Breakbulk Shipping
Cargo too big for containers, shipped on conventional vessels
Steel, machinery, boats, timber and structures, loaded by ship’s or port cranes or roll-on roll-off.
- Charged per freight tonne
- Tilbury, Immingham, Teesport and more
- Customs handled
What is Breakbulk Shipping?
Breakbulk shipping moves cargo that is too large, heavy or awkward to go in a standard container. Each piece is lifted on board individually, by the ship’s own cranes or by port cranes, and stowed in the hold or on deck.
Typical breakbulk cargo includes steel beams and coils, machinery, transformers, boats, timber, pipes and fabricated structures. It is often the only option for very long or wide items, and can be more cost-effective than containers for large volumes of heavy goods.
Breakbulk is priced per freight tonne, which is one tonne or one cubic metre, whichever is greater.
Talk to a Breakbulk Shipping Specialist
Share your cargo dimensions, weight, and destination, and we’ll advise on the most suitable breakbulk shipping solution.
Breakbulk at a glance
Watch out for: every piece needs accurate dimensions, weight and marked lifting points before a vessel can be booked. Errors in the cargo list can mean re-stowage charges, or cargo being left behind on the quay.
Benefits of Breakbulk Shipping
No container size limits
Pieces can be longer, wider and heavier than any container allows.
Fewer lifts and less dismantling
Machinery and structures can often ship in one piece rather than being broken down to fit a box.
Cost-effective for heavy volumes
Large quantities of steel, timber or project materials can be cheaper as breakbulk than in many containers.
Direct to ports without container terminals
Many breakbulk vessels carry their own cranes, so they can serve ports with limited equipment.
Why Choose Qube Cargo for Breakbulk Shipping
We are a UK freight forwarder, not a call centre. You deal with the same small team from the first drawing to final delivery.
Cargo planned from the drawings
We work from dimensions, weights and lifting points to book the right vessel and stowage.
UK breakbulk ports
We ship through ports with breakbulk facilities, including Tilbury, Immingham, Teesport, Hull and Liverpool.
Haulage to the quay
Including abnormal load transport where pieces exceed normal road limits.
Packing and preservation
Crating, skids, weatherproofing and corrosion protection for long voyages.
Talk to a person
Call us on 07544 381501.
Breakbulk Shipping Services We Provide
We support a wide range of breakbulk shipping requirements across industrial, infrastructure, and project cargo sectors.
- Heavy Machinery & Industrial Equipment – Large-scale cargo requiring crane loading and specialist stowage
- Steel & Structural Cargo – Beams, plates, pipes, and prefabricated components
- Construction & Infrastructure Materials – Equipment and materials for major projects
- Vehicles & Rolling Cargo – Transport of non-containerised vehicles and machinery
- Project Cargo Shipments – Multi-stage movements across sea and land
Breakbulk, flat rack or ro-ro?
Not every large item needs breakbulk. Here is how the options compare.
Flat rack container
For out-of-gauge items that still suit a container ship.
Flat racks have no sides or roof, so cargo can be wider or taller than a box, and they sail on regular container services.
Breakbulk
For pieces too big or heavy for containers.
Each item is lifted on board and stowed individually, on multipurpose or general cargo vessels.
Ro-ro
For wheeled or tracked cargo.
Vehicles and machinery are driven or towed on board, or loaded on roll trailers, avoiding a crane lift.
Preparing breakbulk cargo
Skids and crating
Machinery is usually mounted on timber skids or crated, so it can be lifted and lashed safely. Timber must be ISPM 15 treated for most destinations.
Corrosion protection
Steel and machinery should be wrapped or treated against salt air, especially if stowed on deck.
Marks
Each piece needs its weight, lifting points and centre of gravity clearly marked.
How We Deliver Breakbulk Shipping
1. Cargo list
You send us dimensions, weights and photos or drawings for each piece, including lifting points and centre of gravity for heavy items.
2. Vessel and stowage
We book space with a breakbulk or multipurpose carrier and agree whether each piece goes under deck or on deck.
3. Packing and haulage
Cargo is packed, marked and delivered to the port, with permits and escorts arranged for abnormal loads.
4. Loading and lashing
Pieces are lifted on board and secured, with surveys where insurers require them.
5. Discharge and delivery
We arrange discharge, customs clearance and onward haulage to site at destination.
Groupage
Next Day
Hazardous
Drop Shipping
Freight Insurance
Customs Clearance
Rail Freight
Container Haulage
eCommerce
UK, European & Global Coverage
We coordinate breakbulk shipping across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, supporting both port-to-port and project-based deliveries.
- Europe – Major ports and industrial regions
- Asia & Middle East – Trade hubs and infrastructure projects
- Americas – Coastal ports and inland delivery routes
- Africa – Mining and development projects
- Australasia – Regional and international shipping routes
Case Study – Steel Structure Shipment
A client required the transport of oversized steel components from Europe to a construction project in the Middle East.
A breakbulk vessel was arranged, with crane loading and secured stowage to accommodate the cargo dimensions.
The shipment was delivered safely and on schedule, supporting the project timeline.
Breakbulk Shipping FAQs
Breakbulk describes how cargo is loaded: piece by piece rather than in containers. Project cargo describes a whole move, often many shipments for one site or contract, which may include breakbulk, containers and heavy lift.
For a few small items, containers are usually cheaper. For heavy volumes of steel or timber, or items that would need several flat racks, breakbulk is often better value. We can quote both so you can compare.
Cargo stated on the bill of lading as carried on deck is often excluded from the carrier’s liability under the Hague-Visby Rules. Cargo insurance is strongly recommended, and under-deck stowage can be requested for sensitive items.
A detailed cargo list with dimensions and weights, drawings for large items, the commercial invoice and packing list, an export declaration and the bill of lading. Some cargo also needs lifting certificates or surveys.
Sailings are less frequent than container services, so allow several weeks to book space, arrange packing and plan haulage to the port. Pieces needing abnormal load permits need extra time.
Yes. We arrange collection, including cranes and abnormal load haulage where needed, and deliver the cargo to the port in time for loading.