Which Freight Method Is Right For Your Ecommerce Business?

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Several countries continue to rely on global trade to drive their respective economies. As such, global shipping operations have become one of the biggest industries in the world. While you may not necessarily have purchases shipped from overseas, the companies and manufacturers that make your products most likely do. 

With ecommerce on the rise, consumer demands continue to increase. This trend has pushed more businesses to find the fastest way to ship their products out. Luckily, freight forwarding options have become more accessible since they can now choose between land, air, and sea freight shipping. 

It’s well-known that everyone’s things don’t all come from where they live. Take, for example, the coffee you drink every morning. Coffee beans can originate from some plantation in South America or other cities you may never have heard of. Have you ever wondered, then, how they get to you? 

They reach you because companies ship your orders to where you can access them. And the world has a lot to thank shipping technologies for it. 

In the dawn of ecommerce and online shopping, the demand for these cargo services has become unhinged. More products are shipped worldwide, and many see this event as beautiful. It creates a scene likened to a tiny village trading goods all the time. 

However, finding the best freight service for your business as an entrepreneur may be confusing. But it’s simple. Three shipping options are available to you: land, air, and sea freight. The option you choose may depend on what you need.

Whether following your company’s budget or promised lead time to your customers, you can find the right shipping method for you. 

Which One is the Best Shipping Option for You?

So, how do you know which option is the one for your business? Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation.

• Land Freight

Land freight moves cargo on the road. You’ll need road vehicles like trucks, vans, trains, and even motorcycles to move your items. They can be combined with other shipping methods. The good thing about this method is it reaches the nooks and crannies of the map. Moreover, you—and your customers—can easily track them. 

However, this option can only access land, unable to cross oceans or other borders. They’re also relatively smaller than other freights, so they can’t carry a lot, and the delivery time depends on the traffic situation. 

Land freights move cargo from point A to point B via connected roads. This method relies on motor vehicles like motorcycles, cars, trucks, and trains. It is also one of the fastest shipping options for deliveries within the same city or region.

• Air Freight

As the name suggests, air freights need some flying and a lot of fuel. And since air carriers must make several trips and refuel, expect to see this option to be on the pricier side. 

On the upside, this shipment method reaches almost any place on earth. If you have ever ridden an airplane, you’d know how strict security can get—which is a good thing because there is less risk of theft and damage to the cargo. However, the difficulty in predicting weather conditions is an issue for air shipments that can lead to delays.

Many companies rely on air freights to distribute their products faster overseas. They typically use air carriers to transfer their shipments, but the process undergoes stricter security at terminals since there are limits on weight capacity.   

• Sea Freight

Sea freight is where literal “shipping” happens. Gigantic cargo ships must wade through the waters to move products to different places. This method is also the most economical shipment solution because it can accommodate many goods yet emit the least gas emissions. One may say they’re the most environmentally friendly too. 

Like air freights, they also depend on weather conditions, making them the slowest option. And some areas may not have ports to receive the cargo. 

Transfer through sea freight is common to enterprises that ship large quantities of goods. They use sea vessels like large ships to cross international borders and better protect the cargo. But unlike the other two options, this method may have longer delivery times.

Final Thoughts

As previously mentioned, your courier acts as an extension of your online business. Your customers are likely to interact more frequently with your courier than with you as the online merchant.

Therefore, it’s crucial to partner with a courier service that has a strong reputation. Their performance directly impacts how your business is perceived and can significantly influence the success of your online store.

Any negative delivery experiences your customers encounter will reflect poorly on your business. Conversely, positive experiences with your courier can enhance your reputation.

Evaluate how different courier companies handle customer service. Conduct thorough research: read customer reviews and seek feedback from others about their experiences.

If possible, observe how couriers respond to and manage customer concerns. This will give you an indication of how they might handle your customers’ issues.

Choosing the right courier is essential for your eCommerce business. It reflects your approach to online transactions and, more importantly, how much you value your customers.