Transportation plays an important role in international trade. There are various international shipping methods that allow shipping companies to move their packages between different countries in a cost-effective and safe manner. International transportation has become so important today that it can be said that without it, human life would be disrupted because many countries buy their essential needs from other countries.

International transportation methods include road, rail, sea, and air transportation. So there are four import and export methods. The importance of transportation in international trade lies in economic growth. The ability to produce and consume products in different places is one of the main components of growth and globalization.

Definition of international transport

Transportation methods that can legally move goods by land, sea or air are called international transportation.

Criteria for choosing the mode of transportation

There are various factors that influence a company’s decision on which international shipping methods to use. These factors can be related to business needs, destination country and type of goods.

The mode of transportation in international trade includes road, sea, rail and air. Companies should pay attention to the characteristics of the goods and countries of origin and destination before choosing the international transportation method.

Product characteristics include size, weight, and type of shipping product. Some goods cannot be moved by some methods because of space and weight limitations. On the other hand, it is not cost-effective to transport some goods with some methods. For this reason, companies should pay attention to this point before choosing the right method.

International laws are one of the most important factors affecting international transportation because the exchange parties are two governments that have claims on any private business. Countries of origin and destination, as we said, have an impact on international trade and transportation. For example, some countries have banned the entry of some goods. The ban of foreign cars to Iran in the past years can be considered as an example of this. In some cases, it is possible that there is no prohibition to exchange goods, but it is subject to certain laws. For example, during the outbreak of Corona, many countries made the purchase of some goods if certain health conditions were observed.

Product type

The choice of international shipping methods strongly depends on the type of your goods and business requirements. You must match the shipping method with your goods to balance service, quality, cost, organization and time. For example, for transporting food or fruits, speed is very important. Therefore, choosing the shortest and fastest way is very important.

If your business is transporting animals, you must follow certain rules and regulations. Consider the necessary guidelines and permits to follow the safe and successful transportation of animals. If your goods appear to be dangerous, then you must follow strict rules for handling them.

International shipping methods

Shipping by sea

Shipping by sea is one of the most popular modes of transportation. When it comes to shipping overseas, using sea is more attractive to the price conscious because sea shipping is cheap. You can pack the goods or cargo you ship by sea in boxes, bags, pallets and barrels.

Shipping goods by sea has the following advantages:

It is cheaper for bulky and heavy cargo
There is no limit on the quantity and weight of goods
If the departure and destination points are close to the sea port, you can save your time
If the business needs to carry large quantities of goods but there is no pressure for fast delivery, shipping by sea may be suitable.
Ability to send large volumes at low cost
Shipping containers can also be used for further transportation by road or rail
Ships can carry anything. From clothes, toys, electrical equipment and shoes to cars and raw materials such as iron or coal and even oil and chemicals.

Disadvantages of international shipping by sea

Shipping by sea can be slower than other shipping systems, and bad weather causes more delays.
Routes and timetables are usually not flexible
It is difficult to track the progress of shipment
There are port duties and taxes
The basic rate of transportation depends on the amount of fuel and currency
If a company wants to ship goods, they must protect their shipping with insurance
In order to transport dangerous goods, it is necessary to complete dangerous goods declarations

Advantages of international road transport

low cost
The existence of extensive road networks
The possibility of planning transportation and tracking the location of goods
Safe and person-to-person delivery
Disadvantages of road transport
Long distance shipping may take longer
There may be a delay in shipping due to traffic and device failure
There is a risk of damage to goods, especially over long distances
Road tolls are high in some countries
Various road and traffic regulations are cumbersome in some countries
Sometimes you don’t have the option to choose your vehicles or carriers. When transporting your own vehicles, you need to consider permits, fuel costs, regulations, driver training and taxes.
Drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods in international transport must have an ADR training certificate for dangerous goods. Goods defined as dangerous include corrosive substances, explosives and flammable liquids and solids, gases, oxidizing substances, radioactive substances and toxic substances.

International transportation by rail and train

Rail transportation is a cost-effective and efficient way to move goods. Using this method has many advantages over methods such as air or sea, but there are still limitations on this method of transportation, especially between the two countries.

Disadvantages of rail transport

The existing routes and timetables are not flexible, especially in remote areas
It can be more expensive than road transport
Mechanical failure or shortage of industrial parts can disrupt this type of transportation service

Advantages of rail transport

It is faster than the sea and road method
It is also possible to carry a passenger with it
It is possible to pass some difficult roads by train
The risk of damage to goods and accidents is less than the road method

International transportation by plane

This type of shipping offers many advantages for international moving. In fact, it can be said that this method of transportation is more advanced than other methods, and although it was not the first option of transportation in the past, but with the advancement of technology, air transportation is becoming the first option of international transportation. and every year the capacity, speed, capacity and other features of the planes increase.

Advantages of air transport

Air freight is ideal for international trade over long distances
Delivers goods quickly over long distances
It provides high security for sensitive goods because the possibility of theft is very low
It is used for a wide variety of goods

Disadvantages of air transport

Air freight can have higher costs than other options and is not suitable for all goods.
Flights are subject to delay or cancellation
There is a tax to pay at each airport
Additional fuel and currency are usually added to shipping costs
Further transportation may be required from the airport to the final destination

final word

Each method of international transportation is very important in today’s economy and society. Most of the shipping providers in today’s world also offer services such as mobile tracking that allows the customer to know the exact location of their item. Transportation has always played an essential role in business and will continue to improve day by day.

Familiarity with different methods of transporting goods