Breakbulk Shipping Firms: How to Send Heavy Machinery Overseas
Sending heavy machinery overseas requires careful thought and the right way of shipping. Although the transportation of containerized cargoes is usually done through established procedures, there can be cases where the cargo does not fit in conventional containers. Hence, the need for breakbulk shipping logistics.
Experienced breakbulk shipping companies assist organizations in transporting heavy cargo to international locations via loading, transport, document processing, port services, and delivery.
What is Breakbulk Shipping?
Breakbulk shipping is the technique adopted for the transport of cargoes that cannot easily be shipped through the use of standard shipping containers. In contrast to containerized cargoes, individual pieces of cargoes are shipped on the ship using the breakbulk shipping approach.
Breakbulk cargoes usually include:
- Heavy machinery
- Construction machinery
- Industrial components
- Generators and turbines
- Vehicles
- Manufacturing machinery
- Steel items
- Pipes and structural components
- Project cargoes
Since all breakbulk cargoes are unique in size and weight, breakbulk shipping calls for careful logistics planning.
How is Heavy Machinery Transported Internationally?
Transporting heavy machinery across borders requires the completion of various important steps.
1. Analyzing the cargo
The first step is analyzing the size, weight, center of gravity, lifting points and other parameters for transportation of the cargo. This data is used by logistics specialists to choose the proper way of transportation.
Planning is essential since it minimizes the risk of handling the cargo properly.
2. Choice of Route and Vessels
The shipping route must be able to handle the cargo in terms of its size and weight, as well as destination conditions. When it comes to the choice of an appropriate shipping route, the breakbulk shipping companies consider a number of factors like vessel capacity, schedule, cargo handling facilities, etc.
Special equipment is needed when shipping oversized cargo.
3. Specialised Loading and Off-loading
Machinery is sometimes not suitable for standard loading techniques. Depending on the type of cargo, cranes, lifts, ramps, or specialised machines should be used.
Specialised loading and off-loading reduce the risks of damage at the time of loading and unloading the cargo at ports.
4. Securing of Machinery Cargo
The next step is placing cargo in proper position once it gets to the port. Machinery cargo should be secured based on its weight, size, and other movement characteristics.
Proper lashing, blocking, and securing are important factors in minimizing the risk during transportation of the cargo via the sea.
5. Documentation
Documentation of machinery cargo during international transport is very important and depends upon the kind of cargo and the destination.Documentation may include commercial invoices, packing lists, bill of lading, certificates, customs documentation, among other types of documents.
Documentation may help to avoid delays at customs and port.
6. Ocean Transport and Delivery
After the loading and securing of cargo, the process of transportation to the destination port begins. Once the cargo gets there, it is unloaded from the vessel and transported to the final destination point.
It might also require road transport.
Reasons Why Companies Opt for Breakbulk Shipping
Breakbulk shipping allows companies to consider an alternative where equipment is too large, heavy, or oddly shaped to ship using normal shipping containers.
Break bulk cargo advantages can be stated as follows:
Suitable for Carrying Large Cargo:
Large machinery can be carried without being subjected to any restriction related to containerization.
Flexible Transport of Machinery:
All types of machinery can be transported based on their qualities.
Solution for Project Cargo:
There is an alternative method of transporting machinery for construction and industrial projects using breakbulk.
Worldwide Operations:
With a good logistics system in place, you will be able to ship your heavy machinery from one port to another all over the world.
Aspects to Consider While Selecting a Breakbulk Logistics Company
It is crucial to select a logistics company that has knowledge on moving heavy and oversized cargo. Below are some of the aspects that one should consider while selecting such a logistics company:
- Handling heavy and oversized cargo experience
- International network
- Port and vessel capacity for handling cargo
- Cargo security and safety
- Documentation and customs preparation
- Inland transportation arrangements
- Project handling skills
- Tracking and communicating during shipment
The logistics company experienced in project cargo coordinates various aspects of shipment to avoid problems.
Industries Utilizing Breakbulk Transport Services
Some of the industries utilizing breakbulk transport services include the following:
Construction: Heavy equipment such as excavators, cranes, bulldozers and other construction equipment.
Manufacturing: Equipment used in manufacturing.
Energy: Transformers, turbines, generators and other energy sector equipment.
Infrastructure: Components and other infrastructure construction equipment.
Automotive: Automotive vehicles and machinery.
Ship Your Heavy Machinery Using the Right Logistical Company
Cargo shipping for heavy machinery across the international market goes beyond simply moving the goods from one port to another. It is crucial that proper planning, special handling, safe loading, customs coordination, and transport are carried out for an effective movement of your goods.
At SiyaSiza, we offer logistical solutions aimed at helping you with your cargo movements. Through proper planning and coordination, breakbulk shipping becomes a useful way of moving your goods internationally.
If your cargo is too heavy or bulky to be shipped through the conventional method of shipping using containers, you should consider using the services of a breakbulk shipping company.