Every logistics professional knows that not every shipment fits neatly into a container. Some cargo, machinery, steel coils, timber, or oversized parts simply can’t be packed into standard TEUs. These shipments fall under Break Bulk (BBK), a mode that demands careful coordination, accurate documentation, and precise system entries.
For freight forwarders and carriers using CargoWise, managing break-bulk cargo can feel complex if you’re used to containerized workflows. But CargoWise makes it easier than it seems, once you know where to start and how to link each part of the consignment correctly.
This guide walks you through how to create a Break Bulk shipment in CargoWise, why it matters operationally, and how to ensure data accuracy through every milestone.
What is Break Bulk and Why does It Matter?
Break Bulk cargo refers to goods that are shipped loose and not containerized. These items are loaded individually, created, bundled, or strapped, rather than packed in a container or shipped in bulk (like oil or grain).
Typical examples include:
- Heavy machinery or vehicle parts
- Construction materials
- Industrial equipment
- Timber, pipes, or steel rods
Unlike containerized freight, Break Bulk shipments often require manual handling, individual documentation, and specialized loading equipment. This makes tracking, consolidation, and visibility crucial for forwarders, especially when multiple shipments share a vessel.
CargoWise supports Break Bulk consignments under both sea and rail freight modes, allowing operators to manage this type of cargo with the same system accuracy used for FCL or LCL shipments.
Why Should You Record Break Bulk Shipments in CargoWise?
Recording Break Bulk consignments in CargoWise isn’t just about compliance, it’s about efficiency and control. When done correctly, it helps your business:
Maintain shipment visibility: Track every piece of cargo across ports, agents, and carriers.
Avoid documentation errors: Automate details like voyage, vessel, and consignee data.
Standardize workflows: Create consistent templates for future BBK shipments.
Ensure billing accuracy: Properly linked shipments and consolidations mean faster invoicing and fewer disputes.
By utilizing the Break Bulk container mode in CargoWise, you also create a digital trail of responsibility between agents, carriers, and clients, essential for claims, insurance, and audit purposes.
How to Create a Break Bulk Consignment in CargoWise?
Once you understand consolidations and shipments, setting up a Break Bulk consignment is straightforward. The process involves two main steps:
- Creating a new Break Bulk (BBK) consignment.
- Creating a shipment within that BBK record.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Create the BBK Consignment
1. Go to Operate > Forwarding > Consolidations.
2. Click New to open the New Consol window.
3. Under the Details tab, navigate to the Consol Details section and enter:
- Transport Mode: SEA – Sea Freight (or RAIL if applicable)
- Container Mode: BBK – Break Bulk
- First Load Port and Last Discharge Port
4. In the Voyage section, fill in:
- Voyage Number
- Vessel Name
- Estimated Time of Departure (ETD)
- Payment Type
5. Go to the Organizations tab and review or add details for:
- Sending Agent
- Receiving Agent
- Carrier
- Creditor
- Booking Reference
- Agent Reference
6. Click Save to create your Break Bulk consignment.
This step sets up the framework for your shipment. The BBK record acts like a “parent” consolidation that you can later attach multiple shipments to, ideal for forwarders handling several pieces moving on the same vessel.
Step 2: Create a Shipment Within the BBK Record
1. From the same Edit Consol window, scroll to the Shipments Grid and click New.
2. In the New Shipment window, under the Basic Registration tab, check that the system automatically fills in your transport mode (SEA) and container mode (BBK).
3. Enter the following key details:
- Consignor (Shipper)
- Consignee (Receiver)
4. Under the Details section, complete:
- Incoterm (e.g., FOB, CIF)
- Release Type (e.g., Original Bill or Express Release)
- House Bill Type (e.g., HBL or HAWB)
5. Add any additional shipment information relevant to your client or carrier instructions.
6. Navigate to the Packing Tab, and in the Packs Grid, enter:
- Number of Packs
- Pack Type (e.g., crates, pallets, drums)
- Weight and Volume
- Commodity Description
7. Click Save, confirm the system prompt with Yes, and then close the window.
8. Finally, return to the Edit Consol window and click Save again to link the shipment with the BBK consignment.
Key Considerations When Managing Break Bulk in CargoWise
Break Bulk shipments often involve multiple stakeholders, long lead times, and manual handling stages. To manage them effectively in CargoWise:
Use accurate weights and dimensions. BBK freight rates are often based on weight/measure (W/M), so accuracy here ensures correct billing.
Record agent and carrier details carefully. Inaccurate references can cause downstream tracking errors.
Configure milestones: Configure workflow milestones in CargoWise to monitor cargo received, loaded, discharged, and delivered.
Attach all documents: Bills of Lading, invoices, and packing lists can be uploaded under eDocs for better traceability.
Monitor exceptions: Set up automated alerts if shipment milestones are delayed, allowing faster responses to operational issues.
How BBK Mode Supports Modern Freight Forwarding?
While containerized freight dominates today’s trade, Break Bulk shipments are growing again, particularly for project cargo, renewable energy equipment, and construction materials.
By using the BBK mode in CargoWise, logistics companies can:
- Manage both containerized and non-containerized cargo within one unified platform.
- Avoid creating manual spreadsheets or offline shipment records.
- Improve transparency for customers who demand digital visibility.
CargoWise’s integration across forwarding, customs, and accounting modules means your BBK shipments can be tracked, rated, and invoiced just as efficiently as container shipments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When working with Break Bulk consignments, these are the pitfalls that often slow teams down:
- Forgetting to save the Consol before adding a shipment (which causes data loss).
- Not checking container mode settings, which can default to FCL or LCL.
- Failing to enter accurate commodity or pack details leads to rating errors.
- Ignoring workflow milestones prevents timely status updates in Neo or customer portals.
Avoiding these small mistakes can save your operations team hours each week and improve client confidence in your digital processes.
Conclusion
Break Bulk freight might look complicated on paper, but CargoWise simplifies it through structured workflows and integrated data management. Once you understand how to set up BBK consignments and link shipments properly, the system handles the rest, from voyage tracking to billing and documentation.
For logistics providers managing oversized or non-containerized cargo, using the BBK mode isn’t just about data entry, it’s about maintaining control, compliance, and visibility across every stage of the shipment.
If your team is still handling Break Bulk cargo manually or struggling to configure BBK workflows in CargoWise, our certified CargoWise consultants at Elicit can help. We specialize in implementation, workflow setup, and milestone configuration to ensure your operations run seamlessly.
Get in touch today to learn how to optimize your CargoWise environment and make managing Break Bulk cargo faster, simpler, and smarter.
