Cargo that is too big or too heavy to be loaded onto a flat rack container can be loaded directly onto the vessel. These are known as Break Bulk Cargoes.

Cargo such as ships that are too large to be loaded into the hold and are not damaged by water can be directly loaded on deck. On rare occasions, cargo can be stowed directly atop the hatch covers.

Usually empty flat rack containers are stacked in the second or third tier from the top side-by-side in the hold and cargo is loaded on top of these.

One of NYK's many strong points is the long years of experience which has built up in the safe stowage of cargo such as in dispersing loads and securing. The size of holds depends on the vessel. Just as an example, when 40 foot flat rack containers are lined up in groups of four it is possible to make effective use of a 40' x 32' space.

Heavy cargo that exceeds the weight restriction on gantry cranes is handled by floating cranes. Since direct loading and direct delivery are the rule in such cases, loading and unloading are coordinated with the vessel's cargo handling schedule. Therefore it is necessary to fully coordinate matters with all concerned beforehand.