Project cargo and project logistics involves transporting large, complex, or high-value equipment by land, sea, or air. These shipments require detailed planning, specialized transport methods, and strict timelines. In this article, we’ll explain what project cargo is, how the shipping process works step by step, and why Bertling is the best choice for your project freight needs.
What is project cargo?
Project cargo refers to transporting large, heavy, valuable, or complex equipment, either within a country or internationally. The cargo can come from one place or be sourced globally. These shipments require careful planning to stay on schedule, within budget, and meet stringent safety standards.
It's one of the most challenging types of transport in logistics due to strict timelines, delivery deadlines, and safety rules. Oversized items often need to travel by land, sea, and air and may require special arrangements like route surveys or police and traffic escorts.
What is project cargo in shipping?
Project cargo in shipping refers to transporting large, heavy, or oversized items by sea. These items are often moved using heavylift and multipurpose vessels, which are ships specifically designed to carry such goods. This type of cargo often supports large projects like construction, energy, or infrastructure and requires careful planning and specialized equipment.
Also read: How can air freight improve supply chain optimization?
Bertling – project cargo specialists since 1865
For over 150 years, Bertling has been at the forefront of project cargo logistics, offering tailored and reliable solutions for transporting large, heavy, and complex shipments worldwide. Specializing in industries such as construction, energy, and infrastructure, we understand the unique challenges that come with moving project cargo – we are dedicated to providing seamless logistics services.
Our expertise covers the entire process, from planning and coordination to safe handling and transportation of oversized items. By using specialized project cargo vessels and equipment, we ensure that even the most challenging shipments are delivered on time and in perfect condition.
Whether it's coordinating multiple transport modes, handling delicate cargo, or navigating difficult routes, Bertling's experienced team is committed to providing the highest level of service. With our long history and commitment to excellence, we continue to lead the way in project cargo transportation, making sure every project reaches its destination safely and efficiently.
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Step-by-step: How project cargo transportation works
Transporting large and heavy equipment across countries is no small task. It takes careful planning, technical and engineering studies, mobilizing the right equipment, and close coordination to make sure everything arrives safely and on time. Here’s a simple guide to how project cargo transportation usually works – from start to finish.
1. Start with a solid plan
Every successful shipment starts with good planning. This means taking the time to go through all the details — what needs to be shipped, where it’s going, how it will get there, and what resources are needed. Good planning helps avoid delays, extra costs, and surprises.
2. Prepare a backup plan
Even the best plans can face unexpected problems — such as bad weather, port congestion, road closures, or customs delays. That’s why it’s smart to have a backup plan (also called a contingency plan) ready, just in case something goes wrong. Being prepared helps keep the project on track.
3. Time to transport
With the plan in place, it’s time to move the cargo. Different countries have different rules for trade compliance, customs, paperwork, permits, duties and taxes. A project cargo expert makes sure everything is packed and handled correctly, routed efficiently, and delivered safely. During transport, they also keep in touch with all parties involved to ensure everything goes smoothly.
4. Learn and improve
After the cargo has been delivered, it’s important to review what went well and what could be better. By learning from each shipment, the process becomes more efficient and reliable over time.
For more insights into the broader world of international shipping, check out our article on what international shipping is.
What is the difference between project cargo and breakbulk?
The main difference between project cargo and breakbulk lies in the type and complexity of the cargo being transported:
Project Cargo
Project cargo refers to large, heavy, or oversized items that require special handling, equipment, and logistics. These are often part of a specific project, such as construction, energy, or infrastructure. The cargo can include machinery, equipment, modules, or large components, and the transportation requires customized planning, specialized vessels, technical engineering/calculation and careful execution.
Breakbulk
Breakbulk refers to general cargo too large to fit into standard shipping containers but isn't necessarily part of a specific project. It can include items like crates, barrels, and pallets of goods individually loaded onto a vessel rather than being containerized. While breakbulk cargo may require some special handling, it's generally more standard and doesn't involve the same level of complex logistics and planning as project cargo.
Read more about shipping container sizes.
Why choose Bertling for your project cargo handling?
When it comes to transporting oversized, high-value, or complex cargo, experience and precision matter. Bertling offers reliable, tailored logistics solutions for demanding project cargo shipments — no matter the size, location, or complexity. Here’s why companies around the world trust us to handle their most critical transports:
- Over 150 years of experience: With over a century of industry knowledge, we have a long-standing track record of managing complex cargo across all sectors and regions.
- Tailored solutions for complex shipments: We develop customized strategies for each project to ensure safe, efficient, and timely delivery – even under challenging conditions.
- Global network and local expertise: Our worldwide presence gives us access to the right people, resources, and local insights to support your cargo wherever it needs to go.
- End-to-end visibility and proactive management: We offer full transparency throughout the shipping process and take early action to prevent issues before they impact the timeline.
- Advanced technology and efficient systems: Our cutting-edge transport management systems help streamline operations, reduce risks, and keep your shipment on track from start to finish with clear visibility and transparency.
FAQ
Why is it called cargo?
The word cargo comes from the Latin carricare, meaning "to load onto a cart or wagon." While cargo was once transported by simple carts, today it is typically moved using much larger methods. On modern ships, cargo is often packed into large, colorful metal containers and stacked high for efficient global transport.
What is project cargo insurance?
Project cargo insurance protects equipment and materials while being transported to capital project sites. Since these projects often include many shipments from different places, the insurance helps make sure everything is covered in case something goes wrong during the transport.
Which industries move project cargo the most?
Project cargo is inherent to all capital projects and requires careful planning and transportation. The most prevalent sectors include oil and gas, wind power, mining, and construction. Other industries that commonly use project cargo are:
- Renewable energy
- Power plants
- Aerospace
- Military and defense
- Petrochemical industries
