Dry Bulk Shipping or Dry Container Shipping? Which One to Choose.

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Dry Bulk Shipping or Dry Container Shipping? Which One to Choose.

18/11/2024

Updated: 21/08/2025

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Dry bulk shipping involves transporting unpackaged goods whereas dry container shipping uses standardized steel containers for a variety of cargo types.
  • In dry bulk shipping the commodity is loaded directly into the hold of the ship, whereas container shipping involves preloaded containers being loaded onto the vessel.
  • Bulk shipping is more suitable for transporting large volumes of loose uniform commodities and may have stricter regulations due to environmental risks.

 

Dry cargo shipping is one of the most common forms of shipping solutions and one of the most popular with MSC customers. It covers a wide range of commodities — from non-perishable food and beverages to industrial raw materials. Depending on the type of cargo and how it is packaged, dry commodities may be moved either as a dry bulk shipment or in a container shipment, with each method offering different advantages.

What is dry bulk shipping?
Everything You Need to Know

Dry bulk shipping refers mostly to the shipment of unpackaged goods that are destined to be used in the global manufacturing and production process. Examples of dry bulk commodities include grain, metal, and energy materials.

Dry bulk carriers are specialised vessels designed to transport these goods in their holds, with hatches to keep cargo separated and protected. Unlike container ships, bulk carriers typically handle a single type of cargo exclusively.

Due to the unpackaged nature of the goods being transported, dry bulk is measured in metric tons (MT) or cubic meters depending on density.  

Things to consider with dry bulk shipping

Because of the impact that an in-transportation accident can have on the environment, dry bulk cargo transportation is highly regulated by the industry. As dry bulk cargo is loose, any spills during the voyage mean the cargo is more likely to go directly into the ocean. Not only does this make the cargo extremely difficult to clean up, but also puts both people and wildlife in danger.

Types of dry bulk commodities

The dry bulk shipping industry is founded on the international transportation of various dry bulk commodities. These commodities are broadly divided into major bulks and minor bulks, with major bulks comprising nearly two-thirds of global dry bulk trade. Understanding these categories is essential for choosing the right shipping method.

 

Major bulk commodities

Major bulk commodities consist of high-demand raw materials that are shipped in enormous quantities using bulk carriers.

  • Iron ore: A primary ingredient in steel production, iron ore is one of the most transported dry bulk commodities globally, fuelling industries like construction and automotive manufacturing.
  • Coal: Widely used in energy production and steelmaking, coal is another critical major bulk item. It is transported across vast distances to meet energy and industrial needs.
  • Sand and Scrap Metal: Both commodities are critical resource for construction, often transported to meet regional demand in urban development projects.
  • Grain: Essential for global food security, grains such as wheat, corn, and soybeans are shipped in bulk from producing regions to markets worldwide.

Minor bulk commodities

Minor bulks, while smaller in scale compared to major bulks, encompass a diverse range of materials. These commodities are often shipped in smaller parcels, requiring flexible logistics solutions:

  • Steel products: Includes finished steel like bars, sheets, and coils used in construction and manufacturing.
  • Sugar: A key agricultural product moved in bulk to support food and beverage production.
  • Cement: Widely used in construction, cement shipping supports global infrastructure growth.
  • Fertilisers: Essential for agriculture, fertilisers are shipped to farming regions to enhance crop yields.
  • Metal scrap: Recycled materials used in the production of new metals, contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices.
What is the difference between bulk and container shipping?
There are several key differences between bulk and container shipping for dry goods. With dry bulk shipping, usually the entire vessel needs to be chartered due to the nature of the cargo. With container shipping, it is possible to secure enough space to ship the required volume for your cargo.

With bulk shipping, there are different types of chartering, so companies with frequent transportation requirements will often opt for long-term chartering solutions. As there are no dedicated vessels for individual bulk shipping commodities, the vessels must be cleaned with utmost care to prevent the contamination of cargo from one shipment to another.

There is also a difference when it comes to loading and unloading dry cargo. With container shipping, customers can take ownership of the container at their warehouse where they can fill it and arrange for the container to be picked up and delivered to the port for loading. Conversely, with bulk shipping, loading happens directly in the port where the commodity is loaded directly from a truck, or via a conveyor belt.

Similarly, container shipments can be directly loaded from the port onto waiting truck beds or railroad wagons. They can also be stored in the port until they are picked up. Bulk shipments however need to be unloaded from the ship and then reloaded onto a different mode of transportation.
What are the advantages of container shipping?

Container shipping offers several key benefits that make it a popular choice for transporting goods worldwide:

• Flexibility in the type of cargo shipped.
• Better safety and security of cargo due to locking mechanisms on containers.
• Faster transportation times for cargo.
• Easier tracking and better overall supply chain management.
• Better economies of scale equalling greater cost efficiency.

Ask MSC

Either you’re shipping coal or cars, for a dry shipping solution take a closer look at MSC’s container shipping services. Whether you need reefer containers for perishable commodities, or careful handling for rare or precious cargo, our dedicated teams are on hand to ensure the transportation process is as stress free as possible for you. We’re continually looking to improve the services and solutions we offer and to deliver personalised services to meet the needs of each customer.

Contact us today to explore how MSC’s full range of shipping and transportation solutions could be beneficial for your business.

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FAQs

What is the main difference between dry bulk and dry container shipping?

Dry bulk shipping involves transporting unpackaged, homogeneous materials (e.g. grain, coal, ore) directly in a vessel’s hold, while dry container shipping uses ISO-standard steel containers to carry packaged or palletized goods, facilitating multimodal handling.

Which types of cargo are typically shipped as dry bulk? 

Major dry bulk commodities include:

  • Coal
  • Grain
  • Iron ore

Minor commodities which can be shipping as dry bulk goods include:

  • Sugar
  • Cement
  • Steel products

When is dry container shipping a better choice?

Dry container shipping may be a better option when:

  • Your cargo needs extra protection or to be packaged securely.
  • Multimodal transport is needed.
  • Your cargo type varies or includes high-value items.
  • End-to-end tracking is required.
  • Faster handling and loading/unloading.
  • Reduced risk of contamination.