Break Bulk Shipping Services

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When break bulk beats a container

Most cargo should travel in a container. Break bulk earns its place when the cargo will not fit one, or when dismantling it to fit costs more than shipping it loose. It becomes the realistic option when your cargo shows any of the following:

• Width beyond roughly 2.35 m, the internal width of a general purpose container.
• Height beyond roughly 2.3 m, the practical limit through the door aperture.
• Length beyond roughly 12 m, which puts the piece past a standard 40ft unit.
• Weight beyond the payload the floor and lashing points are rated to carry, or point loading that concentrates it on a small footprint.
• A build that cannot be dismantled, tilted or crated without voiding a warranty.
• A shape that is awkward rather than simply large: overhangs, booms, cast sections and fixed attachments.

Cargo that fails one or two of those tests often still travels in a flat rack or open top, which keeps the container footprint and drops the walls or roof. Cargo that fails several travels as true break bulk, stowed and lashed as a single piece.

Where the shipment is one indivisible unit needing specialised vessel gear, heavy lift cargo is the closer fit.

Equipment and handling

Break bulk depends on having the right gear at the right port on the right day. We agree on the lifting method and securement plan before we confirm the booking, not once the cargo is on the wharf.

• Flat racks, for cargo too wide or too tall for a general purpose container but still suited to a container footprint.
• Open top containers, for cargo that must be loaded vertically by crane and fits within standard width.
• Lift-on, lift-off handling using ship’s gear or shore cranes, with crane capacity confirmed against actual piece weights.
• Lashing and securement to the vessel’s cargo securing manual, with dunnage, bearers and stoppers specified rather than assumed.
• Survey and lift supervision on complex units, so the method statement is checked on site.

Out-of-gauge is the term carriers and terminals use for the same cargo.

Cargo we regularly move as break bulk includes mining and earthmoving machinery, processing plant, structural steel, pipe in bundles or loose lengths, and prefabricated project modules.

Trusted by industry leaders

Industry expertise

With years of experience handling complex shipments, we serve industries such as construction, energy, manufacturing, and mining.

Our project teams bring 25+ years of experience navigating international supply chains across oil and gas, minerals and mining, energy, building and construction and major infrastructure projects. That experience is backed by our Australian Trusted Trader accreditation.

Tailored to your cargo needs

Our break bulk shipping services are customised to suit your cargo’s distinct dimensions and weights. We understand that not all goods fit into standard containers, and our team is ready to provide the specialised care and equipment needed to transport your items securely. We handle your cargo precisely and carefully, from construction materials to large industrial machinery.

Global shipping network

With an extensive global network, we ensure your oversized break bulk cargo reaches its destination, wherever it is. Our break bulk services provide the flexibility to ship partial loads to multiple destinations, to cater to the diverse needs of industries worldwide. We prioritise reliability and efficiency, ensuring a smooth shipping process from start to finish.

In Australia, we hold offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland, and also service Adelaide and Fremantle, with 270+ global locations through our partner network.

Expert handling and delivery

Our experienced team is equipped to manage the complexities of break bulk shipping. We focus on secure transportation, utilising specialised equipment like flat racks and open-top containers to accommodate your cargo’s unique specifications. Committed to minimising risk and ensuring timely delivery, we support industries that require careful handling and logistics precision.

Your dedicated account manager stays with the shipment from first measurement to final delivery, with documents in one place in our MagTrack portal.

For more information on how we can support your logistics needs, please get in touch with our team today.

Call 1300 651 888 or speak with our project logistics team about your cargo dimensions, load port and timing.