Holo·Cargo

Special Cargo Shipping — Reefer, Hazmat, Oversized

What is special cargo?

Special cargo is any shipment that requires equipment, handling, or documentation beyond a standard dry container. This includes temperature-controlled goods, dangerous goods (DG/hazmat), oversized or out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicles.

Holo Cargo handles all special cargo categories. Declare your cargo accurately at booking — correct classification determines the right equipment, documentation, and surcharges.

Reefer (temperature-controlled)

Refrigerated containers maintain a set temperature range throughout the ocean voyage, keeping perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive cargo within specification.

20RF — 20ft ReeferMax 27,400 kg | 28.3 CBM
40RF — 40ft ReeferMax 29,100 kg | 59.3 CBM

Key requirements:

  • Declare temperature range at booking (e.g. +2°C to +8°C, -18°C, etc.)
  • Power supply must be confirmed at all port stops
  • Reefer containers carry a premium over standard dry rates — confirm at booking
  • For cargo insurance, declare temperature sensitivity so the policy covers cold-chain failure

Dangerous goods (DG / hazmat)

Dangerous goods are classified under IMDG (sea), IATA DGR (air), or ADR (road). Each class has specific packaging, labelling, documentation, and stowage requirements.

DG surcharge applies in addition to standard freight rates. Holo's operators verify MSDS/SDS documentation and ensure correct classification before booking.

Common DG classes shipped via ocean:

  • Class 3: Flammable liquids
  • Class 8: Corrosives
  • Class 9: Miscellaneous (lithium batteries, dry ice)

Misdeclaration of dangerous goods is a serious liability. Always provide a Material Safety Data Sheet at booking.

Out-of-gauge (OOG) and oversized cargo

Cargo that exceeds standard container internal dimensions requires open-top or flat-rack equipment. OOG cargo may also need lashing, blocking, and bracing by certified riggers.

20OT — 20ft Open TopMax 28,100 kg | 32.5 CBM
40OT — 40ft Open TopMax 28,600 kg | 66.7 CBM
20FR — 20ft Flat RackMax 28,200 kg | 32.7 CBM
40FR — 40ft Flat RackMax 28,400 kg | 62.4 CBM

Provide accurate cargo dimensions (length × width × height) and weight at booking. OOG surcharges, lashing costs, and special stowage fees apply.

Breakbulk

Breakbulk cargo is shipped individually — not in a container — and loaded directly onto the vessel. It's used for cargo too large or heavy for any container type: turbines, steel coils, construction equipment, yachts.

Breakbulk requires specialised vessels, port facilities, and heavy-lift equipment. Transit times and port options are more limited than container shipping. See project cargo for complex multi-leg breakbulk moves.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

RoRo vessels carry wheeled cargo that drives on and off under its own power or via a wheeled trailer. Common cargo: cars, trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, and construction vehicles.

RoRo is typically more cost-effective than containerising a vehicle and is the standard method for automotive exports. Holo coordinates RoRo bookings on major vehicle shipping lanes.

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