Break-bulk and Cargo Sorting Procedures at the Terminal
Learn how the process of break-bulk and sorting of air cargo at the terminal works, why delays occur, and how KAZLOGIST.KZ accelerates cargo release.
What is the Break-bulk Procedure in Air Freight
In international logistics, most air cargo arrives at the destination airport not as individual boxes, but as part of consolidated shipments. They are packed in Unit Load Devices (ULDs) or formed on air pallets under a single Master Air Waybill (MAWB). The Break-bulk procedure is the process of de-consolidating such a shipment, where the total lot is divided into individual shipments according to House Air Waybills (HAWBs). For an importer to Kazakhstan, this stage is critical: it is here that the speed of cargo transfer to the bonded warehouse and readiness for customs clearance is determined.
KAZLOGIST.KZ monitors the interaction with airport ground handling services to minimize the time goods spend in the processing zone. Efficient break-bulk helps avoid additional storage costs and accelerates business capital turnover.
Stages of Cargo Handling at the Arrival Terminal
After the aircraft lands and the ULDs are unloaded, the cargo is moved to a temporary storage warehouse (TSW) or cargo terminal. The process consists of several sequential steps:
- Reception and Initial Inspection: Terminal staff reconcile the number of arriving units (containers/pallets) with the flight manifest. The integrity of seals and the absence of external packaging damage are checked.
- De-consolidation (Break-bulk): Containers are opened, and pallets are broken down. Each cargo piece is extracted for individual processing.
- Sorting by HAWB: Cargo is distributed according to House Air Waybill numbers. At this stage, correct labeling applied by the shipper is crucial. If labeling is missing or damaged, cargo identification is delayed.
- Weighing and Dimensioning: Each piece undergoes control weighing. This data is entered into the terminal system and must match the figures in the invoice and packing list.
Risks and Bottlenecks: Where Time is Lost
The main problem during break-bulk is the discrepancy between actual data and documents. If the packing list states 10 boxes, but only 9 are unloaded, the terminal issues a discrepancy report. This blocks further customs clearance until the circumstances are clarified. KAZLOGIST.KZ specialists pre-check the document package (invoice, packing list, HS codes) before the flight departs to eliminate such delays.
The second risk factor is packaging damage during transit. If torn boxes or dents are discovered during break-bulk, a commercial act must be drawn up. Without the involvement of a logistics company representative or the recipient, this process can take an unjustifiably long time, increasing terminal handling fees.
Sorting Specifics for Special Cargo
The Break-bulk procedure for specific categories of goods requires a special approach:
- Dangerous Goods (DGR): Sorted in designated areas. The integrity of UN-packaging and the presence of the Shipper's Declaration are checked. KAZLOGIST.KZ ensures compliance with IATA rules when handling lithium batteries, reagents, and other chemicals.
- Temperature-Sensitive Cargo: Such shipments must undergo break-bulk on a priority basis. After unloading from the container, they are immediately moved to cold rooms or freezers. The estimated time spent in the open air should be minimized.
- Oversized Cargo: Requires the use of high-reach forklifts and special areas for placement. Sorting such pieces often occurs outside the main conveyor belt.
Typically, the break-bulk and sorting process takes from a few hours to one working day, depending on the airport's workload and the volume of the shipment. A clear understanding of this mechanism helps the logistics manager more accurately plan "door-to-door" delivery times.
If you need to organize air freight with full terminal support, contact KAZLOGIST.KZ specialists to calculate the cost and select the optimal route.
