Automotive Shipping

With our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Höegh Autoliners has established a leading
position in the automotive transport industry.

brakbulk cargo

Breakbulk Transportation

At Höegh Autoliners, we are committed to providing exceptional services for the transportation of various types of cargo, including Breakbulk, and other out-of-gauge shipments. To cater to the unique requirements of such cargo, we rely on our modern and specialized rolltrailers. These innovative rolltrailers have been specifically designed to facilitate the smooth and secure transportation of heavy and/or lengthy goods.

Our extensive rolltrailer fleet incorporates a wide range of cargo-carrying equipment, ensuring that we can accommodate diverse cargo sizes. With options ranging from 20 to 80 feet in length and a remarkable capacity of up to 160 metric tons, we have the flexibility to handle your cargo with precision and efficiency. Whether you have bulky machinery, oversized equipment, or long industrial components, our rolltrailers are equipped to handle the challenge.

To transport higher breakbulk and project cargo, we designed a new Superlow rolltrailer.

  • 32 feet long (9.8m)
  • 2.8m wide
  • 0.47m high
  • 75MT payload

At Höegh Autoliners, we prioritize safety and reliability. Therefore, our rolltrailers undergo regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they always meet our high standards. Our commitment to ensuring safety is shown at every step of the transportation process, from loading to unloading, allowing you to have peace of mind knowing that your cargo is in capable hands.

Furthermore, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. We continuously invest in the development and enhancement of our specialized equipment fleet to keep up with evolving cargo requirements. By leveraging the latest technological innovations and industry best practices, we provide the most efficient and secure transportation solutions for your out-of-gauge cargo.

When you choose Höegh Autoliners, you can trust that our experienced team and advanced rolltrailers will deliver your cargo safely, reliably, and on time. We are here to support your unique transportation needs and ensure a seamless experience throughout the entire journey.

Brakbulk cargo

Experienced personnel

Our cargo handling personnel are experienced professionals who ensure the safest and most cost-efficient transportation for your high, heavy, and out-of-gauge breakbulk cargo, regardless of its shape or form. To ensure that your cargo is transported safely without damage, we have developed procedures and best practices that include a comprehensive cargo quality programme. In addition, we have systems in place that enable us to continually improve our operations to provide the best possible service to our customers at all times.

Breakbulk cargo

Vessels optimal for Breakbulk

Our fleet is flexible and modern. In 2015, we began taking delivery of the first vessel in a series of six New Horizon designs. These new vessels are optimal for loading high, heavy, and breakbulk cargo, with a ramp capacity of 375 tons, a 6.5-meter door height, and five out of fourteen liftable decks. You can learn more about the New Horizon vessel on our website.

What is breakbulk shipping and how does it work?

 

Breakbulk (also known as break bulk or break bulk cargo) is an ocean shipping method used to transport goods that don’t fit in standard-size shipping containers or cargo bins.

Instead of using containers, breakbulk cargo is loaded onto a vessel individually, piece by piece, or sometimes in smaller units such as crates, barrels, pallets, or bags. This type of cargo is typically too large, heavy, irregularly shaped, or fragile to be loaded and transported in standard containers.

What is an example of break bulk cargo?

Examples of breakbulk goods/cargo include including:

  • construction machinery and equipment,
  • agricultural and farming machinery
  • vehicles,
  • steel,
  • lumber,
  • power equipment
  • trucks, buses and trailers
  • trains and trams,
  • boats and yachts,
  • mining equipment,
  • and other oversized or irregularly shaped items.

How is break bulk cargo shipped?

Break bulk cargo, which includes large and out-of-gauge items, such as heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles, boats and other project cargo, is shipped piece by piece in a specialized RoRo vessel.

The cargo may be loaded onto crates, pallets, cradles, drums, rubber mats or other suitable packaging and rolled onto and off the vessel with the help of purpose-built rolltrailers. During transportation, the items are secured to the deck using designated lashing points.

Each break bulk cargo shipment is unique and comes with its own challenges. Therefore, all break bulk cargo must be approved by Höegh Autoliners’ Cargo Handling Team prior to booking, so we can ensure the safest methods are used for handling and transportation.

How to book breakbulk cargo?

To book break bulk cargo for shipment with Höegh Autoliners, you can request a quote by filling in our freight inquiry form.

 

You will need to provide detailed information about your shipment, including:

  • Type of cargo;
  • Loading and discharge ports;
  • Your personal / company details;
  • Cargo measurements, such as quantity, length, width, height, weight (visit our Cargo Measuring Standard for guidance).

Please make sure all information is accurate, as any incorrect details may result in your cargo being refused at any point of transhipment.

 

Once submitted, our team will come back to you with a tailored quote as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that your quote is valid for 30 days from issuance, unless stated otherwise.

 

After accepting the quote, you may proceed with your booking. You will be asked to provide drawings and / or photos of the cargo, an explanation of lashing points and how the cargo will be secured and, if applicable, the location of the center of gravity.

What is Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) car shipping?

Roll-on/Roll-off car shipping is an ocean freight method where the vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized vessel via ramps at the port of departure and then driven off at its destination port. This process eliminates the need for crane lifting, significantly speeding up port operations and reducing costs.

The RoRo vessels are designed like mobile parking platforms, where vehicles are stowed underdeck using dedicated lashing points, keeping them safely in place during transportation and away from environmental elements like seawater or rain.

 

Roll-on/Roll-off car shipping is most commonly used by car manufacturers, however, individuals may also use it to move their personal vehicles abroad.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle?

Non-running or towable vehicles may only be accepted for shipping if brand new and when requested by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The reason for non-running must be clearly stated on the unit.

Additionally, the vehicle must meet specific cargo acceptance requirements, including:

  • Accessible cargo compartments;
  • Adequate lashing points;
  • Operative steering, brakes and transmission;
  • Inflated tires;
  • A maximum of ¼ full fuel tank or the agreed State of Charge for electric vehicles;
  • Fully intact car body;
  • Presented in a clean condition, according to HA policy.
  • For more information, please refer to our cargo acceptance guidelines.

What is break bulk vs. container shipping?

Break bulk and container shipping are two different methods of transporting goods by sea, each with its own characteristics and advantages.

Breakbulk shipping, or conventional shipping, is the traditional method of shipping goods by loading them individually onto a vessel. In breakbulk shipping, cargo is not placed in standardized containers. Instead, it is loaded onto pallets, crates, drums, or other suitable packaging and then loaded onto the ship one piece at a time. This method is commonly used for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit into standard shipping containers.

Break bulk cargo includes machinery, heavy equipment, vehicles, steel coils, timber, and other project cargo. Break bulk shipping can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive than container shipping, as each piece of cargo must be handled individually.

Container shipping is a modern and highly efficient method of transporting goods using standardized containers. Standard shipping containers come in various sizes, with the most common being 20-foot and 40-foot containers. These containers are designed to fit onto container ships, trucks, and trains, allowing for easy intermodal transportation.

Goods are loaded into these containers at the point of origin and sealed. The sealed containers are then loaded onto container ships. Containerization offers several advantages, including faster loading and unloading times, reduced risk of damage or theft, and improved cargo security. Container shipping is well-suited for a wide range of cargo types, including manufactured goods, consumer products, electronics, and even some perishable goods.

It is a more cost-effective and efficient method for transporting large volumes of goods over long distances, contributing to globalization and the growth of international trade.

Can I track my breakbulk shipment?

Yes, you may track your breakbulk shipment by visiting the My Cargo page and filling in your cargo details (you will need your booking number, B/L or VIN number for this).

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns about your shipment.

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