Break bulk cargo is exposed to a wide range of risks arising from various factors, including the cargo type, dimensions, weight, and packaging method.
Because each party involved—such as the shipper, forwarder, inland transport provider, and carrier—operates within a limited segment of the transport chain, it is often difficult in practice to fully identify and control all potential risks throughout the entire journey from origin to destination. As a result, gaps in risk visibility and control frequently lead to actual incidents and accidents.
In addition, maritime transport inherently involves uncontrollable external factors, such as weather conditions. Due to these inherent limitations, even foreseeable risks cannot always be completely eliminated in advance.
However, the likelihood of safe delivery to the final destination can be significantly improved by systematically identifying and minimizing risks using the checklist below. This process provides a fundamental basis for responding effectively to unforeseen situations.
1. Break Bulk Cargo Shipment Review Checklist
① POL / POD (Port of Loading / Port of Discharge)
② Item (Cargo description)
③ Packaging type (e.g. box, skid, bare, etc.)
④ Cargo size (L × W × H in mm, including packaging)
⑤ Cargo weight (Total weight including packaging)
⑥ Lifting point information
⑦ C.O.G. (Center of Gravity) information
⑧ Cargo photographs (including photos taken prior to packaging)
⑨ Internal packaging photographs (to verify internal securing arrangements)
⑩ Requested stowage position (e.g. under-deck stowage request)
* Even if under-deck stowage is requested, carriers cannot provide a 100% guarantee in advance, as the final stowage position may change on the day of loading due to vessel stowage conditions and cargo characteristics.
⑪ Dangerous goods status
⑫ Requested shipment date (e.g. planned dispatch date, delivery deadline)
⑬ Pickup location and inland transport route (including height restrictions)
⑭ Terminal gate-in / gate-out method (inland truck or sea barge)
⑮ Allowable working load of the STS crane at loading and discharging terminals
(If exceeded, confirm the availability of floating cranes or mobile cranes)
