There are several modes of transportation for every class of cargo and freight, and every freight shipping mode comes with its unique benefits and uses. However, the four primary modes of freight transportation are truck, rail, ocean, and sea transport. Now, deciding which shipping mode will best suit your particular supply chain will depend on numerous factors. But, before you decide the type of transportation mode for your business, it is essential to know about all the modes and their advantages and disadvantages. So, here are the four different modes of freight shipment and their pros and cons.
Truck Transport
Truck transport is the most popular and widely used mode of freight transportation. It is an ideal solution for moving your goods short distances. Moreover, truck transportation is highly preferred in small countries and minor international routes. The mode is really popular in countries like Europe, where single document custom systems allow for relative ease of movement.
Advantages Of Truck Transport
Here are some of the advantages of shipping by truck:
- The truck transportation mode is very economical and cost-effective.
- It covers a wide range of distances, i.e., from short-haul to long trail.
- One of the best things about getting truck transport for your freight is that it offers service from door to door. With this mode of transportation, goods get delivered directly from producer to distributor or retailer.
- You can easily track your freight with truck transport by GPS tracking.
- Your freight delivery schedules will depend on the weather and traffic and hence are best managed when you choose truck transportation.
Disadvantages Of Truck Transport
Every mode of transport carries one or two disadvantages with it. Here are the most frequent cons observed in the truck transportation:
- The weather or traffic conditions adversely affect freight delivery by truck transport.
- One of the major disadvantages of truck transport is its limitation on the weight or size of goods it will carry. Truck transport is a roadway transportation mode. Hence, you cannot overhaul the truck as it can be dangerous for both truck drivers and other people on the road.
Ocean Freight Transportation
Ocean freight or sea shipment holds a major role in trade. In fact, 90% of world trade relies on ocean freight transportation. Ocean freight transportation is their first choice for every business that needs heavy, unmanageable loads or wants country-to-country shipping.
Advantages Of Ocean Freight Transportation
From carrying heavy and bulky loads to fragile accessories, ocean shipment plays a vital role in their safe shipment. Here are some of the major advantages of ocean transportation:
- A cargo ship ranges widely in length and can carry thousands of tons of weight. This uniqueness of the ship accommodates more space and weight options for all bulky and oversized product transportation.
- Ocean transportation is an economical mode of freight transportation. It has a lower cost of fuel, and the cargo ships operate on a pre-decided schedule, giving less opportunity for costly shipping delays.
- A ship operates on a set route and planned schedule; therefore, the shipment needs less handling. Moreover, the ship is a slow-moving vessel and hence causes the least damage to even the fragile items.
Disadvantage Of Ocean Transportation
Like truck transport, even ocean transport sees a major drawback. And the only disadvantage of ocean transportation is its speed. The ship takes comparatively much more time than any other transportation mode, and hence businesses that rely on speedy delivery never opt for ocean freight transportation.
Air Freight Transportation
Air transportation is the best mode to opt for if you need a speedy delivery service. With air freight transportation, you move your goods the fastest and in the most efficient method. Hence, air transportation is ideal for businesses that need a time-sensitive supply chain, like the fresh flowers, fruits, and seafood businesses.
Advantages Of Air Freight Transportation
There is no doubt that air transportation is the fastest mode of transportation. But, apart from the speed, there are many other advantages. Here are some of the commendable advantages of air transportation:
- This mode of transportation carries the least possibility of your cargo getting damaged or stolen. It provides high-level security at all stages of the shipment.
- Transportation gives high reliability of services and lower levels of cargo handling.
- You need less documentation while using air transportation.
- There is less handling of cargo.
Disadvantages Of Air Freight Transportation
Air transportation is fast and safe but has limitations involved with it. Here are some of the disadvantages and limitations of air freight transportation:
- One of the significant drawbacks of air transportation is its expense. Air transportation is one of the most expensive modes of transportation.
- It has a harmful environmental impact and hence damages our environment more adversely.
- The biggest limitation of air transportation is the weight limit and the awkward shape and size of the cargo. Moreover, you cannot transport hazardous products through air transport.
Rail Freight Transport
Rails offer the longest distance freight transportation when transatlantic trade isn't involved. Moreover, it is economical and carries cargo more than air and truck mode.
Advantages Of Rail Freight Transportation
Being one of the oldest freight transportation modes, rail transportation has various advantages:
- Rail mode is more reliable than truck mode and generally sticks to tight schedules. Moreover, it is not affected by weather, roadworks, or accidents.
- One cargo can carry loads more than 400 trucks would carry; hence it is the most efficient way of moving goods over landmasses.
- It is the second greenest option for long transportation like 500 miles and is cost-effective.
- Cargos are less prone to accidental damage when transported through rail mode.
Disadvantages Of Rail Freight Transportation
The only disadvantage rail transportation carries is that you have to make arrangements for your cargo from the railway station to the delivery point.
Which Freight Transportation Will Best Suit Your Business?
Now that we know about the pros and cons of all the transportation modes, the choice of the best-suited mode for your freight should depend on the following points:
- Time urgency
- Freight's fragileness
- Your company's budget
- Freight's size and quantity.
If you want to get your freight transported nationally or internationally, contact Integrity Transporting. We deliver your freight with the greatest care and least damage.
Reference:
Purolatorinternational. 2020. Types-of-transportation-in-logistics. 24th April. Types of Transportation in Logistics: Which Is Right for You?. [Online]. [20 May 2022]. Available from:
https://www.purolatorinternational.com/types-of-transportation-in-logistics/