break-of-bulk point

The point at which a cargo is unloaded and broken up into smaller units prior to delivery, minimizing transport costs. This frequently happens at waterfront sites where imports are often processed to cut costs. In consequence, processing industries are common at many break-of-bulk points, such as oil refining at tanker terminals like Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, UK. Costs are incurred through goods being transferred from one mode of transport to another at break-of-bulk points.