There are four main types of transportation used in the world of logistics. Shipments are transported via ship, plane, truck and train and are referred to in the logistics industry as maritime/ocean, air, road and rail transport respectively. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages which you should discuss and consider with a freight broker to understand which method is best suited toyour circumstances.
Buyers and customers are not ready to give you time for your shipments, they want their goods to reach them as quickly as possible. Therefore, choosing the right type or right mix of logistics transportation can be a key success factor for your business. Choosing the correct method would ensure that your goods are safe till they reach your customer and that your customer at the other end is happy to receive them fast and in good condition. MF Freight has a wide range of freight transportation solutions to suit your individual need.
Road transportation: there are fewer restrictions on road transportation even for goods such as hazardous material when compared to other transportation modes. While shipping your goods via road can also be less costly compared to air and ocean transportation it is also the most accessible to companies as many would have easier access to highways than wharves, railroads and airports. Road freight has a significant advantage over other modes for final-mile delivery to customers’ doors. On the cons, road freight can be slower than rail or air and have limitations on size and weight.
Sea transportation:ocean transport accounts for the vast majority of the world’s trade. It is the best way to transport significantly heavier loads at a fraction of the cost compared to air transport.It is the preferred method for country-to-country shipments like agriculture products, heavy building materials and any other goods that cannot be shipped by plane. The biggest drawback is that ocean freight takes much longer than other modes of transportation, and is not the best suited to businesses that rely on fast delivery.
Air transportation: air freight has many advantages, the most significant being speed. It is the go-to for moving smaller shipments quickly over long distances because of the number of airports connecting most major cities around the world. While it is fast, it is also a safe way to transport goods due to little interference en route to the destination. However, it is one of the most expensive methods of freight and has several restrictions like size, type of material (hazardous goods) and weight that add to the disadvantages.
Rail transportation:trains continue to play an important role in logistics routes around the world,especially in Europe where the rail network is extensive. Trains similar to ships offer more carrying capacity and can transport bulky, heavy and hazardous cargo over long distances. However, it is a slower option compared to road and air transportation as they may require several transfers throughout the journey.
