The Difference Between Container Shipping and Break Bulk

Cargo ships provide multiple options for shipping items overseas.

Shipping accounts for 95 percent of transported goods across waters. A computer part manufactured in China will most likely make it's way to the United States via ship. Two major forms of shipping cargo are break-bulk and containerization.

Containerization

Containers come in all sizes and are found stacked in deep holds or on board throughout a cargo ship. Sealed ahead of time with all of their goods inside of them, container shipping provides a secure means of shipping items overseas. Goods vary from produce to furniture. Temperature-sensitive cargo is put into refrigerated containers.

Break-Bulk

Break-bulk shipping includes items that aren't put into containers for whatever reason, but are not loose material. With its own packaging, break-bulk items, such as cardboard boxes or bags, get loaded into cargo holds.

Advantages of Each

Containers offer a significant advantage as it streamlines the shipping process. Cranes easily lift containers on and off a ship at fast speeds. Turnover time in port is greatly reduced. Break-bulk comes in handy for ports that aren't capable of handling containers. Some ports don't have cranes and have draft restrictions that don't permit larger ships to enter.

References

• AtsIntlinc: Break Bulk Shipping
• Maerskline: Container Shipping