products: Fruits and vegetables, grains, livestock, and other agricultural products like cotton, jute, and wool are often transported as break-bulk cargo.
• Minerals and ores: Coal, iron ore, copper, nickel, and other minerals and ores are transported as break-bulk cargo.
• Paper products: Paper rolls, cardboard boxes, and other paper products are usually transported as break-bulk cargo.
• Household goods: Furniture, appliances, and other household items are often transported as break-bulk cargo.
• Textiles and fabrics: Textiles and fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, and linen are often transported as break-bulk cargo.
• Chemicals: Industrial chemicals, hazardous materials, and other chemicals are usually transported as break-bulk cargo.

Advantages of Break bulk cargo

Break bulk cargo can offer many advantages for businesses. These advantages include:

• Increased Flexibility: Unlike containerized cargo, break bulk cargo does not need to be loaded and unloaded from a container, allowing for more flexibility in logistics. This makes break bulk cargo a great option for businesses that need to transport goods quickly and efficiently.
• Lower Costs: Break bulk cargo is often cheaper to transport than containerized cargo, as the cargo does not need to be loaded and unloaded from a container. This can help businesses save money when transporting goods.
• Easier Tracking: Break bulk cargo is easier to track than containerized cargo, as it can be tracked more easily on a general cargo ship. This makes it easier for businesses to ensure that their goods are arriving on time.
• Improved Security: Break bulk cargo can be more securely packed than containerized cargo, as it can be more precisely stacked and secured on a pallet. This can help businesses ensure that their goods are safe and secure during transit.

Limitations of Break bulk cargo

Break-bulk cargo has several limitations that make it difficult to transport. These limitations include:

• Complex loading and unloading process - Break-bulk cargo requires manual labor to load and unload, which is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Additionally, since there is no standard container size, cargo must be loaded and unloaded piece by piece, making it difficult to transport.
• Risk of Damage - Break-bulk cargo is not protected by a container, and therefore is vulnerable to damage during transportation. This could lead to costly delays and losses.
• Limited cargo capacity - Since there is no standard size container, break-bulk cargo has a limited cargo capacity, and thus cannot transport large quantities of cargo.
• Higher Costs - Since break-bulk cargo requires manual labor to load and unload, it is more expensive than other cargo methods such as containerization.

Other approaches related to Break bulk cargo

A number of approaches exist which can be used to transport break-bulk cargo, such as:

• Air Cargo - Air cargo is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to transport break-bulk cargo. It is suitable for small items or high-value items, as it is able to deliver the cargo in a short time. Additionally, air cargo is often the most secure option.
• Rail Cargo - Rail cargo is a reliable and cost-effective way to transport break-bulk cargo over long distances. It is particularly suitable for large and heavy items, as it reduces the risk of damage compared to other types of transport.
• Road Cargo - Road cargo is the most common option for transporting break-bulk cargo, as it is the most flexible and cost-effective option. It can be used for short and long distances and is suitable for items of all sizes.

In summary, a variety of methods exist for transporting break-bulk cargo, such as air, rail and road cargo. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right option depending on the type of cargo and its destination.

Break bulk cargo — recommended articles

Types of transport — Transloading — Public warehouse — Door to door service — Loose cargo — Transit shipment — Container depot — Tertiary packaging — Mountain tourism

References

• Buxton I.L., Daggitt R.P., King J. (2012), Cargo Access Equipment for Merchant Ships, Springer US, London.
• Cullinane K., Khanna M. (1999), Economies of Scale in Large Container Ships, "Journal of Transport, Economics, and Policy", issue 33.
• Havenga J.H. (2013), The importance of disaggregated freight flow forecasts to inform transport infrastructure investments, "Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management", issue 1.
• Jonsson J.O., Shneerson D. (2012), Liner Shipping Economics , Springer Science & Business Media, London.
• Rowbotham J.M. (2014), Introduction to Marine Cargo Management, "Informa Law from Routledge", New York.

Footnotes

Author: Milena Kurczek