break bulk

[ breyk buhlk ]

adjective

, Transportation.

1. of or relating to general cargo, usually manufactured goods, that is marked for individual consignees and has to be loaded and unloaded piece by piece at each point of transfer: Compare bulk cargo.

   Despite the dominance of container shipping, these companies continue to specialize in break bulk cargo, especially in the transport of large vehicles and agricultural equipment, which often need to be broken down into smaller components.

2. of or relating to the small, conventional cargo ships designed to hold general cargo: Compare container ship.

   We are confident that the future of break bulk vessels is safe, with no chance of their becoming redundant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of break bulk¹

First recorded in 1615–25; break ( def 10 ) + bulk ¹( def 16 )

Example Sentences

I warrant we will not break bulk, since sic is your bidding.

From Project Gutenberg

No vessel was allowed to make entry or break bulk until letters brought by it had been handed over to the Post Office.

From Project Gutenberg

I am sure it is rara avis, for if you once "break bulk," as they phrase it, you are in again for all.

From Project Gutenberg

They would not break bulk till they got to their journey's end.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clear out
• discharge
• disgorge
• dump
• get rid of
• jettison
• off-load
• remove
• unpack