What is a container freight station (CFS)?

A CFS is a facility where less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo is consolidated and de-consolidated. Goods from several shippers are packed into one container for export, or an import container is unpacked and the individual consignments separated for delivery.

What does break bulk mean?

Break bulk is cargo handled as individual pieces rather than inside a sealed container — for example oversized machinery, structural steel or project freight. It is loaded and unloaded item by item and often needs specialised lifting equipment.

Can you consolidate freight from multiple suppliers?

Yes. Our CFS consolidates LCL freight from multiple shippers into a single container for export, and de-consolidates inbound containers for distribution to each consignee. Talk to us about your consignment and we will advise the best approach.

Service

Container Freight Station (CFS) & Break Bulk

Pack, unpack and consolidate at our container freight station — plus break-bulk handling for oversized and out-of-gauge cargo.

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A container freight station (CFS) is where less-than-container-load freight is consolidated and de-consolidated — the place cargo from multiple shippers is packed into one container, or where an arriving container is unpacked and split out to its various consignees. Arrow's CFS handling does both, cleanly and with the paperwork to match.

Break bulk is the other side of the coin: cargo that does not fit neatly into a standard container — oversized machinery, project freight, out-of-gauge units — handled piece by piece rather than as a sealed box. It needs the right equipment and people who have moved awkward freight before.

Bringing CFS and break bulk together with our cartage and warehousing means complex consignments stay with one provider from the wharf through to delivery, instead of being passed between specialists at every step.

What we offer

The capabilities that make up this service.

Container pack & unpack

Professional packing and unpacking at our CFS, with goods checked, tallied and documented as they are handled.

Consolidation & de-consolidation

Combine multiple shippers' freight into a single container, or split an arriving container out to its consignees.

Break-bulk handling

Handling for oversized, project and out-of-gauge cargo that cannot travel as standard containerised freight.

Onward cartage & storage

Tie CFS work to our transport and warehousing so consignments move straight through rather than waiting on the next provider.

Frequently asked questions

What is a container freight station (CFS)?: A CFS is a facility where less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo is consolidated and de-consolidated. Goods from several shippers are packed into one container for export, or an import container is unpacked and the individual consignments separated for delivery.
What does break bulk mean?: Break bulk is cargo handled as individual pieces rather than inside a sealed container — for example oversized machinery, structural steel or project freight. It is loaded and unloaded item by item and often needs specialised lifting equipment.
Can you consolidate freight from multiple suppliers?: Yes. Our CFS consolidates LCL freight from multiple shippers into a single container for export, and de-consolidates inbound containers for distribution to each consignee. Talk to us about your consignment and we will advise the best approach.

Related services

Often paired with cfs & break bulk.

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