vessellphSeveral countries continue to rely on global trade to drive their respective economies. As such, global shipping operations have become one of the biggest industries in the world. While you may not necessarily have purchases shipped from overseas, the companies and manufacturers that make your products most likely do.
With ecommerce on the rise, consumer demands continue to increase. This trend has pushed more businesses to find the fastest way to ship their products out. Luckily, freight forwarding options have become more accessible since they can now choose between land, air, and sea freight shipping.
It’s well-known that everyone’s things don’t all come from where they live. Take, for example, the coffee you drink every morning. Coffee beans can originate from some plantation in South America or other cities you may never have heard of. Have you ever wondered, then, how they get to you?
They reach you because companies ship your orders to where you can access them. And the world has a lot to thank shipping technologies for it.
In the dawn of ecommerce and online shopping, the demand for these cargo services has become unhinged. More products are shipped worldwide, and many see this event as beautiful. It creates a scene likened to a tiny village trading goods all the time.
However, finding the best freight service for your business as an entrepreneur may be confusing. But it’s simple. Three shipping options are available to you: land, air, and sea freight. The option you choose may depend on what you need.
Whether following your company’s budget or promised lead time to your customers, you can find the right shipping method for you.
Which One is the Best Shipping Option for You?
So, how do you know which option is the one for your business? Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation.
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Land Freight
Land freight moves cargo on the road. You’ll need road vehicles like trucks, vans, trains, and even motorcycles to move your items. They can be combined with other shipping methods. The good thing about this method is it reaches the nooks and crannies of the map. Moreover, you—and your customers—can easily track them.
However, this option can only access land, unable to cross oceans or other borders. They’re also relatively smaller than other freights, so they can’t carry a lot, and the delivery time depends on the traffic situation.
Land freights move cargo from point A to point B via connected roads. This method relies on motor vehicles like motorcycles, cars, trucks, and trains. It is also one of the fastest shipping options for deliveries within the same city or region.
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Air Freight
As the name suggests, air freights need some flying and a lot of fuel. And since air carriers must make several trips and refuel, expect to see this option to be on the pricier side.
On the upside, this shipment method reaches almost any place on earth. If you have ever ridden an airplane, you’d know how strict security can get—which is a good thing because there is less risk of theft and damage to the cargo. However, the difficulty in predicting weather conditions is an issue for air shipments that can lead to delays.
Many companies rely on air freights to distribute their products faster overseas. They typically use air carriers to transfer their shipments, but the process undergoes stricter security at terminals since there are limits on weight capacity.
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Sea Freight
Sea freight is where literal “shipping” happens. Gigantic cargo ships must wade through the waters to move products to different places. This method is also the most economical shipment solution because it can accommodate many goods yet emit the least gas emissions. One may say they’re the most environmentally friendly too.
Like air freights, they also depend on weather conditions, making them the slowest option. And some areas may not have ports to receive the cargo.
Transfer through sea freight is common to enterprises that ship large quantities of goods. They use sea vessels like large ships to cross international borders and better protect the cargo. But unlike the other two options, this method may have longer delivery times.
Final Thoughts
There is no better freight than the other by default. Each form is just made for various shipment purposes. As such, it’s best to know your products and the customers’ demands to pick the best one.
Choosing the suitable courier is essential for businesses. Learn more about the different shipping options available to businesses and how they can ensure cargo safety.
