At RTM LINES, we help our clients evaluate the advantages and disadvantages as well as any additional financial and time implications that may arise when shipping break bulk in containers.

• The newly-designed containers, including ones where the tops (containers) lift off the platform (container floor) for loading, offer yet another option for shipping cargo.  However, by its nature, break bulk cargo can be high or heavy or abnormally-sized. This cargo is generally longer, wider, higher, or heavier than what many containers can accommodate. In most cases, we advise against dismantling cargo to fit it into a container. These extra and unnecessary steps have the potential to damage or compromise the integrity of the cargo and create even more costs.

• Traditionally, break bulk, once suitably packaged for shipping, is delivered to a port and loaded on a ship with the aid of a forklift or crane.  Whereas, shipping ocean break bulk in containers, regardless of how the containers open for loading, potentially adds additional steps and fees to the process.  These may include:  container rental, delivery of the container to a loading dock, costs of personnel and equipment to load the container, packing materials to secure the cargo inside the container and then, finally, delivery of the container/cargo to the port, along with the costs for any equipment needed to load the container on the ship.

• Clients ask us about the benefits of using a container to protect cargo from weather or other elements. Sometimes this level of protection may be warranted, as when shipping rare antique sports cars or high tech equipment. However, in most cases, a ship’s breakbulk hatch, hold or rolling stock high and low decks sufficiently protect virtually all cargo from weather or other elements.

Call 800.847.7447 or email  info@bellavistudio.com today for personalized advice and situation specific options to solve your trans-ocean shipping challenges.

BREAK BULK – PROJECT CARGO – ROLLING STOCK –  FCL

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Proper lashing is critically important to help ensure the integrity of oversized cargo during ocean transit. The following is a true story from just a couple of weeks ago when RTM Lines once again saved a customer from the implications of oversized cargo being damaged at sea.

The problem with this shipment started when our client’s cargo of pipes was delivered to the port with improper lashing (see image 1). It was evident to RTM that the cargo was insufficiently secured for a trans-ocean shipment.  We immediately stopped the loading and contacted our customer to alert them to the hazards and liabilities this could cause.

Upon explaining the risks from insufficient and improper lashing as well as the lack of pallets for this break bulk ocean shipment, we learned that our customer succumbed to cost control pressures when they chose the less expensive vendor who delivered inferior services.  This could have exposed our client to open-ended financial implications resulting from damage to: their cargo, other cargo, the ship and ship personnel.

Our client panicked because the heavy cargo needed to make this particular sailing due to letter of credit issues. They had no resources on whom to call to help rectify the situation. So the shipper relied on RTM Lines to come up with a solution and fast.

With 40+ years of combined experience in the ocean shipping industry, RTM has learned to anticipate and prepare for any issues that may arise.  We contacted one of our resources who sent an emergency crew to the port to properly secure this break bulk cargo in time for loading and sailing (see image 2).

Again, RTM Lines provided such a high level of personalized service before the sail that the cargo was delivered to the destination port safely, on time and on budget. That is how RTM Lines takes care of our client shippers.

Every day our global customers entrust us with complex and expensive OOG cargo. The accompanying documentation may declare a specific commercial value for each unit of cargo in the shipment, but we consider the trust our clients place in us to ship their cargo to be priceless.

 Do you have a complex ocean shipment that needs expert attention? Let RTM Lines find the most expeditious, cost-efficient trans-ocean shipping solution for you. Contact RTM now for advice or a quote on any ocean shipments either by visiting our website at www.rtmlines.com or calling us at 203-750-8890.

Johnna Freud — RTM Lines

February, 2017