What methods of delivery can I use to export my goods?

The pros and cons of your options for transporting goods internationally

An integral part of the export process is physically moving your goods from A to B. The four main options of sea, air, road, and rail each have different implications in terms of speed, cost, and security. Choosing the most appropriate one will form an important part of securing contracts with your clients and can help you be more profitable.
The following sets out the pros and cons of each option.

Road

Advantages	Disadvantages
Suitable for transportation within shorter distances eg within Europe Extensive motorway and road networks Relatively low cost Crossing borders has been historically efficient, though this could change after the UK’s exit from the EU Facilitates easy tracking of goods Higher levels of security and privacy Can usually be used as the single mode of transport, giving you more control	Subject to delays due to traffic issues and breakdowns Can be slow for long distances Fluctuating fuel prices and toll charges can add cost Greater risk of damage to goods Border clearance can be an issue as paperwork needs to be lodged prior to leaving

Advantages

Disadvantages

Suitable for transportation within shorter distances eg within Europe
Extensive motorway and road networks
Relatively low cost
Crossing borders has been historically efficient, though this could change after the UK’s exit from the EU
Facilitates easy tracking of goods
Higher levels of security and privacy
Can usually be used as the single mode of transport, giving you more control

Subject to delays due to traffic issues and breakdowns
Can be slow for long distances
Fluctuating fuel prices and toll charges can add cost
Greater risk of damage to goods
Border clearance can be an issue as paperwork needs to be lodged prior to leaving

Rail

Advantages

Disadvantages

Suitable for transportation within shorter distances eg within Europe
Relatively low cost
Access to fast rail links throughout many parts of Europe
The most environmentally friendly mode of transport of the four

actors that disrupt trains running, including breakdowns, infrastructure, or industrial action can impact on timescales
More expensive than road transport
Will usually need to be used in conjunction with another mode of transport to complete delivery to the ultimate destination

Sea

Advantages

Disadvantages

A good option for transporting large quantities at lower costs
The same shipping containers can be transported on by road or rail from ports
Consignments can be consolidated by freight forwarding companies to reduce costs
Goods transported by ship require a Bill of Lading. This offers legal protection under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992 as the Bill of lading is a document of title which needs to be assigned to the buyer once the cargo is paid for which in turn provides protection to the seller.
Better for the environment than air or road

Often slower than other modes of transport
Will incur port duties and taxes
Subject to disruption due to bad weather
Routes and timetables are fixed and may not be appropriate to your requirements
Will usually need to be used in conjunction with another mode of transport to complete delivery to the ultimate destination

Air

Advantages

Disadvantages

Fast mode of transport so good for time sensitive deliveries such as perishable goods
Efficient transport for long distances
High levels of security

Higher costs compared to other modes of transport
Subject to additional costs such as fuel and currency surcharges as well as taxes at airports
Potentially subject to delays and cancellations
The least environmentally friendly option
Will usually need to be used in conjunction with another mode of transport to complete delivery to the ultimate destination

Choosing the right option(s) for your business will depend on a number of factors including how quickly you need it to arrive, the nature of your goods, distance, cost, controllability, and level of security required.