Discover the Shipping Methods that Fit Every Cargo

To keep the operation running smoothly and optimize shipping,businesses need to understand the different shipping methods available.

Shipping methods refer to the process of transporting goods or documents from one location to another, involving various transport modes, including land, sea, and air.

Its primary purpose is to connect producers and consumers while maintaining the smooth flow of the supply chain and fulfilling consumers’ demands.

The right shipping method helps optimize time and costs while ensuring the goods arrive at the destination safely and intact.

Learn more below to find the shipping method that best suits your needs.

See also: Project Cargo: Logistics Services for Oversized Goods 

11 Methods of Shipping Goods

1. Land shipping

This method involves the use of land vehicles such as trucks, trains, or other wheeled vehicles. It plays a vital role in the supply chain due to its ability to reach hard-to-access locations, unlike other methods.

Land shipping is usually cost-effective, eco-friendly, quick, timely, and efficient.

2. Air shipping

Using aircraft, this method is superior in terms of speed and timeliness, fit for high-value goods and international shipping.

Although it is more costly compared to other methods, air shipping is more efficient in certain situations, ensuring goods arrive quickly and safely.

3. Sea shipping

Sea route is the best option for shipping large quantities and volumes of goods. This shipping method uses high-capacity vessels while keeping costs relatively low.

It’s an efficient way to transport raw materials, consumer goods, and even vehicles. Another strong point is being more eco-friendly, thanks to its lower carbon footprint production compared to air shipping.

See also: The Importance of Warehousing in the Mining Industry

4. Express courier

Express courier is a delivery method that dominates the current modern era. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the consumers’ needs for immediate deliveries, especially in the e-commerce industry.

Combining real-time tracking and extensive networks, express couriers enable documents, packages, and even valuables to be received in just a matter of hours.

5. Postal delivery

Postal delivery services play a crucial role in delivering messages, packages, and documents. With affordable costs and extensive networks reaching even remote locations, post offices are often used for delivering goods that require high security, such as legal documents or valuables.

Currently, post offices are vital components of the logistics infrastructure, connecting communities worldwide. 

6. Land and sea shipping

The combined land and sea shipping enables goods to arrive at the destination while being highly efficient.

A fast land delivery is used to transport goods from producers to ports, followed by sea shipping that employs large vessels for interisland or intercontinental travel.

Aiming to optimize cost and time efficiency, this method is perfect for large numbers of goods shipped by sea.

7. Container shipping

By loading goods into containers and transporting them via ships, trains, or trucks, this method is perfect for moving large volumes efficiently while maximizing cargo space.

Container shipping also reduces the risk of goods getting damaged or lost, while simplifying tracking and monitoring.

See also: 5 Key Points of Commercial Postal Service in Strengthening the Logistics Industry

8. Drop shipping

Drop shipping is an innovative method highly relevant in today’s modern e-commerce business. This method doesn’t require retailers or resellers to keep stocks of goods.

They only need to cooperate with suppliers or producers who ship the product to consumers through shipping service providers. 

The primary role of drop shipping is to alleviate the logistics burden on retailers, enabling them to concentrate more on marketing and sales. 

9. Peer-to-Peer Delivery

Peer-to-peer delivery is an innovative method that utilizes technology and internet connectivity for real-time delivery management and monitoring.

Consumers can track the goods’ locations and get a nearly accurate delivery time estimation. This method also facilitates the collaboration between producers, logistics service providers, and consumers.

10. Drop-off or pick-up point delivery

This method enables consumers to choose the most convenient drop-off or pick-up point for receiving and delivering goods.

It’s more flexible because consumers can avoid problems that may arise when no one is home, as well as cut delivery costs.

11. Cold chain delivery

This last method focuses on delivering goods by maintaining a specific temperature. It serves to keep the quality and security of goods that are sensitive to temperature changes, such as frozen food or medicine.

This method utilizes specialized temperature monitoring and storage technology, allowing for precise tracking and monitoring. Its role is crucial in ensuring that the goods remain durable and fresh when received by consumers.

See also: Types and Roles of Freight Forwarder and in Shipping Services

We’ve covered the key points about various shipping methods in logistics to help you decide on the right one for your needs.

For multimodal deliveries, one of our logistics services you can use is freight forwarding. Remember to choose not just any logistics service provider. Look for a professional and experienced one to ensure a reliable service.

SELOG Freight Forwarding Services

A recommended logistics company is SELOG, a subsidiary of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) and part of the Astra Group.

With over 20 years of experience, SELOG provides comprehensive and end-to-end logistics services. They range from Trucking, Shipping Services, Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, and Project Cargo.

SELOG’s freight forwarding services is committed to handling domestic and international shipping for various shipments, including those requiring special treatments. Supported by real-time tracking technology, every shipment is kept smooth and under control.

Moreover, SELOG’s services bring greater convenience, effectiveness, and efficiency to your business by leveraging the latest digital technologies, including the Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Both technologies make it easier for businesses to track the delivery vehicles in real time and ensure the safety of vehicles and drivers. They also help optimize the process of goods receipt, storage, stock management, pick-up, packaging, and shipping.