Ocean freight, which is maritime shipping, is the most common type of freight or shipping. This is because 70% of the world is water. It effectively means that the transportation of goods from one place to another is easier with maritime shipping.
A lot of shipping companies want to know about the merits and demerits of ocean freight. This is how they can tweak their business strategies. Nevertheless, here are some of the pros and cons in relation to ocean freight:
Pros
- Easy transportation of heavier goods
One of the best benefits of maritime shipping is that heavier goods can be transported from one place to the other. If you are running a business in which heavier objects are to be imported or exported, then ships are the best option.
- Affordable
Affordability is an important factor that commercial businesses do take into account in transportation of goods. When it comes to ocean freight, there are huge vessels that can accommodate a lot huge volumes. This means that a lot of goods can be transported in one go. A lot of shipments are shipped in one vessel. Thus, businesses share the costs of such transportation making the process cheaper and more affordable. There are other costing models introduced as well making purchases easier.
- Eco friendly
From an environmental perspective, shipping through ocean is cheaper. Aircrafts use a lot of fuel which directly or indirectly results in a lot of carbon emissions. This can damage the environment. On the other hand, shipping through ocean is eco friendly. It does not use as much fuel as aircrafts. Thus, you can ship freight and send packages to Mexico or any other country to ensure that there is lesser damage to the environment.
Cons
- Slow
If you want something urgently, then this cannot happen through shipping through the waters. Shipping vessels travel slow compared to other modes of transport. It even needs more transit time. Thus, urgent shipping orders cannot be done through ocean freights.
- Chances of delay
It is important to keep in mind that ocean freight and maritime shipping is vulnerable to delays. It can make the customers unsatisfied. A lot of customers also consider it as unreliable options. It may save you money, but certainly, it cannot save time. Disruptions to shipping schedules are often caused. This can cause millions, if not billions, of monetary damage to businesses. Thus, this must be taken into account while shipping goods from one place to another.
The bottom line
Maritime shipping is certainly the most popular mode of freight. However, there are obvious reasons behind it. The pros above reflect why most of the businesses choose ocean freight.
Nevertheless, it is also important to consider the cons of it. In the end, it entirely depends on what the customer or the business wants. Consider the needs and preferences and only thereafter, proceed with choosing a mode of freight which is most suitable.
