In the landscape of international shipping, the term “Break Bulk” refers to a transportation method that, despite the evolution of containerized shipping, continues to play a crucial role for specific types of goods. It is a solution primarily used to ship large or irregularly shaped loads (which cannot fit inside a standard container) or heavy loads (which exceed the maximum payload of the container).

In this article by Savino Del Bene, we will explore in detail what Break Bulk is, how it works, which goods are most commonly transported, the differences compared to containerized shipping, and its main advantages.

What is Break Bulk?

Break Bulk is a maritime shipping method that involves transporting non-containerized goods. In other words, goods are loaded individually or in smaller load units such as crates, drums, pallets, or industrial machinery without the use of a container. This type of shipment is particularly suitable for bulky or irregularly shaped products such as machinery, pipelines, construction materials, and industrial equipment.

Among its main features, Break Bulk allows for greater flexibility in the loading and unloading of goods since there is no need to conform to the standardized dimensions of containers. Moreover, this method is ideal for out-of-gauge shipments, which exceed the dimensional limits of a standard container.

How does Break Bulk work?

In Break Bulk shipping, goods are loaded directly onto ships using port cranes or vessel’s crane. Each load unit is handled separately, with lifting and positioning operations requiring high technical skills and careful logistical planning. Break Bulk shipments can be stowed in the ship’s holds or on deck, depending on the type and characteristics of the cargo.

The logistics process of Break Bulk: preparation and loading

The entire logistics process of a Break Bulk shipment is divided into several phases, each requiring specific attention and skills. The first step is the preparation of the cargo, which requires careful and reinforced packaging capable of withstanding movement during loading and unloading operations. This step is essential to ensure product integrity and minimize the risk of damage.

This is followed by loading. Here, the cargo is lifted using specialized cranes, allowing goods to be positioned directly on the ship. This process is carried out following a predefined stowage plan designed to optimize space and ensure safety during transport.

Break Bulk logistics: stowage, securing, and unloading of goods

The process continues with stowage and securing. Once on board, the goods are stowed in the ship’s holds or on deck. During this phase, the loads are secured with straps, chains, and specific supports to prevent uncontrolled movements during navigation. The process ends with unloading at the destination port, where operations follow a predetermined order using specific equipment for lifting and moving the goods to the arrival terminal.

Savino Del Bene, with its expertise in maritime shipping, guarantees efficient coordination of all stages of the process, offering tailor-made solutions for every logistical need.

Break Bulk shipments: the most common goods

Break Bulk shipments are mainly chosen for bulky or complex-shaped cargo. Among the most common goods are:

• Industrial machinery and mechanical components: these machines, often bulky and heavy, cannot be divided into smaller parts for containerization. Break Bulk shipping allows them to be transported in a single block, avoiding repeated assembly and disassembly;
• Equipment for extraction and the oil industry: components such as drills, large pipes, drilling rigs, and floating platforms are transported using Break Bulk to avoid damage and ensure safe handling;
• Metal structures and building components: steel beams, reinforced concrete pillars, and sections of industrial constructions find an ideal shipping method in Break Bulk due to their non-standard length and dimensions;
• Pipes and materials for the energy industry: pipes used for large-scale infrastructure projects are moved in Break Bulk, facilitating loading and unloading operations;
• Large vehicles: trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, and heavy equipment are often too large (or too heavy) to fit in standard containers, making Break Bulk the ideal solution.
• Ships and boats: yachts, workboats, and large hulls are shipped via Break Bulk to preserve their structural integrity.
• Large paper rolls and bulk materials: materials such as paper rolls, sheets, and bulk products are handled in Break Bulk, allowing for safe and easy transportation.

Break Bulk vs. containerized shipping: what changes?

Break Bulk and containerized shipping differ in operational methods, types of goods that can be transported, and logistical flexibility. In Break Bulk, each load unit is handled individually using port cranes or vessel’s crane, requiring precise coordination and longer handling times compared to containerized shipping, where containers are moved in bulk with automated cranes, reducing wait times. As mentioned, this method is particularly suitable for out-of-gauge, bulky, and non-standard goods such as industrial machinery, large pipes, and oil equipment, while containerized shipping is more suited to standardized, stackable, and packaged goods like finished products and consumer goods. 

The operational costs of Break Bulk tend to be higher due to manual handling and the need for stronger packaging. However, for exceptional or oversized loads, this method remains the only viable option, compensating for the higher costs with the ability to ship otherwise unmanageable goods. Another advantage of Break Bulk is access to smaller ports that are not equipped for containerized shipping, increasing the capillarity of logistical routes. Finally, it offers a higher level of flexibility compared to container shipping, allowing the transportation of loads that do not conform to standard container dimensions and ensuring direct control at every stage of handling, which is essential for the safety of delicate and bulky goods.

Advantages of Break Bulk

Choosing Break Bulk shipping presents several advantages over containerized methods, especially for bulky, out-of-gauge, or irregularly shaped goods. Here are the main ones:

• Flexibility in size and shape of transported goods: unlike containerized shipping, Break Bulk allows for the movement of loads with non-standard sizes and shapes. This enables the transport of machinery, pipelines, industrial materials, and building components without having to fit them into container size limits;
• Possibility to ship out-of-gauge cargo: Break Bulk shipments are the ideal option for so-called Out of Gauge (OOG), or loads that exceed the dimensions of a standard container. This includes building materials, industrial plants, and heavy equipment that could never be stowed in a standard container;
• Greater versatility in loading and unloading operations: Break Bulk goods can be loaded and unloaded using port cranes or vessel’s crane, without the need for specific infrastructure. This allows easier access to smaller ports and facilitates operations even in areas not equipped for container shipping;
• Adaptability to large-scale industrial projects: Break Bulk is particularly useful for large industrial projects, such as the construction of energy plants, civil infrastructure, and extraction projects. The size and weight of the goods involved make this method the only practical choice to ensure safe and timely delivery;
• Access to smaller ports not equipped for container shipping: unlike containerized shipments, Break Bulk does not necessarily require large port terminals, making it possible to reach more remote and less accessible destinations, offering a significant logistical advantage for international operations.

Conclusion

Break Bulk represents an efficient and versatile solution for international shipments of bulky and non-standardized goods. With the support of an experienced partner like Savino Del Bene, Break Bulk operations can be managed with precision and safety, offering fast timelines and tailored solutions. If you think you need high-level shipping services, get in touch with your local Savino Del Bene representative today.

In an increasingly dynamic and interconnected global market, efficient supply chain management is a key lever for business success. In this scenario, Contract Logistics emerges not merely as a service, but as a strategic partnership that allows companies to enhance performance by entrusting logistics operations to specialized providers.

But what exactly does Contract Logistics involve? How does it function, and what benefits can it offer to companies aiming for greater agility, scalability, and control?

This article offers a comprehensive overview of Contract Logistics, enriched with a real-world case: FDS Canada, one of Savino Del Bene’s most advanced logistics hubs.

What is Contract Logistics? A strategic supply chain model

Contract Logistics, also known as Third-Party Logistics (3PL), refers to the outsourcing of part or all of a company’s logistics operations to an external provider through a long-term, customized agreement.

Unlike traditional logistics models that focus solely on transport or storage, Contract Logistics takes a holistic approach. It encompasses:

• Flow and process analysis;
• Inventory management and optimization;
• Quality control;
• Value-added services (e.g., labeling, kitting, packaging);
• Domestic and international distribution;
• Reverse logistics.

By partnering with a trusted logistics expert, companies can concentrate on their core business activities, relying on their provider for operational execution, compliance, and continuous improvement. This model fosters integration, not just delegation.

How Contract Logistics works: customization, technology, and control

At the foundation of Contract Logistics is a long-term agreement that defines in detail the services, service levels (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and workflows.

The provider assumes responsibility for logistics execution, designing solutions tailored to the client’s specific business model, volume, and industry requirements.

Key operations include:

• Inbound and outbound logistics
• Real-time inventory management with digital systems
• Order fulfillment and packaging
• Returns and exception handling
• Kitting, quality control, and compliance checks

Technology is a central pillar: leading providers like Savino Del Bene implement tools such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RFID tracking, and Control Tower platforms, enabling real-time visibility, traceability, and data-driven decisions across the logistics network.

The benefits of Contract Logistics: operational performance meets strategic value

Choosing a contract-based logistics model yields both immediate and long-term advantages:

• Efficiency: improved throughput thanks to automation, lean processes, and specialized staff;
• Cost optimization: fixed costs are transformed into variable costs aligned with actual business volumes;
• Scalability: flexible operations that adapt to peaks, seasonality, or new market entries;
• Technology access: clients benefit from state-of-the-art systems without direct investment;
• Visibility and control: performance is measurable through transparent KPIs and analytics dashboards;
• Customer experience: faster response times, higher service levels, and enhanced product availability.

In essence, Contract Logistics helps turn the supply chain into a competitive differentiator.

Where Contract Logistics makes the biggest impact: key industries

Contract Logistics is particularly valuable in sectors where speed, precision, and coordination are critical. Among the most active industries:

• Pharmaceuticals – requires stringent compliance with traceability, temperature control, and regulatory standards
• E-commerce – relies on fast processing, accurate picking, and efficient returns handling
• Manufacturing – benefits from just-in-time deliveries and streamlined production support
• High-Tech & Electronics – demands secure, real-time logistics for high-value components
• Spare Parts & Aftermarket – needs decentralized, responsive logistics for maintenance and repairs
• Retail & FMCG – requires dynamic inventory flows and timely store replenishment

In all these sectors, Contract Logistics allows companies to adapt quickly, stay compliant, and deliver consistent service across increasingly complex supply chains.

Conclusion: from outsourcing to strategic empowerment

Contract Logistics is far more than a tactical outsourcing decision—it is a strategic enabler that improves performance, reduces costs, and drives competitive advantage. To fully leverage its potential, companies should rely on partners that combine global expertise, innovative technologies, and operational reliability.

Savino Del Bene stands out in this landscape, offering end-to-end logistics solutions built on decades of experience, international presence, and sector-specific know-how. From storage to delivery, from reverse logistics to value-added services, we support our clients in turning their supply chain into a true business asset.

Case Study – FDS Pennsylvania: A Flagship of Contract Logistics Excellence in the USA

FDS Pennsylvania, located within the Keystone Trade Center, is one of Savino Del Bene’s most advanced logistics hubs in the United States. With over 920,000 sqft (85,500 sqm) of operational space, 54 loading docks, 3 ramps, and a four-level structure, it is designed to handle high volumes and complex services, particularly in the e-commerce and fashion sectors. The facility provides highly customized solutions, including quality control, returns management, reconditioning activities, and luxury packaging, supported by 90+ dedicated e-commerce workstations and a WMS integrated with ERP systems and online platforms. Thanks to its strategic location near Philadelphia and New York, cutting-edge infrastructure, and flexible operations, FDS Pennsylvania delivers premium logistics performance tailored to the most demanding supply chains. To learn more or to design a custom solution for your business, contact our consultants today.