Which transport solution should you choose? Well, that depends on various factors, including shipping cost, security, delivery deadlines, and what type of goods are to be transported. The transport sector undergoes continuous development and new solutions emerge that can improve the various ways of transporting goods. In this article, we will tell you more about the different means of transport that we offer, the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives, and which shipping method is the most cost-effective option for your particular load.
WHAT DOES TRANSPORTATION MEAN?
Transportation of goods refers to the process of moving physical objects from one place to another. It can include everything from small packages and pallets to large containers and bulk cargo. Transports can take place within a local area, or over long distances – nationally or internationally. It involves using various means of transport and logistical solutions to efficiently and safely move goods from sellers to buyers, or from production facilities to distribution centers and retailers. Freight transport is an important part of the global economy and affects trade, supply chains, and consumer access.
Do you want to learn more about shipping internationally? Read our article: International shipping
WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS ARE THERE?
SEA FREIGHT
Sea freight is an efficient method for transporting goods and cargo across the world's oceans, both nationally and internationally. It is a transport solution that enables transportation of various types of goods, including bulk goods, vehicles, and container freight.
Sea freight is optimal for careful planning, long-term strategies, and transporting large volumes. Despite this, large quantities of goods are not necessarily required — you do not need to fill an entire container to reserve cargo space on a ship. Even smaller quantities of goods can easily be transported by sea freight.
Read more about sea freight with Bertling.
AIR FREIGHT
At a time when fast delivery is essential to avoid production losses, air freight is a vital resource. It enables the transportation of goods to remote locations with almost immediate departure.
Air freight is the optimal option for shipping smaller volumes of goods to remote locations, offering significantly shorter delivery times compared to other shipping methods. It is suitable for transporting goods that require quick delivery and minimal inventory levels. Depending on your shipments' sizes and weight requirements, we have various types of aircraft to offer.
Read more about air freight with Bertling.
ROAD FREIGHT
Road freight is an adaptable option that suits various needs in logistics and delivery management. By utilizing the road network, transport companies can ensure fast and flexible deliveries to numerous destinations. Road transport is typically most advantageous for shorter distances.
Road freight is also ideal for smaller shipments, often providing a cheaper alternative to methods requiring full container loads. Additionally, road transport allows for direct delivery to the customer including cross-border geographically, which is crucial for companies that require fast and efficient deliveries.
Read more about road freight with Bertling.
RAIL FREIGHT
Rail freight is a cost-effective, high-capacity, and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. Trains are fuel-efficient and safer, reducing the risks of accidents, theft, and damage. Additionally, rail freight supports intermodal connectivity and benefits from extensive infrastructure, providing efficient logistics solutions and access to remote areas.
Read more about our rail freight services here.
AIR SHIPPING VS SEA SHIPPING — WHICH IS THE BEST?
The choice between sea freight and air freight largely depends on your time requirements. Air freight is significantly faster, making it suitable for urgent deliveries, with the option of express or priority shipping for even quicker transit. If fast lead times are not critical, sea freight offers a cost-effective alternative, with longer delivery times suitable for your supply chain planning.
Do you want to learn more about the benefits of air freight? Read our article: What is the primary benefit of shipping goods by air? Top 10 advantages of air transport
WHICH METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION IS THE CHEAPEST WHEN SENDING GOODS OVERSEAS?
What is the cheapest way to ship freight, and what is the air freight vs. ocean freight cost? Air freight is usually the fastest transport option, but also the most expensive. An exception is when your load is small and light in weight. In these cases, air freight can be one of the cheapest transport options, as the price is based on the volumetric weight of the goods. For heavier and larger shipments, sea freight is typically the more economical solution.
Another factor that affects the final cost with sea freight is the choice between LCL and FCL. With LCL, your goods share a container with other shipments, and you only pay for the space you use. With FCL, you book an entire container for yourself, which is advantageous if you have large quantities of goods to transport.
Bertling is a transport company specializing in logistics and freight transport. We deliver customized global transport solutions. Our vision is to work proactively and meet new challenges as they arise. Today, we offer a full range of logistics services, including air freight, sea freight, road freight, project solutions, rail freight and warehousing. We strive for sustainable growth and continue to explore new markets.
Our goal is to deliver exceptional service to our customers while maintaining our core values of safety, sustainability, and ethical business principles.
Contact us for more information about our transport solutions and assistance in choosing the right option.
