Types of Break Bulk Cargo

In shipping, break bulk cargo or general cargo is a term that covers a great variety of goods that must be loaded individually, and not in intermodal containers nor in bulk as with oil or grain. Ships that carry this sort of cargo are often called general cargo ships. According to freight philippines companies, the term break bulk derives from the phrase breaking bulk, a term meaning the extraction of a portion of the cargo of a ship or the beginning of the unloading process from the ship's holds. These goods may be in bags, cases, crates, drums, barrels, or they may be kept together by baling or loaded onto pallets. There are many sorts of break bulk cargo but amongst them are:

* Bagged cargo - Should be stowed on double dunnage and kept clear of the ship's sides and bulkheads. Bags should be kept away from pillars and stanchions by covering with matting or waterproof paper.
* Baled cargo - These should be stowed on single dunnage at least 50mm thick. The bales should be clean with all the bands intact. Stained or oily bales should be rejected. According to freight philippines companies, the reason why oily bales are rejected because all fibres can absorb oil and are liable to spontaneous combustion as a result they should be kept clear of any new paintwork. Bales close to the deckhead should be covered to prevent damage by dripping sweat.
* Barrels and Casks - Wooden barrels should be stowed on their sides on "beds" of dunnage which keeps the middle of the side (the bilge) off the deck and they should be stowed with the bung at the top. To prevent movement wedges called quoins are put in on top of the "beds".
* Cartons - Cartons (cardboard boxes) should be stowed on a good layer of dunnage and kept clear of any moisture. They should not be overstowed with anything other than similar cartons. They are frequently loaded on pallets, if so the slings that are used to load the cargo are frequently left on to facilitate discharge.
* Cased goods - Wooden cases or crates should be stowed on double dunnage in the holds and single dunnage in the 'tween decks. According to freight philippines companies, heavy cases should be given bottom stowage. The loading slings are often left on to aid discharge.
* Drums - Metal drums should be stowed on end with dunnage between tiers.
* Paper reels - These are generally stowed on their sides but care must be taken to make sure they are not crushed.
* Cars - These are lifted on board and then secured using lashings. A great deal of care should be taken to make sure they do not get damaged. Vehicles must also be prepared by ensuring potentially hazardous liquids (gasoline, etc) have been removed.

* Steel girders - Any long heavy item should be stowed fore and aft. If they are stowed athwart ships they are liable to shift if the ship rolls heavily and pierce the side of the ship.

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