Break bulk shipping means cargo loaded individually (not in containers) - steel coils, pipes, timber, machinery, transformers and project equipment. It is the go-to method when cargo is too heavy, too long or too wide for a standard container, or when volume justifies dedicated handling.
Steel coils and rebar, seamless and welded pipes, power transformers up to 200+ tons, cement plant equipment, agricultural machinery, and prefabricated structures - all commonly moved break bulk to African ports including Tema, Lagos, Luanda, Dar es Salaam and Durban.
1. Cargo survey and packing plan (weight, dimensions, lashing points)
2. Booking on a break bulk or multi-purpose vessel
3. Port loading with cranes and stevedores
4. Ocean transit (typically 25-45 days from China to Africa)
5. Discharge, customs clearance and inland delivery
Q: When should I choose break bulk over FCL?
A: When single pieces exceed 3m wide, 12m long or 25 tons, or when your total volume fills less than 60% of a container - break bulk is often cheaper and safer.
Q: How much lead time is needed?
A: Break bulk vessels sail on fixed schedules - book 2-3 weeks ahead and provide cargo details (dimensions, weight, photos) at booking for accurate stowage planning.
Q: Is break bulk safe for fragile machinery?
A: Yes - cargo is secured with lashing and blocking tailored to the load. SPEED INT'L provides detailed lashing plans and cargo survey support.
