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Breakbulk Cargo

Also known as: breakbulk cargo, break bulk cargo, general cargo, non-containerized cargo

Cargo that is transported as individual units rather than in containers or in bulk, with each piece loaded, stowed, secured, and discharged separately.

Breakbulk cargo includes goods such as heavy machinery, steel products, pipes, timber, vehicles, project cargo, and bagged or palletized cargo that cannot be economically containerized or moved as bulk commodities. Because each item may differ in size, shape, and weight, breakbulk shipments require specialized lifting equipment, careful stowage planning, proper lashing, and skilled cargo handling. This type of cargo is commonly carried on multipurpose and heavy-lift vessels and is widely used in construction, energy, mining, and industrial projects.
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