There are two primary choices available to firms and people looking to transport products internationally. You may send foreign freight through water or air. While the first option has been available for some time, the latter is gaining favor. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions, as well as your unique circumstances, before making a final choice.
Naturally, the cost of this international freight delivery option is the first issue to consider. Sea forwarders establish a rate per container. The most often used container sizes are 20′ and 40′. If you do not have enough cargo to fill a container, the price is calculated on a cubic meter basis. Given this, the higher the consignment’s volume, the more cost-effective the shipment. That is why sea transportation is regarded to be the superior method of transporting big quantities of commodities and cargo that is vast and irregular in shape.
Sea transit is not exceptionally fast. This is mostly owing to the vessel’s size and weight. Simultaneously, transportation is highly structured, with several ports located near important industrial and commercial hubs. You may anticipate a transit time of a few weeks to around two months, depending on the distance to the destination.
International freight shipment by water is a generally dependable mode of transport. When the vessels depart the port, they are inspected to ensure they are in excellent shape. The majority of ships are constructed to operate in all types of weather situations in order to stay on time. Delays do occur, however they should not exceed one or two days.
The cost of air freight is determined by the consignment’s weight and volume. Air shipment is typically more costly than ground delivery. However, it may prove to be more cost effective for smaller shipments that do not require the capacity of a typical sea carrier container.
International freight transportation using this method is significantly faster than the alternative. It is 15 to 30 times faster. Indeed, the products may be picked up and delivered to the chosen airport within one or two days.
As with maritime shipping, air transportation can be harmed by inclement weather and other unforeseen events such as strikes. However, it is generally dependable, particularly if the airline has broad operations and a high volume of daily flights.
Choose the appropriate mode of international freight shipment for your objectives and budget.