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
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- 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
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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
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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
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- 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
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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
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- 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
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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.