Choose the right mode of transport for your goods

Businesses rely on transportation to receive goods from their suppliers as well as deliver orders to their customers. The type of transport your business uses will depend on a number of factors:

The products you sell (eg perishables or non-perishables)
Supplier production lead times
Product availability
Customer lead times
Source of supply (eg UK or abroad)
Customs and Excise rules (eg duty or quarantine)
Volume

You can use one method for all your transportation needs or a combination. Here are the main types, and their advantages and disadvantages:

Air

Airfreighting is commonly used by businesses for the delivery of goods from distant suppliers. This mode of transport is useful to deliver products with short lead times, fragile goods and products that are not bulky. Products in high demand and in short supply may also be airfreighted in order to meet customer demands. The bulk/value ratio will be a determining factor.

Advantages

Fast delivery, usually between 24 and 48 hours
Customer is not kept waiting for order fulfilment
Reduced lead time on supplier
Improved service levels

Disadvantages

Flight delays and/or cancellations
Customs and Excise restrictions
Cost

Sea

Sea transportation is used by businesses for the delivery of goods from distant suppliers. Most sea transportation is conducted in containers which vary in size. Goods can be grouped into a container (LCL) or fill a container (FCL). Sea tankers are used for bulk shipments of loose goods such as oil, grain and coal.

Advantages

Ideal for transporting heavy and bulky goods
Suitable for products with long lead times

Disadvantages

Longer lead/delivery times
Bad weather
Difficult to monitor exact location of goods in transit
Customs and Excise restrictions
Could be costly

Rail

Businesses use rail transportation for the delivery of a wide range of goods including post, coal, steel and other heavy goods.

Advantages

Fast delivery
Capacity
Cost effective
Safe mode of transport
Reliable

Disadvantages

Subject to unforeseen delays
Reliance on rail freight operator's timetable
Suppliers/customers are not always located near a rail freight depot and delivery to/from the depot can be costly and time consuming

Road

A very popular mode of transport used by suppliers and businesses to deliver orders. Many transport companies provide scheduled delivery days and next day delivery services, depending upon your needs. Goods can be packed/grouped in box vans or in containers which are also used for sea transportation.