Break bulk shipping is a flexible, customizable transport option for traditional freight that’s oversized or irregularly shaped. Demand for break bulk shipping is surging, but since it’s more complex than containerized shipping, it’s essential that shippers are aware of the additional challenges involved. There are more compliance regulations; the logistics can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming, and break bulk cargo requires special handling.
Gebrüder Weiss has extensive break bulk shipping experience and expertise. Here’s a look at break bulk shipping challenges and strategies to overcome them.
Challenge: Securing a Vessel and Loading Cargo
Break bulk cargo is typically high, wide, and/or heavy. Shipping this type of cargo requires more labor, and the additional cargo handling exposes break bulk items to increased risks of damage during transit.
To protect your break bulk cargo, seek out a partner with break bulk-specific subject matter expertise. A carrier with in-depth break bulk experience will understand the nuances and unique needs of each shipment. For example, unlike container ships, break bulk vessels don’t always operate on fixed schedules, making it challenging to find timely transportation. Plus, the nature of the cargo requires meticulous packaging and custom methods to secure and protect shipments.
A freight forwarder with relationships with multiple ocean carriers will have a wider array of options and help you plan shipments well in advance for additional flexibility. An experienced partner can also consider alternative routes or ports if necessary to ensure timely delivery.
Challenge: Regulatory Compliance
Break bulk shipments often involve complex regulatory requirements, especially for oversized or hazardous cargo. Staying current with changing regulations across different jurisdictions and managing the paperwork, reporting, and clearance needed can be particularly challenging.
Even if freight forwarders have efficient compliance protocols for containerized shipping, they will unlikely be aware of all the additional regulatory steps without direct break bulk experience. Break bulk specialists can manage particularly complex shipments, utilizing sophisticated digital tools and the wisdom of their expertise to streamline documentation and customs clearance processes.
Challenge: Infrastructure Limitations
Aging infrastructure and limited access to freight facilities can pose significant challenges for break bulk transportation. Freight forwarders must conduct thorough route planning, such as assessing load capacities and road conditions, and collaborate with all local authorities to obtain permits.
Even with careful planning, unexpected events can occur, and shippers need to be prepared for potential detours. An experienced partner will have access to and knowledge of plan B, C, and D routes to prevent hold-ups from unforeseen events. To overcome infrastructure limitations, they can also consider multimodal transportation options, such as combining road and barge transport.
Challenge: Cost Management
Break bulk shipping often incurs higher costs due to its specialized handling and equipment requirements. There are strategic ways to keep costs down and maximize the efficiency of break bulk shipping, such as optimizing cargo consolidation to utilize the most vessel space possible. Another consideration is the shippers’ ability to manage variety. A partner needs to be able to logistically manage small deliveries well to enter the break bulk arena.
With the ability to combine both break bulk and smaller shipments, Gebrüder Weiss has more flexibility in keeping costs down. We also have the necessary technology to manage route optimization and resource allocation.
Challenge: Environmental Concerns
Companies face increasing pressure from regulatory bodies and the public to reduce environmental impacts and ramp up sustainability efforts. To help in this regard, Gebrüder Weiss has a Zero Emissions program that allows you to fully offset the CO2 emissions generated by your shipments by supporting a certified climate-protection project. We also utilize digital technologies to optimize operations and reduce unnecessary shipping. Sustainability has been embedded in our organizational processes for decades for the benefit of our customers and the planet.
To learn more about break bulk shipping with Gebrüder Weiss, contact us.
