Maritime transport is one of the important pillars of global logistics, and bulk cargo transportation, as an important branch of it, is suitable for a variety of cargo types and transportation needs. This article will introduce the characteristics of bulk cargo transportation from China in detail.
What is Bulk Cargo Shipping
Maritime cargo transportation refers to the transportation of non-containerized goods of various shapes and sizes by ship. These goods are usually well-packaged commodities that can be transported by conventional loading and unloading equipment. It is suitable for a variety of goods, and the following are the general types of transportation
- Machinery and equipment: such as construction machinery and equipment, large machinery and equipment, boilers, distillers, presses, dryers, etc.
- Various materials: such as coiled steel, steel plates, seamless steel pipes, wire rods, rebar, profiled materials, oil pipelines, wood, etc.
- Vehicles and ships: such as yachts, sailboats, barges, semi-trailers, cement trucks, low-platform trucks, excavators, bulldozers, pavers, rollers, engineering vehicles, buses, cars, off-road vehicles, trailers, container trucks, automatic unloading trucks, cranes, large tank trucks, liquid transport trucks, cleaning trucks, sprinkler trucks, etc.
- Raw materials: such as coal, cement, crude oil, grain, sand and gravel, etc.
Characteristics of Bulk Cargo Shipping
High flexibility
The cargo forms of bulk cargo transportation are diverse and not limited to standardized packaging. The transportation plan can be customized according to the type of cargo.
Diversified loading and unloading methods
Depending on the nature of the cargo, a variety of loading and unloading equipment such as cranes and forklifts can be used.
High overall transportation efficiency
Although the loading and unloading speed is not as fast as container transportation, its flexibility gives it an advantage in the transportation of special cargo.
Ability to transport oversized and overweight items
Bulk carriers and bulk carriers provide transportation solutions for large and heavy cargo that cannot be loaded into containers or boxes.
Differences between Bulk Cargo Shipping and Container Shipping
Bulk cargo transportation mainly transports unpackaged goods. There are the following differences between ships and container transportation:
| Types | Bulk Cargo Shipping | Container Shipping |
| Packaging and Shipping forms | Goods are usually transported by piece or unit | Goods need to be loaded into standardized containers |
| Applicable cargo | Applicable to irregular, large or special goods | Suitable for small and regular goods |
| Loading and unloading methods | Special loading and unloading equipment is required for different goods | Standardized lifting equipment, fast and efficient loading and unloading. |
| Shipping cost | The Shipping cost per ton is slightly higher. | The transportation cost of large quantities of goods is relatively low. |
Detailed Steps for Bulk Cargo Shipping
Order acceptance and planning
The customer confirms the type, quantity and destination of the goods. The freight forwarding company selects the appropriate transportation plan and ship type according to the characteristics of the goods.
Packing and sorting
Professional packaging is carried out according to the needs of the goods to ensure that the goods are not damaged during transportation. Sort the goods according to categories and loading and unloading requirements.
Special requirements in Shipping
- Moisture-proof measures: For grain goods, moisture-proof devices are required to prevent the goods from getting wet.
- Ventilation requirements: For coal or fertilizers, good ventilation is required to prevent chemical reactions
Transportation and loading and unloading
Use cranes, forklifts or other equipment to load the goods onto the ship. After unloading at the destination port, complete customs clearance and delivery.
Unloading and delivery
At the unloading port, unload the goods from the ship and carry out necessary inspection and delivery procedures.
Bulk Carrier Shipping Terms
Bulk cargo ship shipping terms refer to the agreement and conditions reached between the shipowner and the cargo owner on the transportation of cargo in the sea transportation of general cargo. The following are some common bulk cargo ship shipping terms:
- FLT (Full Liner Terms): Liner terms, the shipowner is responsible for loading and unloading, and is responsible for paying loading and unloading fees. This term is applicable to various equipment cargoes, engineering vehicles, and a few steel structures.
- LIFO (Liner in Free Out): It means loading but not unloading. The shipowner is responsible for loading and loading fees at the loading port, and is only responsible for delivering the cargo in the hold at the unloading port. The unloading fee is borne by the cargo owner. This term is applicable to ton bag cargo and most steel cargo.
- FILO (Free in Liner Out): It means loading but not unloading. The shipowner is only responsible for receiving the cargo in the hold at the loading port, and is responsible for unloading and unloading fees at the unloading port. This term is also applicable to ton bag cargo and most steel cargo.
Learn more: The 11 Common International Trade Terms
Through the understanding of bulk cargo transportation in this article, you can make the best choice based on the characteristics of the goods and transportation needs, and make reasonable plans to achieve efficient logistics.
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