https://www.exportiamo.

it/aree-
tematiche/12950/methods-of-
international-transport/

Methods of international transport

Pubblicità



13 Ottobre 2016  Categoria: Dogane e Supply Chain

Condividi:
 Condividi su Twitter
 Condividi su Linkedin
 Condividi su Facebook
 Condividi via email

Stampa quest'articolo
Transport and distribution have an important role in international trade. It is
necessary for companies to choose the right method of transport to ensure their
packages to be efficient and cost-effective. There are various factors that will
influence company’s decision on which type of transport to use. These
factors can be about business’ requirements, destination country, and the type of
goods.
Road, sea, rail and air are four ways of import and export. As a first step the
company has to consider all part of their project, firstly, it is important what has to
be distributed including size, weight and which type of goods. For example, for the
transportation of foods or fruits, speed is important and it’s important to choose
the shortest and quickest way. Sending cost is another element very important and
depends on the agency. Destination, countries’ law, value of goods, risk of transport
are other elements to be considered and depend on company, country of
destination and customers’ requirements. So who wants to deal with international
transportation has to balance quality, cost, time and conditions.

Air transport for international trade

Air transport offers numerous advantages for international trade, depending on the
requirements. It can:

• deliver items quickly over long distances

• give high levels of security for sensitive items
• be used for a wide range of goods
However, there are the following risks:

• air transport can involve higher costs than other options, and is not suitable for all
goods
• flights are subject to delay or cancellation
• there are taxes to be paid in each airport
• fuel and currency surcharges will usually be added to freight costs
• further transportation may be needed from the airport to the final destination
General cargo insurance is available in three levels A, B or C. Air transport can also
use the Institute Cargo Clauses (Air). The level of insurance is reflected in the
premiums that must be paid. So it’s necessary to match the level of insurance to the
potential risk of the shipment.
Sea transport for international trade
If the business needs to transport large quantities but there is no pressure to
deliver quickly, shipping by sea may be suitable.
Sea Transport advantages include:
• possibility to ship large volumes at low costs
• shipping containers can also be used for further transportation by road or rail
However, there are also risks for sea transport:

• shipping by sea can be slower than other transport systems and bad weather can
add further delays
• routes and timetables are usually inflexible
• tracking the goods’ progress is difficult
• port duties and taxes
• further transportation overland might be needed to reach the final destination
• basic freight rates are subject to fuel and currency surcharges
Who wants to transport goods by ship have to protect their shipment with an
insurance. But under the maritime transport conventions, there are limited
insurances, so it’s advisable to get additional insurance, such as general cargo
insurance.
For the shipping of dangerous goods, it’s necessary to complete a dangerous goods
declaration which includes the Dangerous Goods Note.
Road transport for international trade
Road transport can be the most flexible option for international business. It is
usually quick and efficient.

Road transport advantages:

 Low cost
 Extensive road networks
 Possibility to schedule transport and tracking the location of goods
 Safe and private delivery

Risks for road transport:

 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
 different road and traffic regulations on some countries

It’s possible to choose own vehicles, or carriers. Operating with own vehicles, needs
to consider licenses, fuel costs, regulations, driver training and taxes.
The international transport of dangerous goods by road is subject to international
legislation, in particular the European Agreement on the International
Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). Drivers of vehicles carrying
dangerous goods must hold an ADR training certificate in handling dangerous
goods. All commercial vehicles that carry dangerous goods must pass the ADR test,
and some of them need to be built with special standards. These classes of goods
are defined as dangerous: corrosive substances, explosive substances and articles,
flammable liquids and solids, gases, oxidizing substances, radioactive substances
and toxic substances.
Rail transport for international trade
Rail transport is a cost-effective and efficient way to move goods. It offers the
following advantages: fast rail network throughout Europe. It is environmentally
friendly compared with other transport systems.

Risks for rail transport:

 routes and timetables available can be inflexible, especially in remote

regions
 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, increasing costs and affecting delivery schedules

The Convention Concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) is the

system of law which applies in the 45 states in Europe, North Africa and the Middle
East that are members of OTIF, the International Organization for International
Carriage by Rail.
CIM (Convention Internationale concernant le transport des Marchandises par
chemin de Fer) is a consignment note that sets the conditions for transporting non-
dangerous goods by rail. CIM rules mean that ythe carrier only takes responsibility
for insuring the shipment against loss or damage from the time they take
possession of them until they are delivered. For the transportationof dangerous
goods that have a UN dangerous goods code, or that ther carrier considers to be
dangerous, it’s necessary to complete a dangerous goods declaration. Part of this
declaration is the Dangerous Goods Note.
Fonte: a cura di Exportiamo, di Morvarid
Mahmoodabadi, redazione@exportiamo.it
© RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA