International transport and distribution
Road, rail, air and sea options for transport and distribution and how your business can choose between them.
91香蕉黄色视频 and distribution are key considerations when planning for international trade. Choosing the right mode of transport is essential to ensure your import or export operation is efficient and cost-effective.
There are four ways of importing and exporting - road, rail, air and sea - although you may need to use more than one type of transport. When making your choices, you will also need to decide whether to handle logistics by yourself, or outsource the work to a freight forwarder.
This guide examines each mode of transport and provides an overview of the issues you must address. It covers how to deal with customs, identifies which regulations must be complied with and explains how to manage a freight forwarder.
This guide explains the basics of international trade and distribution.
How to assess your transport needs for international trade
Speed, cost, regulation and other requirements that may influence your choice of transport mode for your goods.
Your choices for international transport and distribution include road, rail, air and sea.
Various factors will influence your decision on which type of transport to use - including your business' requirements, the destination country, and the type of goods you are importing or exporting.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What do you want to distribute? Size and weight will affect the cost.
- How quickly does the product need to reach its destination? This will affect which type of delivery service you use and the cost - sending goods by air is quicker but significantly more expensive than by sea.
- How would transport costs impact on your overheads?
- Where do the goods need to go? For example, Europe has a large rail and inland waterway network, but you may encounter problems if the destination is especially remote.
- How valuable are the goods? Get quotes from insurance brokers before deciding on the appropriate insurance level.
- Do your customers have any special requirements?
Consider all the methods of transport available. You should aim to balance service quality, cost, organisation and time. You will often use more than one mode of transport.
How your type of goods may influence your decision
Match the transport mode with the goods you're moving. For example, if you import fresh fruit or other perishable items, speed is important. 91香蕉黄色视频 by ship or road may not be quick enough.
Another issue is whether or not your goods need to be kept refrigerated during transport.
If you are transporting animals, you must follow specific rules and regulations. Find out about and see guidance on transporting animal by-products.
Other regulations or special requirements may also influence your transport choice. For instance, if the goods you are transporting are classified as dangerous, you must comply with special rules - .
You could use a freight forwarder to manage logistical issues for you.
Advantages and disadvantages of road transport for international trade
The pros and cons of using couriers, freight forwarders, hauliers, or operating your own vehicles to move goods by road.
Road transport can be the most flexible option for your international business, especially when trading with the European Union. The motorway network is good and crossing national borders is usually quick and efficient.
Advantages of road transport for international trade
Some advantages of moving goods by road include:
- relatively low cost
- extensive road networks - scheduled delivery days and next day delivery services are a viable option
- you can schedule transport to suit you and you can track the location of goods
- consignments can be secure and private
Disadvantages of road transport for international trade
There are risks and disadvantages when transporting your goods by road, including:
- long distances overland can take more time
- there can be traffic delays and breakdowns
- there is the risk of goods being damaged, especially over long distances
- toll charges are high in some countries
- some countries have different road and traffic regulations
You can either use your own vehicles, or a carrier. If you operate your own vehicles, you will need to consider licences, fuel costs, regulations, driver training and tax.
Different types of carrier, include:
- Couriers - specialise in the speedy and secure delivery of small goods and packages.
- Hauliers - will collect goods from your premises and deliver them by road.
- Freight forwarders - consolidate shipments and have a detailed knowledge of the rules and regulations that your business must comply with.
Consider your requirements carefully before making your choice - for more detailed information, see our guide on moving goods by road.
Advantages and disadvantages of sea transport for international trade
The pros and cons of using sea transport when importing or exporting and the practicalities of shipping goods by sea.
If your business needs to transport large quantities but there is no pressure to deliver quickly, shipping by sea may be beneficial. You need to carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages of shipping goods by sea.
Advantages of shipping goods by sea freight
Some of the advantages of transporting goods by sea include:
- you can ship large volumes at low costs - a freight forwarder can consolidate consignments to reduce costs
- shipping containers can also be used for further transportation by road or rail
Disadvantages of shipping goods by sea freight
There are risks and disadvantages of transporting goods by sea, including:
- shipping by sea can be slower than other transport modes and bad weather can add further delays
- routes and timetables are usually inflexible
- tracking your goods' progress is difficult
- you have to pay port duties and taxes
- further transportation overland will be needed to reach the final destination
- basic freight rates are subject to fuel and currency surcharges
Protect your consignments with cargo insurance. Under the maritime transport conventions you automatically have limited insurance cover under the Hague-Visby and Hamburg rules. However, it's advisable to get additional insurance, such as general cargo insurance.
For more detailed information on your maritime freight options see how to move goods by sea.
Advantages and disadvantages of rail transport for international trade
The benefits and drawbacks of transporting goods by rail when your business is trading internationally.
Rail transport can be a cost-effective and efficient way to move your goods, but you need to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks to see if it's suitable for your business.
Advantages of rail transport for international trade
Some of the advantages of rail transport when moving goods includes:
- fast rail links throughout Europe
- it is environmentally friendly compared with other transport modes
Disadvantages of rail transport for international trade
There are risks and disadvantages of transporting your goods by rail including:
- routes and timetables available can be inflexible, especially in remote regions
- rail transport can be more expensive than road transport
- mechanical failure or industrial action can disrupt services
- further transportation may be needed from a rail depot to the final destination, adding to costs and affecting delivery schedules
- lack of dedicated cargo facilities and developed cargo routes in Northern Ireland
For more detailed information see our guide on how to move goods by rail.
Advantages and disadvantages of air transport for international trade
The benefits and drawbacks of importing or exporting by air, and issues your business should consider.
Air transport offers numerous advantages for international trade, depending on your requirements.
Advantages of air transport for international trade
Some of the advantages of transporting your goods by air include:
- deliver items quickly over long distances
- give you high levels of security for sensitive items
- be used for a range of goods
Disadvantages of air transport for international trade
There are some disadvantages of transporting your goods by air, including:
- air transport can involve higher costs than other options, and is not suitable for all goods
- flights are subject to delay or cancellation
- you will need to pay taxes at each airport you use
- fuel and currency surcharges will usually be added to freight costs
- further transportation may be needed from the destination airport to the final destination
Make sure that the routes and timetables available for air transport suit your requirements.
You can find more detailed information in our guide on how to move goods by air.