Export shipping-Modes of transportation When faced with the decision of selecting a mode of transpo

When faced with the decision of selecting a mode of transportation, the exporter has five basic types available from which to choose, depending, of course, upon the geographicalproximity[1] of the countries of export and import: ocean, air, rail, truck, and inland water. A sixth alternative is pipeline which transports very specialized products. The choice between available methods of transportation is usually determined by a combination of cost , time , and security.

Ocean transportation is by far the most dominant mode of international transportation , and air transport is the most " glamorous" and fastest growing. The significance of the other basic types of international transportation varies depending upon the countries involved. For example,rail and truck shipments do not constitute a significant portion of the export transactions of the United States, except perhaps for those that involve buyers in Canada. In contrast,these transport modes carry large amounts of export goods among the countries of Europe. Similarly,inland waterways are not important carriers of goods between countries except in Europe where waterways such as the Rhine and Danube rivers carry large amounts of goods among the countries through which they flow. Often the use of these relatively less important modes of transport depends upon the nature of specific products in unique geographic situations. The use of trucks to haul fresh produce from northem Mexico to the United States illustrates this practice.

Ocean transportation is widely used because it is a relatively low-cost way to transport goods, and it can easily handle large shipments. In addition, certain geographic conditions may make it impossible to use overland transportation to some foreign markets andinfeasible[2] to use it to others.

Many diverse types of products are being transported to foreign markets by air in large volume-computers, office machines, electrical and electronic equipment, automobile parts, television sets,pharmceuticals[3], certain metal manufactures, and wearing apparel to name but a few. Thus , even with existing technology, it is evident that air cargo movements are no longer confined to fast shipments of emergency supplies, goods of high value , (for example ,jewel) and perishable products (for example , fresh flowers) , although it is widely used for such products. Not only is time in transit reduced from a minimum of 10 days to a few hours, but also less handling and simpler packing requirements are involved.

Time in transit is but one of the so-called hidden costs that may be relevant. For example,concerning time in transit and the ability to put a f'acility to use sooner (thus avoiding lost sales) ,a West German company bought 230hosiery-knitting machines[4] from a US manufacturer. The machines were shipped by air at a cost of USD 224 per unit which was considerably greater than the ocean rate of USD37. 80 per unit. Delivery time was shortened by 10 days giving the Cerman manuf'acturer the opportunity to produce 207 000 pairs of hosiery, which apparently offset the transportation cost.

Small shipments may be sent by intemational parcel post, air parcel post, or air couner service rather than pay the higher minimum bill of lading charges for ocean freight or air shipment. While larger shipments are charged on the basis of weight or measurement,very small shipments are charged a set flat fee because of the costs involved in documentation and handling.

The method of transportation is usually selected by the importer. The route selected for the export shipment may be determined by either the exporter or the importer. In practice , the importer should indicate the route he or she thinks is most desirable. The final selection of the exact route,however,should generally be left to thediscretion[5] of the exporter, since the exporter is more fully acquainted with conditions surrounding the shipment in the country from which it is sent, and particularly the immediate conditions at time of shipment.

[1]接近

[2]不可行的

[3]医药的

[4]针织品编织机

[5]判断力

Questions for reading :