Service
Break bulk
Break Bulk
Horizon Break Bulk provides reliable and efficient break bulk shipping for cargo that cannot travel in a standard container because of its size, weight or dimensions.
Our experienced team handles machinery, industrial equipment, vehicles, construction plant, steel products, timber, project cargo and other heavy-lift consignments. We use customised packing and securing methods — crates, pallets, barrels and drums — to protect cargo throughout the journey.
Equipped with modern lifting equipment and supported by experienced logistics professionals, we provide seamless cargo handling, loading, unloading and port operations. Break bulk is also a practical answer for ports where container handling facilities are limited, and our end-to-end coordination keeps the shipment compliant with international shipping standards.
Break bulk cargo we move
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Construction plant and vehicles
- Steel products, plates and coils
- Timber and sawn goods
- Generators, tanks and vessels
- Heavy-lift and out-of-gauge consignments
- Crated, palletised, barrelled and drummed cargo
- Cargo for ports without container facilities
Lift planning
Weights, lift points and gear checked before the cargo reaches the quay, not after.
Protective packing
Crating, blocking, bracing and lashing specified for the voyage and the handling ports.
Survey and compliance
Condition surveys and documentation that satisfy underwriters and port authorities.
One coordinator
Loading, sea leg, discharge and inland move managed by the same person throughout.
Common questions
How do I know if my cargo must go break bulk?
If a single piece exceeds roughly 2.3m wide, 2.3m high or 12m long, or is too heavy for a flat rack, it is a break bulk or out-of-gauge move. Send dimensions and weight per piece and we will confirm.
Is break bulk more expensive than containers?
Per tonne it can be, but for cargo that would otherwise need dismantling, special equipment or multiple flat racks it is often cheaper overall — and it is sometimes the only option at the destination port.
Keep going
Services that usually travel with this one
Procurement Logistics
Sourcing, supplier coordination and inbound supply control against your production plan.
Read moreMultimodal Transport
One contract, one document across sea, air, rail and road legs.
Read moreProject Cargo
Route studies, heavy lift and multimodal execution for energy, mining and infrastructure.
Read more