What is Breakbulk in Logistics?

Breakbulk services are predicted to make up 50% of all cargo volume being imported or exported from the United States by 2020. That’s a huge deal, meaning the need for breakbulk is probably going to increase.

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But what exactly does breakbulk entail?

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In this blog post we breakdown the breakbulk, so you can better understand the basics in case you need this type of logistics service.

Breakbulk: The Definition

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Breakbulk consists of cargo that doesn’t fit inside a standard container, but instead must be transported in drums, bags, crates, boxes or be manually pushed.

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This is the handling service of choice for oversized items, which feature overdimensional height and weight that requires specialized care for shipping.

What Items are Considered Oversized?

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There are a variety of items that won’t fit inside a standard shipping container. Below, we’ve listed the most common types of overdimensional cargo.

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• Construction equipment
• Building materials
• Massive reels and rolls
• Structured steel
• Military vehicles and equipment
• Heavy machinery 
• Steel girders

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After these items are transloaded from the ship at port (breakbulk services are used here for loading/unloading) then they are loaded onto a truck for heavy hauling over the road to the final destination.

What Are the Benefits of Breakbulk Shipping?

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There are many reasons why shippers prefer breakbulk services.

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For one, the items won’t need to be deconstructed into smaller pieces for easier transport. You also don’t need to worry about containers, since a crane is typically utilized. Breakbulk moves them whole, saving valuable time and money.

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Breakbulk also makes shipping more flexible. For example, since ships come with all of the necessary equipment to handle oversized loads, you can access smaller ports, since no deconsolidation or reconsolidation is required.

Final Thoughts: Are Breakbulk Services Worth it?

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Breakbulk is becoming more in demand, but it can be overwhelming for a first timer to navigate the planning process. That’s why it helps to consider a 3PL company that specializes in breakbulk services. 

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They have the network to ensure you get the best rates and reliable service. Plus, they’ll most likely have all of the equipment you need all in one place, along with the experienced personnel to get the job done right.

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