According to Statista (a leading provider of market and consumer data), it is estimated that 80% of all goods are carried by the sea with containers accounting for 60% of all maritime traffic. Prior to the development of modern containerization goods arriving at ports were held in warehouses and then loaded onto ships based on the available storage capacity in the ship’s hold. Over time, the shipping industry required a more efficient means of moving goods because ship space was limited and the loading and unloading process was time-consuming and costly. In the 1950’s Malcolm McClean, an American transport entrepreneur developed the first intermodal shipping container. Today, 90% of non-bulk goods are shipped in ocean containers.
Indeed, the use of containers was a revolutionary invention to move cargo, but what happens when cargo does not fit in a container?
Break-Bulk Transportation
Break-bulk is one of the most common means of freight transportation after container shipping. The process of breaking large cargo into smaller pieces is what defines “break-bulk”. Break-bulk cargo is used to transport goods that are too big or too heavy to fit inside a container. This transportation method can be utilized to move large machines, construction equipment, boats, aircraft, etc. Break-bulk cargo is often carried to the port terminal in crates (if small enough or fragile) or unpacked and loaded on heavy-duty trailers or directly on the deck of the ship.
Bulk Transportation
Bulk transportation is another significant advancement in the transportation industry. The first specialized bulk carrier ship was built in 1852 to transport coal. Bulk freight is cargo that is not packaged and is loaded directly onto a ship known as a bulk carrier. Grains, petroleum products, iron ore, and other commodities fall into this category.
Managing Bulk or Break-Bulk Cargo
Because bulk and break-bulk transportation is often more complex than standard container shipping, it is vital to engage with a reputable freight forwarding company like Promptus LLC to handle these special loads.
International shipping and cargo handling are Promptus’ specialties. Our team will work with you to establish the best mode of transportation for your goods, guaranteeing the most cost-effective and practical shipping method. Call us today at 305-687-1405 or write info@promptus.us
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