Introduction
Freight transportation is the process of transporting goods and cargo by land, sea, or air.
Because of the various methods of transport and infrastructure, transport flows are constantly increasing and becoming more international. This is how freight transport has been regarded as a vital and booming activity of the world economy since the beginning of the 20th century.
THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF TRANSPORTATION OF SOURCING
By sea
The transport of goods by sea is the most common mode of transport in international trading. Since the introduction of container transportation in 1956, the logistics industry has been completely revolutionized in addition to making a significant contribution to globalization. Today, it is estimated that 90% of goods are transported by sea via container transportation.
Delay by sea
The transit time of ocean freight depends on a number of factors such as customs clearance, space available on the ship, or port capacity. All of this greatly influences the time required to transport goods by sea.
Crossing the Pacific typically takes from a month to a month and a half, depending on weather conditions.
Full shipment from China to France can take up to 35 days including customs clearance and delivery.
The main players in maritime transport
At MWT Sourcing, we work primarily with the main players in the maritime transport market through strong partnerships with forwarders around the world.
The main maritime routes
The busiest ocean route is the North Atlantic Ocean route. The idea of this multi-channel route connects South America to North America through the Panama Canal, from Africa to Europe, and from Europe to Asia via the Strait of Gibraltar connecting the Mediterranean Sea.
The second busiest route is the one that connects the Indian Ocean to Africa and Europe to Asia through the Suez Canal.
By air
The transfer and shipment of goods via an air carrier reaches destinations anywhere in the world where planes are able to fly and land.
Air transport is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses as it allows them to participate in international trade quickly and efficiently.
Shipping by air also offers a high level of security as the checks at airports are strictly monitored
Delay by air
The transit time required by air to transport goods from one point to another can vary considerably from day to day. It is therefore important to obtain this information even before sending the goods.
For example, sending goods by air to France can take 4 days from Shanghai or 8 days from Shenzhen to Paris.
The main players in air transport
The main air routes
The North America-Asia air route is the busiest in terms of international freight with 22.4% tonne-kilometers (FTK) of global international freight carried on this route.
In second place is the Europe-Asia air route, represented by 20.8% of tonne-kilometers (FTK) of world international freight.
The America-Europe air route ranks third with 13% of tonne-kilometers of global international freight.
By rail
Rail transport is the use of railways and trains to transport goods. Shipping by train provides significant savings compared to traditional shipping methods such as air or sea.
Delay by rail
Transporting goods by rail from China to France can take 15-18 days.
By road
Road freight is the process of transporting goods by road using motor vehicles. Compared to other types of transport such as sea and air, the cost of road transport is lower.
Road freight maybe, in some cases, the only mode of transport in rural areas where no other mode of transport is possible.
“Express” lines have developed in recent years.
Delay by express route
It may take 10 to 25 days to transport goods by express truck from China to Europe.
Conclusion
Are you still confused about which way should you choose when delivering goods worldwide? We would like to discuss with you and give some suggestions based on your industry, and shipment request.