DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BULK AND BREAK BULK

The core difference between bulk cargo and break bulk cargo stems from how the items are stored. While the terms are often used interchangeably within the industry, there are differences between them.

Break bulk cargo

This form of cargo is placed into small packages; whether that be drums, pallets, bags, crates, or any other slight container. When ships store this kind of cargo, they are often referred to as break bulk vessels and will be equipped to lift, transport, and unload these smaller packages.

Bulk cargo

This form of cargo is any loose form of storage. Instead of being separated into individual packages like with break bulk cargo, these products will be loaded directly onto the ship. Most commonly, bulk cargo is for minerals like coal or iron ore, or large amounts of farming produce, like grain.

Across these two categories of cargo, the only difference is their storage condition.