Break Bulk Cargo Shipping
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Break Bulk Cargo Shipping
Break Bulk Shipping
Break bulk is a term used to describe cargo that needs to be loaded separately. It can refer to anything from structural steel to drilling rigs.
What Is Break Bulk?
Break bulk means cargo that’s either very large or very heavy. It’s pieces of machinery that’re oversized or require heavy lifting. Truckers often refer to this type of cargo as “high-and-wide” or “heavy haul cargo”. Because break bulk cargo can’t be containerized, it’s difficult to break it down into pieces that fit in a container, and sometimes it’s too big even for a vehicle carrier.
Our first rule of break bulk shipping is to do your research. Don’t trust a freight forwarder who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Moving cargo from one end of the country to the other is easy, but there’s more to it than that. Make sure your freight forwarder knows everything they need to know about shipping break bulk cargo, or else it could lead to catastrophic cost increases and damaged cargo.
Ask a lot of questions about your freight forwarder’s experience, knowledge, expertise, connections, and level of care.
We Reach the World
Galaxy International Freight is a global provider of break bulk and heavy lift, as well as project logistics solutions. We transport break bulk for a variety of industries, including power, crane, engineering, construction, mining, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), marine, and naval yards, among others. Our cargo consists of transformers, goods for power generation, large-scale cranes, windmills, drill pipes, pipe casings and more. We also transport break bulk for oil rigs, Capex plants, and energy installations.
Galaxy International freight ships transport bulk cargoes around the world to countries such as Canada, USA, Mexico, the UK, the Netherlands , Germany, Russia, Norway, Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, China, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, India, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Spain, Algeria and many more.
What Is Breakbulk Cargo?
breakbulk cargo is a shipment that is too large or irregularly shaped to be shipped in standard containers, and must be “broken down” or “unloaded piece by piece”. This type of shipment is usually loaded and unloaded by hand, unlike containerized cargo, which is usually moved by machinery. Breakbulk freight can include anything from machinery and vehicles to construction equipment and large commercial cargo. It is usually shipped by ocean vessels, although it can also be shipped by truck, railroad, or by air.
Galaxy International Freight is a full-service breakbulk freight shipping company. We have a strong relationship with every major carrier that ships breakbulk freight in the U.S., and we have unparalleled and unique relationships with them.
- Getting good ocean freight rates
- Hiring the best services and breakbulk vessels in the world
- Using our knowledge of ports worldwide and each port’s regulations
- Offering specialized warehousing and crating facilities for handling project logistics, and breakbulk cargo
- Trucking to/from the port
- Oversize break bulk cargo handling at every terminal
- Crane for up to 350 metric tons
Break Bulk Ports
We ship break bulk cargo from a number of ports in the US and Canada, including:
- Houston
- Miami
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Charleston
- Galveston
- New Orleans
- Mobile
- Savannah
- Jacksonville
- Wilmington
- Boston
- Baltimore
- Philadelphia
- Seattle
- Vancouver
And that’s just the largest ports we ship from.
Frequent Questions About Breakbulk Shipping
What is break bulk shipping?
Answer: Break bulk shipping is the transportation of goods that are too big or heavy for standard shipping containers. These goods are usually loaded on to specialized vessels without the need for containers.
How is break bulk shipping different from container shipping?
Answer: Break bulk shipping is different from container shipping in that it involves handling individual, oversized or heavy items that are loaded directly onto the deck or hold of the vessel.
What types of goods are typically shipped using break bulk?
Answer: Examples of goods that are frequently shipped through break bulk shipping include construction equipment, industrial equipment, wind turbines, yachts, etc.
What are the challenges associated with break bulk shipping?
Answer: The challenges come in the form of longer loading and unloading times, increased risk of damage caused by multiple handoffs, as well as the need for specialized tools and experienced personnel to handle the load and unload.
Is break bulk shipping more expensive than container shipping?
Answer: In general, break bulk can be more expensive than container shipping because of the specialized equipment, labor costs, and handling time associated with it.
What are some advantages of break bulk shipping?
Answer: Break bulk shipping enables you to transport items that are too big or heavy to fit in standard containers, as well as give you the flexibility to handle and load your cargo.
Are there specific ports better equipped for break bulk shipping?
Answer: Yes, some ports have dedicated break bulk cargo handling facilities and equipment, making them better suited for break bulk shipments.
What are the key elements to consider when planning a break bulk shipment?
Answer: Cargo size and weight specialized equipment handling capabilities at the port of origin and the port of destination total cost
How is cargo secured in break bulk shipping?
Answer: Lashing, chaining and wedging are some of the methods used to secure cargo in break bulk shipping. These methods vary depending on the type and size of cargo and the requirements of the vessel.
Do regulations govern break bulk shipping?
Answer: Yes, breaking bulk shipping is governed by a variety of international and local laws, regulations, and regulations. These include safety regulations and cargo securing regulations that must be strictly followed.
GALAXY FREIGHT SERVICES, INC.
Head Office Location
1401 Greengrass, Warehouse E14, Dock 15,
Houston, Texas 77008
2nd Office Location
2700 Greens Road, Building K, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77032
Located on Stephenson road off of Greens Road.
Service Areas:
- Local
- Domestic/National
- International
Service Area
Local & Nationwide