Breakbulk Booking Enters the “Customization Era”: What Every Shipper Should Know

I. Industry Update: Global Breakbulk Demand Keeps Rising

As global trade continues to recover, demand for non-containerized cargo shipping—including steel structures, machinery, engineering equipment, and wind power components—has grown steadily.

According to the China Transportation Association, China’s breakbulk exports increased 12.4% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025.
Shipments bound for the United States, Latin America, and the Middle East grew by more than 18%, driven by infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

As container rates stabilize, more manufacturers and traders are switching to breakbulk or general cargo vessels to gain flexibility and cost advantages.

However, booking breakbulk cargo is far more complex than container shipping.
Each shipment must be customized, requiring accurate data, experienced coordination, and solid risk control.

II. The Key Differences Between Container and Breakbulk Shipping

Industry data shows average demurrage for breakbulk cargo ranges from USD 8,000 to 15,000 per day.
Even a one- or two-day delay in loading or discharging can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in extra cost.

III. Why Professional Freight Forwarders Matter More Than Ever

In breakbulk shipping, a freight forwarder is not just a booking agent—they are a project coordinator and risk manager.

A capable forwarder should handle:

Rate comparison and vessel coordination among multiple shipowners

Port and terminal arrangements, including yard, crane, and lashing plans

Contract review – ensuring laytime, demurrage, and dispatch terms are clear

On-site supervision – attending loading and verifying the Mate’s Receipt

B/L verification – ensuring consistency with actual loading data

Without experienced handling, shippers face higher risks of vessel refusal, port delay, or costly disputes.

IV. Five Key Recommendations for Shippers

✅ 1. Provide accurate cargo data
Exact dimensions, weight, center of gravity, and packaging type are essential to avoid rejections or surcharges.

✅ 2. Understand laytime and demurrage terms
Know your free time for loading/unloading and potential penalties or rewards.

✅ 3. Emphasize lashing and securing
Ensure heavy or oversized cargo has a clear securing plan, and responsibilities are defined in the contract.

✅ 4. Always insure your cargo
Breakbulk shipments face higher risks of shortage, moisture, rust, or damage.

✅ 5. Work with an experienced breakbulk forwarder
A forwarder with solid relationships with multiple carriers and U.S. ports can provide faster, safer, and more cost-effective end-to-end solutions.

V. How Pasi International Logistics Supports You

At Pasi International Logistics, we specialize in breakbulk and project cargo between China and the United States, offering fully managed, tailor-made logistics solutions.

Our capabilities include:

1）Main Shipping Lines: Matson, ZIM, COSCO, Yantian Express, and more
2）Cargo Types: Industrial machinery, steel structures, vehicles, wind power equipment, and project cargo
3） Professional Services: Customs clearance, terminal coordination, loading supervision, and B/L verification
4）Value-Added Solutions: U.S. deconsolidation, warehousing, transshipment, and FBA delivery

Whether you’re shipping breakbulk cargo for the first time or looking for a more reliable partner,
Pasi International Logistics offers end-to-end visibility, compliance, and cost efficiency you can trust.

Conclusion

Breakbulk shipping is not a standard process — it’s a customized, expertise-driven service.
In today’s volatile market, choosing a logistics partner who understands vessel operations, port coordination, and risk control
is the key to ensuring your cargo moves safely, efficiently, and profitably.