Non-Containerized Cargo

Break Bulk Cargo

The complete guide to crane rigging, IMO CSS securement codes, vessel stowage plans, and freight calculations.

Managing Non-Containerized Maritime Transits

Break bulk shipping represents the traditional cargo forwarding methodology for oversized commodities that cannot be packed into standard 20ft or 40ft containers. This includes steel plates, heavy coils, machinery parts, timber logs, locomotives, and power grid transformers.

Scan2Freight Break Bulk Cargo Shipping & Heavy Lift

At Scan2Freight, we orchestrate all port-side rigging, heavy crane bookings, and vessel chartering procedures to guarantee safe stowage during transoceanic shipping.

Common Break Bulk Commodity Requirements

Explore the specialized handling setups required for core break bulk categories:

Commodity	Handling Equipment	Lashing & Securing	Stowage Location
Structural Steel (H-Beams, Plates)	Spreader beams, magnets, steel slings	Wire ropes, turnbuckles, timber dunnage	Under-deck Cargo Hold (dry)
Hot Rolled Steel Coils	C-Hooks, coil lifters, heavy forklifts	Timber cradles, steel banding, lashing wires	Lower Hold (requires moisture control)
Industrial Boilers & Generators	Heavy-lift floating cranes, multi-shackle rigging	Welded stopper clips, high-tensile chains	Lower Hold or Weather Deck (under tarp)
Timber Logs & Lumber Packs	Vessel cranes with timber grabs / slings	Chain lashings with automatic tensioners	Deck stowage (allowable moisture)

Port Staging & Heavy Lift Rigging Operations

Lifting heavy break bulk cargo requires careful load engineering at the terminal quay:

Crane Staging: Coordinating Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHC) or specialized floating sheerleg cranes for single-lift capacities exceeding 100 metric tons.
Rigging Gear Calculations: Engineering the lift with certified spreader bars, grommet slings, wire ropes, and high-load shackles to distribute load forces safely.
Liner Terms: Clarifying freight terms under **FILO (Free In Liner Out)** or **FLT (Full Liner Terms)** to allocate loading/discharging costs clearly between shippers and carriers.

Freight Calculations: The W/M Rule

Break bulk freight rates are calculated based on the **Weight or Measure (W/M)** rule, where the carrier bills on whichever value yields higher revenue:

            Example Calculation:

            - Cargo Weight: 15 Metric Tons (MT)

            - Cargo Volume: 32 Cubic Meters (CBM)

            - Rate: $45 per Freight Ton (FT)

            Since 32 CBM (Measure) > 15 MT (Weight), the cargo is billed on 32 FT.

            Total Freight Cost = 32 x $45 = $1,440.

Break Bulk FAQ

What qualifies as break bulk cargo?

Break bulk refers to cargoes that are shipped loose and loaded individually onto vessels, such as steel plates, lumber, heavy machinery, or vehicles, rather than packed inside standard cargo containers.

What does FILO stand for in maritime freight?

FILO stands for "Free In Liner Out". This means the shipper pays for cargo loading costs at the origin port, while the carrier pays for discharging costs at the destination port.

Planning a Break Bulk Voyage?

Contact our project cargo division to arrange lifting plans.

Request Break Bulk Quote