Intermodal Dry Cargo CNTR/CSC Reinspection Certifier Practice Test 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The primary method of shipping goods before containerization was indeed the break-bulk method of transport. This approach involved transporting individual pieces of cargo that had to be manually loaded and unloaded. Each item would typically require separate handling, making the process labor-intensive and less efficient than containerized shipping.

Break-bulk shipping meant that goods could be a variety of shapes and sizes and needed to be stowed and secured in the hold of a vessel according to their type and handling requirements, often leading to increased risk of damage and delays. As containerization emerged, it revolutionized the shipping industry by allowing goods to be transported in large, standardized containers, significantly improving efficiency, reducing handling times, and minimizing cargo loss and damage.

The other options represent different aspects of shipping and logistics, but they do not specifically describe the predominant method used prior to the introduction of containerization. Intermodal transport refers to the use of more than one mode of transport for cargo, standardized shipping implies the use of set sizes for shipping, and bulk cargo handling pertains to transporting unpackaged goods but does not encompass the diverse capacities of break-bulk shipping.