International transportation is a significant opportunity for businesses to expand sales markets, find profitable suppliers and increase profits.
What types of freight transportation are used in international logistics
International freight transportation – main types
| Type of transportation | Most common use |
| Road transportation | delivery across Europe, transportation of consolidated cargo (LTL), door-to-door delivery |
| Sea transportation | container transportation (FCL/LCL), liquid and bulk cargo, large consignments of goods |
| Air transportation | urgent and expensive cargo, medicines, perishable products, electronics, documentation |
| Rail transportation | container transportation, delivery between Europe and Asia |
| Multimodal (mixed) transportation | international supply chains |
International road transportation: advantages and features
Significant advantages of international road transportation:
- flexibility of routes;
- speed;
- possibility of door-to-door delivery;
- in some cases – economy;
- a wide variety of vehicles;
- constant cargo control (thanks to GPS systems).
However, when transporting by road, it is important to pay attention to weather conditions and customs clearance.
Air freight: when it is most profitable
International air transportation has long been considered the fastest and safest way of delivery. However, at the same time, it is also the most expensive.
In what cases is it profitable to use air freight:
- for expensive cargo (for example, electronics, smartphones, jewelry)
- when transportation is urgent (pharmaceuticals, medical equipment);
- simple is more expensive than delivery;
- cargo is light, but expensive (branded clothing, documents).
So, the main advantage of air transportation is speed, and the disadvantage is high cost.
Sea freight for international delivery
International sea freight most often covers such destinations as Asia (China, Vietnam), North America (USA, Canada), Europe (Spain, Germany, Netherlands).
Features that most often apply to sea freight:
- large volumes of cargo;
- long delivery time;
- containerization (20- or 40-foot container for sea freight);
- the lowest cost per unit of cargo;
- intercontinental trade;
- dependence on port infrastructure.
In general, if you need to transport many tons of cargo, sea transport will almost always be the cheapest option.
What affects the cost of international transportation
To find out the exact price of international transportation, you need to contact transport and logistics companies directly.
What factors shape the cost of international transportation:
- type of cargo and its weight;
- distance;
- whether temperature regime is required (refrigerated transportation is more expensive);
- terms;
- customs payments and customs clearance.
But the most important factor affecting the price is the method of delivery.
How to choose transport for different types of cargo
The choice of transport also actively affects the efficiency and cost of international transportation. Usually, professional logisticians pay attention to the cost of the cargo, its weight and dimensions, distance and route.
A brief algorithm for choosing transport for international transportation
| air transportation | when speed is the main thing |
| road transportation | when flexibility is needed |
| sea transportation | when low cost is the main thing |
| railway | when a balance between speed and price is needed |
International transportation for import and export of goods
In modern conditions, international transportation is not just a way of delivering goods, but an important tool for business development for entering new markets. Companies that are able to effectively manage logistics gain significant competitive advantages, reduce costs and increase the level of service to their customers.
For the import and export of goods by any means of transport, the correctness of filling out documents and cargo control along the entire route are critically important. Therefore, it is more profitable to carry out international deliveries with a reliable logistics partner.
The logistics company takes on all processes, and the business can focus on its core business.
What freight transportation services are most in demand for business
Modern international transportation combines transportation, customs clearance, document management and insurance, forming a single process of international trade. Therefore, it is more profitable for business to consider turnkey services that combine all these necessary conditions for transportation.
What services are most often requested from the transport and logistics company TVL:
- international road transportation with its own fleet;
- international container sea transportation;
- customs brokerage services;
- multimodal international transportation;
- warehousing;
- refrigerated transportation;
- transportation of dangerous goods.
In general, the international transport and logistics company TVL works with all customs regimes, not only import and export – also transit and temporary import/export.
Conclusion
In order for international transportation to be fast, safe and cost-effective, it is important to choose the right transport and logistics strategy. Contact professionals who will help you find the optimal solutions and will provide full support for your cargo from shipment to delivery.
