Efficient Break Bulk Cargo Shipping for Oversized and Heavy Freight
Break Bulk Shipping
Break bulk is the name for cargo that must be loaded individually. The term covers a wide range of goods, from structural steel, and wind turbines to drill rigs and pipes.
What Is Break Bulk?
Essentially, break bulk means cargo that is either really big or really heavy. Break bulk cargo is pieces of machinery that are oversized or that require heavy lift. Truckers will sometimes call the cargo high-and-wide or heavy haul trucking cargo.
Basically, break bulk cargo cannot be containerized because its size means it cannot be broken down into pieces that will fit in a single container. It is sometimes also even too big for a vehicle (Ro-Ro) carrier.
Our first piece of advice is to research break bulk services thoroughly. Take care that you do not entrust precious break bulk cargo to a freight forwarder that does not have the necessary experience. In theory, moving cargo from point A to point B is simple, but there is far more to the work than meets the eye.
Make sure you choose a freight forwarder that knows everything there is to know about how to ship break bulk cargo, or it could mean disastrous cost overruns and damaged cargo.
Ask your freight forwarder a lot of questions; their knowledge, expertise, experience, connections, and care should be evident.
We Reach the World
That’s where Texas International Freight comes in. We provide break bulk, heavy lift, and project logistics solutions to all corners of the globe and we ship break bulk for power companies, wind farms, crane companies, engineering firms, construction projects, mining operations, OEMs, marine and naval yards.
Our cargo includes transformers, power generation goods, massive cranes, turbines, drill pipes and pipe casings, oil rigs, and Capex plants for energy installations.
Break Bulk Ports
Texas International Freight ships break bulk cargo from a number of ports in the US and Canada, including:
And that’s just the largest ports we ship from.
Texas International Freight ships break bulk cargo all over the world, to destinations including Canada, Mexico, the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Norway, Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, China, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Libya, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Spain, Algeria and many other countries besides.
Our Scope
A typical project logistics operation for us would be transporting heavy lift, out-of-gauge, and over-dimensional break bulk cargo to an unusual or unconventional location.
Texas International Freight has the expertise to carry out even the most complicated project cargo moves and through our extensive knowledge and experience in highly complex and sophisticated break bulk moves we have built up great relationships with break bulk carriers and freight agents throughout the world, ensuring that all the bases are covered and operations run smoothly.
Break Bulk Logistics
Texas International Freight can handle very specialized projects from the start to the finish. That could be moving thousands of tons of steel casing for a pipeline, or the intricacies of moving an industrial plant where no two parts are alike: we can take care of it.
As customs brokers, Texas International Freight can clear imported cargo at the port of entry. As we know the terminals so well, we are able to offer the relevant advice on any handling charges at the destination terminal.
We are able to work with the stevedores to load the cargo onto trucks, then, after loading, we can transport the break bulk cargo to the end destination in the US before, finally, we offer rigging services for projects to offload cargo from the trucks at the destination.
What Makes Texas International Freight the Shipping Agent for You?
We complete break bulk shipments to foreign inland locations by means of ship and then truck freight. We employ both specialized truck equipment and barge for shipping break bulk cargo and when it comes to heavy equipment we call on air charter.
Our long-standing relationships with the major heavy lift and break bulk carriers put us head and shoulders above our competition.
We can even source bulk carriers – vessels made to ship things like oil, coal, aggregate, fertilizer, etc. – when there is a need.
And, we have agents in almost every foreign country who can assist in clearing customs. Moreover, they are all trained and capable of handling special, oversized freight.
Our Expertise
In conclusion, we are experts on the subject of shipping oversized cargo. In our globalized world, it might seem effortless but that is not so.
Booking heavy equipment online might be easy, but doing the actual shipping of oversized equipment is not, which is why you need a team of professionals.
Texas International Freight has years of experience in the business, so we know, from the many oversized pieces of cargo we have shipped, that not all shipments are equal.
We know the big vessel players who operate in this sphere and, we know the subtleties of the business.
Lastly, we know the tiny details that always make the biggest difference.
Break Bulk Shipping Lines
As an example, the ship lines that operate in this market are very sensitive to fluctuations: ships might go to a certain port one month but not the next. A freight forwarder with excellent connections to the ship lines that carry project freight – like Texas International Freight – will get you the right sailing.
The important little details that can make or break a shipment are no problem for us either. Some ports charge for certain services while others do not and even terminals within the same port might operate differently from one another.
But at Texas International Freight, we know exactly what is required at each port in the US and how much the charge will be so customers can rest assured that there will be no unexpected costs or nasty surprises.
What Is Breakbulk Cargo?
Breakbulk cargo refers to shipments that are too large or oddly shaped to be transported in standard containers and must be “broken down” or unloaded piece by piece. These types of shipments are typically loaded and unloaded manually, rather than being moved by machinery as with containerized cargo.
Breakbulk cargo can include items such as machinery, vehicles, construction equipment, and large commercial goods. It is typically shipped via ocean vessels, but can also be transported by truck, rail, or air.
Texas International Freight specializes in breakbulk cargo shipping. We are based near the Port of Houston, which ships more breakbulk cargo than any other in the United States.
We have unparalleled and special relationships with all of the major carriers who specialize in this type of freight.
- 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.
Breakbulk Cargo Case Study
The above featured video is an earthmover that was manufactured in Minnesota and sold to Asian customers. We aided in every step in the shipping process. We started with the critical path analysis to the final delivery overseas to the customer’s door.
This shipment began in 2011 when Texas International Freight provided the quote needed to see if the deal was feasible. Upon being contracted for the move, we consulted weekly about how to ship this breakbulk cargo. We visited the site of the American manufacturer. Next, we crated the entire earthmover’s components. Then, we trucked the cargo using a dozen heavy haul trucks to the Port of Houston. After that, we surveyed the cargo before loading and booked the ocean freight to Asia. Last, we cleared Chinese customs and delivered to the customer’s door.
Any qualified freight forwarder can book LCL cargo and container cargo. Very few freight forwarders have the know-how and the experience shipping high value breakbulk cargo. We ship this sort of cargo on a regular basis for the mining industry, for the energy industry, for the shipbuilding industry, and other heavy industries.
Call Texas International Freight at 877-489-9184 if you are facing the daunting challenge of shipping oversized equipment. We can help you avoid the problems and get around the pitfalls to ensure safe and timely delivery of your cargo.
Frequent Questions About Breakbulk Shipping
What is break bulk shipping?
Answer: Break bulk shipping refers to the transportation of cargo that is too large or heavy to fit in standard shipping containers. Such goods are often loaded individually onto specialized vessels without the use of containers.
How is break bulk shipping different from container shipping?
Answer: Unlike container shipping, where cargo is loaded into containers, break bulk shipping involves the handling of individual, oversized, or heavy items, which are typically loaded directly onto the vessel’s deck or hold.
What types of goods are typically shipped using break bulk?
Answer: Goods like construction equipment, industrial machinery, wind turbines, and yachts are examples of items commonly transported via break bulk shipping.
What are the challenges associated with break bulk shipping?
Answer: Challenges include increased handling times, higher risk of damage due to multiple handlings, and the need for specialized equipment and skilled labor to load and unload the cargo.
Is break bulk shipping more expensive than container shipping?
Answer: Generally, break bulk shipping can be more costly than container shipping due to the specialized equipment, higher labor costs, and increased handling times involved.
What are some advantages of break bulk shipping?
Answer: Break bulk shipping allows for the transportation of oversized or heavy items that cannot be accommodated by standard containers. It also provides flexibility in cargo handling and loading.
Are there specific ports better equipped for break bulk shipping?
Answer: Yes, certain ports have specialized facilities and equipment specifically designed for handling break bulk cargo, making them more suitable for such shipments.
What are the key elements to consider when planning a break bulk shipment?
Answer: Key considerations include the dimensions and weight of the cargo, availability of specialized equipment, handling capabilities at both the origin and destination ports, and the total costs involved.
How is cargo secured in break bulk shipping?
Answer: Various techniques like lashing, chaining, and wedging are used to secure cargo during break bulk shipping. The methods depend on the nature and size of the cargo as well as the vessel’s specifications.
Do regulations govern break bulk shipping?
Answer: Yes, break bulk shipping is subject to various international and local regulations, including safety standards and cargo securing guidelines, which must be strictly adhered to.
I hope this list provides you with valuable insights into break bulk shipping!
What is break bulk shipping?
Answer: Break bulk shipping refers to the transportation of cargo that is too large or heavy to fit in standard shipping containers. Such goods are often loaded individually onto specialized vessels without the use of containers.
How is break bulk shipping different from container shipping?
Answer: Unlike container shipping, where cargo is loaded into containers, break bulk shipping involves the handling of individual, oversized, or heavy items, which are typically loaded directly onto the vessel’s deck or hold.
What types of goods are typically shipped using break bulk?
Answer: Goods like construction equipment, industrial machinery, wind turbines, and yachts are examples of items commonly transported via break bulk shipping.
What are the challenges associated with break bulk shipping?
Answer: Challenges include increased handling times, higher risk of damage due to multiple handlings, and the need for specialized equipment and skilled labor to load and unload the cargo.
Is break bulk shipping more expensive than container shipping?
Answer: Generally, break bulk shipping can be more costly than container shipping due to the specialized equipment, higher labor costs, and increased handling times involved.
What are some advantages of break bulk shipping?
Answer: Break bulk shipping allows for the transportation of oversized or heavy items that cannot be accommodated by standard containers. It also provides flexibility in cargo handling and loading.
Are there specific ports better equipped for break bulk shipping?
Answer: Yes, certain ports have specialized facilities and equipment specifically designed for handling break bulk cargo, making them more suitable for such shipments.
What are the key elements to consider when planning a break bulk shipment?
Answer: Key considerations include the dimensions and weight of the cargo, availability of specialized equipment, handling capabilities at both the origin and destination ports, and the total costs involved.
How is cargo secured in break bulk shipping?
Answer: Various techniques like lashing, chaining, and wedging are used to secure cargo during break bulk shipping. The methods depend on the nature and size of the cargo as well as the vessel’s specifications.
Do regulations govern break bulk shipping?
Answer: Yes, break bulk shipping is subject to various international and local regulations, including safety standards and cargo securing guidelines, which must be strictly adhered to.