Break Bulk Cargo from China to Europe | Reliable Sea Freight to the EU & Switzerland | TLS-Cargo.

The international industrial sector relies more than ever on reliable transport solutions that go far beyond standard container shipping. An increasing number of companies from mechanical engineering, plant construction, steel production, energy and infrastructure projects require specialized sea freight solutions to safely transport oversized, heavy or unpackaged machinery and components from China to Europe and Switzerland.

Break bulk cargo is the key transport method when standard containers reach their limits. As an experienced Swiss freight forwarder, TLS-Cargo GmbH delivers comprehensive break bulk sea freight solutions—precisely planned, technically secured and fully aligned with the complex requirements of modern industries.

We organize end-to-end door-to-door break bulk transports from all major Chinese ports to Europe and Switzerland (including Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne and Geneva). Our focus is on safety, efficiency, schedule reliability and seamless integration into your existing supply chain.

What Is Break Bulk Cargo—and Why Is It Essential for Many Industries?

Break bulk cargo is the transport solution for goods that are:

• too large
• too heavy
• too long
• too complex
• or too sensitive
• to be shipped in standard containers.

Typical Break Bulk Cargo from China

• Industrial machinery and production lines
• Turbines, generators and transformers
• Construction and infrastructure elements
• Steel components and pipes
• Oversized machine parts
• Heavy modules for energy or chemical projects
• Project cargo for large construction sites

These goods require special handling techniques, professional securing and individualized transport planning—this is where our expertise excels.

Our Break Bulk Sea Freight Services from China to Europe
We provide comprehensive, technically precise break bulk sea freight solutions.

1. Operations at All Major Chinese Ports
We operate at: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Ningbo, Tianjin, Xiamen, Guangzhou/Nansha and Hong Kong.

Services include:

• Crane capacity up to 300+ tons
• Heavy-lift handling
• Technical surveying and pre-planning
• Professional packaging (export crates, steel frames, weatherproof loadings)
• Lashing and securing in accordance with IMO and ISM standards
• Coordination of all port processes
• China export customs clearance

2. Sea Transport – Break Bulk Vessels & Heavy-Lift Carriers
We select the optimal route and vessel type, such as:

• Break bulk vessels
• Multi-purpose vessels
• Heavy-lift carriers
• Ro-Ro vessels (for rollable large modules)

We consider:

• Route availability
• Weather and sea conditions
• Technical requirements
• Cargo weight and dimensions
• Safety regulations
• Stowage planning

3. Arrival in Strategic European Ports
For break bulk cargo from China to Europe, we primarily use:

• Antwerp (Europe’s largest break bulk terminal)
• Rotterdam
• Hamburg
• Bremerhaven
• Genoa / La Spezia

At destination, we coordinate:

• Heavy-lift discharge
• Terminal handling
• Import customs clearance
• Interim storage
• Onward transport to Switzerland or within the EU

4. Onward Transport to Switzerland – Reliable, Safe and Efficient
We deliver break bulk cargo to Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Geneva and all other Swiss regions using specialized equipment:

• Low-bed trailers
• Semi-low loaders
• Jumbo or mega trailers
• Modular heavy transport systems (SPMTs)

Additionally, we handle:

• Permits for oversized/overweight cargo
• Coordination with authorities
• Route surveys and planning
• Project-accompanied transports

Why Choose Us for Break Bulk Cargo from China?-

• Technically sound project planning: Detailed analysis of weight, dimensions, center of gravity, materials and handling requirements.
• Proven experience with complex industrial cargo: Energy systems, special machinery and steel modules—cargo that does not fit into containers.
• Secure port logistics in China and Europe: Cooperation exclusively with certified heavy-lift terminals and audited partners.
• True door-to-door execution: From the factory floor in China to Zurich, Bern or directly to your project site.

Industries That Benefit Most from Break Bulk Sea Freight

• Mechanical and plant engineering
• Chemical and energy sectors
• Steel and metal industries
• Infrastructure and construction companies
• Automotive and heavy industry
• Production plants and technical modules
• Large-scale project deliveries (project cargo)

Break bulk cargo enables safe, efficient and reliable transport for industrial goods that are unsuitable for containerization.

Transit Times – Sea Freight China → EU → Switzerland

Indicative transit times by origin:

• Northern China → EU: 32–40 days
• Eastern China → EU: 28–35 days
• Southern China → EU: 28–38 days

(Actual times may vary depending on vessel type and routing.)

Door-to-Door Break Bulk Logistics from China

Our process includes:

• Pickup at the manufacturer in China
• Technical loading and stowage planning
• Heavy-lift handling at the Chinese port
• Export customs clearance
• Break bulk sea transport to Europe
• Discharge at the European port
• Import customs clearance
• Onward transport to Switzerland
• Final delivery to Zurich, Bern or a project site

Every step is documented, traceable and fully compliant.

Request a Break Bulk Sea Freight Quote
We prepare individual, technically robust quotations for break bulk sea freight from China to Europe and Switzerland—including project planning, safety assessment and complete door-to-door coordination.