Of cargo: heterogeneous in size, shape, and handling requirements; neither bulk nor containerized.
Break-bulk cargo is characterized by its multiplicity and diversity. […] In break-bulk service, a cargo ship might carry barrels of cooking oil, ... cartons..., bales ..., bags ..., and so on.2006, Brian J. Cudahy, Box Boats: How Container Ships Changed the World, page 9:
break-bulk
noun
1
A ship that carries cargo in miscellaneous small containers.
break bulk
verb
1
To remove one or more items from the packaging, container, vehicle, or vessel in which shipped with other items.
a plan is under advisement for the extension of the present newly installed method by the utilization of breaking bulk at a transfer, transferring the freight to containers which will be moved by special container floats to a centrally located pier and then by trucks to destination or to inland stations.1922, “Erie Adopts Direct Freight Delivery at New York: Plan Involves Breaking Bulk at Jersey City, N. J., and Use of Auto Trucks, Tractors and Trailers and Ferries”, in Railway age, volume 72: