Bulk Cargo

Bulk cargo refers to goods transported in unpackaged, bulk form, typically commodities such as coal, ore, grain, fertilizer, cement, etc. Its characteristics include no fixed packaging, direct loading into ship holds or specialized bulk carriers, low transportation costs, and high efficiency. It is mostly used in trade of bulk primary products, commonly under trade terms such as FOB, CFR, CIF. Precautions: clarify loading/unloading responsibilities, trimming fees, demurrage/despatch; cargo is susceptible to moisture and contamination, so attention must be paid to hold cleanliness and segregation; measurement is based on weight or volume, requiring third-party inspection. The difference from break bulk is that break bulk is packaged or unitized, while bulk cargo is unpackaged; compared to containerized cargo, bulk cargo is not suitable for small-lot, high-value goods. Foreign trade practitioners should pay attention to charter party terms, loading/unloading rates, cargo characteristics, and insurance arrangements.