CargoWise ERP Glossary - Key Terms & FAQs

Our CargoWise ERP Glossary Terms provide clear, concise definitions of key terms used in CargoWise, helping users navigate the system with confidence. Along with these definitions, we've included in-depth FAQs to clarify complex concepts, ensuring you get the most out of your CargoWise solutions.

Breakbulk Shipment

Last updated: April 22, 2025
Logistics CargoWise
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Breakbulk shipment is a conventional cargo handling method in which enormous commodities are shipped separately rather than packed into containers. Machines, steel beams, heavy equipment, and drums are all loaded, transported, and unloaded separately. Breakbulk shipping, unlike containerized shipping, allows for more flexible handling of cargo that is too large or heavy to fit into ordinary containers. This approach is usually used for project cargo or things with irregular dimensions, and it typically requires the use of cranes, forklifts, and other lifting equipment at ports to load directly into ships.

CargoWise supports breakbulk shipments with custom workflows that handle the intricacies of tracking, paperwork, and scheduling. The system allows freight forwarders and logistics companies to maintain unit-level cargo information such as dimensions, weights, and handling instructions. Breakbulk is especially useful in businesses that handle big cargo, such as construction, mining, and oil and gas. Though more labor-intensive and potentially more expensive than container shipping, breakbulk offers critical flexibility for moving material that cannot be containerized. CargoWise’s digital platform helps to simplify this complex process by automating documentation, tracking milestones, and providing compliance support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cargo are typically shipped as breakbulk?

Breakbulk is appropriate for large, heavy, or irregular products such as machinery, turbines, steel coils, and industrial equipment that cannot fit into containers.

Is breakbulk shipping more expensive than container shipment?

Yes, it may be more expensive due to physical handling, specialized equipment, and lengthier loading/unloading periods, but it is required for non-containerized items.

How does CargoWise handle breakbulk shipments?

CargoWise enables breakbulk shipping with unique workflows, cargo tracking, compliance checks, and unitized cargo-specific documentation.

Can breakbulk shipments be tracked similarly to container shipments?

Yes, CargoWise allows for real-time tracking and visualization of individual breakbulk units throughout the shipping process.

Is breakbulk appropriate for international shipping?

Absolutely. Breakbulk is commonly used for the global transportation of project and industrial goods, particularly at ports with heavy-lift capabilities.