Break bulk shipments, also known as break bulk cargo or general cargo, are shipments of goods that are too large, heavy, or irregularly shaped to fit in standard shipping containers. Instead, they are transported in individual units, such as bags, boxes, crates, drums, or barrels, and are loaded, stowed, and unloaded individually
Break bulk shipments are transported in the vessel hold or on deck, and are often handled with special equipment. Specialist break bulk vessels are equipped with heavy-lift cranes to safely and quickly manage heavy cargo.
Break bulk is the system of transporting goods in pieces separately, rather than being shipped in a container.