Ocean transport
Leading the way in terms of volume and mileage, of course, is sea cargo. According to the International Maritime Organisation, ocean transport accounts for around 90% of the world’s international cargo. There are numerous types of ocean transportation vessels available, including bulk carriers, RORO, and container vessels, ensuring that a variety of cargo and journeys are accounted for.
The largest container vessels are able to carry around 24,000 TEUs, and with more and more traffic moving through the busy sea routes (especially Asia to the US and Asia to Europe), container shipping is the principal method of moving goods between continents. Some of the most important ocean transport lanes are through the Panama and Suez canals, the South and East China Seas, and the Strait of Malacca.
For heavy loads like metals, agricultural products, and automotive parts, there really is no better way to ship your cargo. Equally, foodstuffs and perishable produce can be kept refrigerated during long ocean journeys thanks to temperature-controlled reefer containers.
Did you know ? MSC has one of the largest and most advanced reefer container fleets in the world.
Rail freight
Once unloaded at the dockside, rail freight is one of the most sustainable and reliable ways to move goods over land.
Trains have a significantly greater carrying capacity than trucks, making them a fantastic option to move large volumes of cargo quickly and efficiently. There are several different types of freight trains including boxcars, which takes containers straight from ships at container port hubs like Felixstowe and Southampton.
Road freight
Most goods, whatever they are, will probably end up on a lorry. Road transportation is usually the best way for freight to go on its ‘last mile’ and can often be quicker than other inland transportation methods.
Using road freight transportation methods also offers more flexibility to businesses, as they can quickly re-route or adapt to different circ*mstances. Equally, as trucks are also easier to track, this can help with overall supply chain management.
Air Cargo
Flying goods has become an increasingly popular method of shipping, and very useful for cargo that must hit a tight delivery deadline.
The most common types of cargo carried by plane include livestock, vehicles, oversized cargo, consumer electronics, and general retail goods. Sensitive commodities like flowers and pharmaceutical products can also be flown.
Cargo plane fleets contain a variety of different aircraft, including the Boeing 747-400 ERF, Boeing 777-200F, Antonov 225 Mriya, and the Airbus 320. The Antonov 225 Mriya is the world’s largest cargo plane, able to hold 250 tonnes – that’s 80 vehicles or an entire train!
