How to Choose the Best Shipping Method

Successful shipping is one of the most important logistical elements, particularly for businesses and individuals who frequently send packages overseas. Choosing the right shipping method ensures each shipment arrives safely at its destination. 

A shipping method is the form of transportation used to move an item from its manufacturing site to the consumer who purchased it. Several shipping methods are available, all of which differ in terms of speed, distance and cost. Deciding which method is best requires carefully evaluating each factor to find the most effective solution with the highest chance of customer satisfaction. 

Below, you can find a breakdown of common shipping options, key factors to evaluate and tips for choosing the right method for your shipping needs. You can also learn how Atlas International helps simplify complex shipments. 

Understanding Different Types of Shipping Methods 

There are different shipping methods to choose from when transporting items. Each operates at varying speeds and has different costs and regulations. Having a thorough understanding of the various shipping methods can help you make an informed shipping decision. Take a look at the methods below, along with an explanation of several shipping terms. 

Air Shipping 

Air shipping, or air freight, involves transporting items via aircraft. Air freight is a common shipping choice among e-commerce businesses and manufacturers, with many industries relying on this method for timely transportation. 

Shipping via aircraft is one of the fastest ways to move products from one place to another. This makes air freight ideal for time-sensitive shipments, such as those containing perishable goods. It's also a common choice for high-value goods or luxury items, such as electronics and clothing. 

Speedy shipping can be a plus for customer satisfaction, but it comes at a price. Compared to other shipping methods, air freight is one of the most expensive options. With that said, the speed, high security and reduced risk of parcel damages may make the cost well worth it for some businesses. 

Sea Shipping 

Sea shipping is another common transportation method that uses cargo ships to move items. Sea freight typically involves packing goods into metal shipping containers, which are loaded onto a shipping craft and sent overseas. 

Shipping by sea is ideal for large, heavy shipments that don't fit into the relatively small shipping holds most aircraft have. This makes it a popular choice when transporting high quantities of goods at once or large singular items, such as heavy machinery. There also tend to be fewer restrictions imposed upon sea freight, which can simplify the shipping process. 

The major downside of sea shipping is its lack of speed, which can slow the movement of goods and may impact customer satisfaction. However, economical pricing may be a worthwhile trade-off. 

Land Shipping 

Shipping goods by land is another common form of commercial transportation. Land freight is primarily moved using trucks, trains or both. This method is a common choice for domestic shipments or those that must cross borders to reach their destination. It tends to be a flexible form of transportation that offers various delivery times, meaning it can be a convenient way to move items. It also has a smaller carbon footprint than air freight. However, shipments sent via truck may see their delivery times altered by road congestion and detours. 

Despite the benefits of land freight, it's not a viable option for international shipping. If you're looking to transport goods overseas, you're better off opting for a different shipping method. 

Courier Services 

Courier services differ from the shipping methods detailed above. This option relies on couriers (which can be individuals or delivery companies) to transport items from one place to another, typically within a relatively short time frame. 

A courier service can be a good option for small packages and minor shipments that need to be moved to a local destination. This is an affordable solution that can deliver items quickly, making it a good choice for urgent shipments. Although it generally isn't an effective way to ship goods in bulk, a courier's speed can help increase consumer satisfaction for small parcels. 

Key Shipping Terms 

To truly understand shipping logistics, it helps to be familiar with common terms. The following terms are important to know when choosing the best shipping method for your needs: 

• Economy shipping: This is a standard form of shipping that balances cost and delivery time. In many cases, items shipped via economy take about a week to arrive at their destination, making this a common solution for nonurgent shipments. 
• Expedited shipping: Expedited shipping costs slightly more than economy shipping in exchange for a quicker delivery, usually within 2 or 3 days. For time-sensitive goods, this is an ideal solution. 
• Overnight shipping: Overnight shipping operates even faster than expedited shipping, promising to deliver an item within a single business day. Speedy delivery means this method comes at a higher cost, particularly when it comes to air freight. 
• Same-day delivery: This method delivers items to consumers on the same day an order is placed. Because it relies on coordination with logistics partners, same-day delivery is often limited to specific areas. 
• Flat-rate shipping: Flat-rate shipping charges a fixed rate. This means the cost to ship a package doesn't change, regardless of its weight, dimensions or destination. 
• Variable shipping: Variable shipping takes factors such as package dimensions, package weight, distance and shipping speed into consideration to determine the cost of transporting an item. 
• Click and collect: This method gives consumers the option to pick up an order from a brick-and-mortar store as opposed to having the item shipped. This is a convenient solution in many cases, and it's also one of the most sustainable shipping practices available. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Method 

Before settling on a shipping method, it's essential to understand how to evaluate each. Being familiar with the variables that affect each package can make you a more informed sender who knows how to keep receivers happy. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting an option. 

Speed 

One of the most critical variables is how quickly an item can reach its destination. Speed can easily affect the delivery experience, with timely shipments improving consumer satisfaction and potentially leading to additional sales. On the other hand, slow-to-arrive parcels are a common source of frustration. 

As mentioned above, delivery timelines vary widely among shipping methods. Air freight is generally the quickest way to transport goods and typically follows a reliable schedule. Land freight is slightly slower, but it can still be a relatively quick way to move items. However, cross-country shipments or those with routes interrupted by traffic congestion or detours may take longer, making land freight somewhat less reliable. Sea shipping is the slowest method, with items often taking weeks or months to arrive at their destinations. 

Before settling on a shipping method, consider when you need your items to arrive. The answer to this question can help point you toward the right solution. 

Cost 

In addition to speed, you need to consider your budget. The price of each shipping method is often a determining factor for e-commerce businesses, particularly those looking to reduce costs. And while staying within your means is vital, so is choosing an option that can transport your goods reliably and undamaged. 

Of the three most common shipping types, sea freight is usually the least expensive. This is particularly true when transporting large items or bulk shipments. Air shipping is typically the most expensive due to its speed and efficiency, although it may be worth the cost when shipping high-value items that benefit from increased security. Land shipping falls between the two in terms of cost. 

Distance 

A shipment's travel distance influences the validity of each shipping option. When choosing a method, consider whether an item's destination is local, cross-country or international, as this also affects which method is most efficient. 

A vast network of airlines across the world means air freight can transport items to nearly any destination. However, this might not outweigh its high costs for shipments that don't have much distance to travel. Land freight is also highly accessible in urban and rural areas, making it ideal for short- to moderate-length distances. Sea freight is better suited for long, overseas shipments, although limited accessibility to ports may reduce its reach in some areas. 

Shipment Size and Weight 

A shipment's size and weight are also key variables when choosing a shipping method. Air freight is generally better suited for smaller goods due to the size and weight limitations that apply to most airplanes. On the other hand, land freight can be used to ship heavier or larger items, particularly across shorter distances. Sea freight is typically the most economical solution for transporting large, bulk shipments over great distances if your shipment can withstand a slower delivery time. 

Customs and Regulations 

Customs and regulations apply primarily to international shipments. Knowing how to navigate customs processes is critical to ensuring your items arrive as expected. By choosing the right shipping method, you can simplify the process and minimize surprise interruptions. 

In most cases, customs processes take the same amount of time whether an item is shipped by land or sea. However, differences arise in the space between an item's arrival and the beginning of its trip through customs. Air freight tends to be unloaded quickly and sent to customs within hours. However, with ocean freight, it can take days before shipments are unloaded and handed off to the customs team, so you may have to factor in additional travel time for items sent by sea. 

Regulations are another element to keep in mind. Air freight is typically subject to more regulations to keep shipments in compliance with safety and security rules. Certain items, such as flammable goods or those containing magnetic substances, are prohibited from air freight entirely. Being aware of these restrictions can help you choose the correct shipping method from the outset. 

Types of International Shipping Methods 

When shipping items overseas, you have three basic options: air freight, sea freight and international couriers. Although we've already touched on these solutions, a more thorough outline can help you navigate the complexities of overseas transportation. Here's how each international shipping method measures up. 

Air Freight 

Shipping by air is an ideal choice for time-sensitive shipments, such as those containing perishable goods. Its high speed can also result in greater delivery satisfaction. Like most international shipping methods, air freight costs are calculated based on weight, size, speed and distance. Since air shipping is the costliest transportation option, it's best suited for high-value items or those with a limited shelf life. 

Advantages: 

• High speeds allow reduced transit time and faster delivery. 
• Consistent travel schedules and procedures make air shipments generally reliable. 
• A wide network provides access to nearly any destination worldwide. 
• Rigorous security policies lead to heightened safety for cargo. 

Disadvantages: 

• Air freight is the most expensive shipping method, making it less economical for large or heavy goods. 
• High carbon emissions give air freight a low sustainability rating. 
• Strict regulations can make compliance tricky and exclude certain items from shipment entirely. 

Sea Freight 

Sea freight is a commonly used method among international exporters, particularly those that ship large items or items in bulk. It's the solution of choice for equipment and machinery, materials and nonperishable goods. Although sea transportation is slower than air shipping, low costs make it a fair trade-off for many businesses. 

Advantages: 

• A low carbon footprint makes sea freight appealing to eco-conscious shippers. 
• Low costs mean it's an economical option for those with large or heavy shipments. 

Disadvantages: 

• Sea freight is one of the slowest shipping options. 
• Accessibility may be limited at ports with little infrastructure. 
• Slow unloading times can lengthen customs procedures. 

International Couriers 

Choosing an international courier means handing the shipping process over to a company that specializes in the transportation of goods. Many couriers offer comprehensive services that see each package to its final destination. Partnering with an international courier can be an efficient solution that simplifies an inherently complex process. 

Advantages: 

• Courier services are often reliable and consistently meet their projected delivery times. They may also offer options for overnight or same-day delivery. 
• International couriers typically have systems in place for easy customs clearance. 
• Couriers tend to have customer service procedures that consumers can turn to in the event of an issue. 

Disadvantages: 

• Restrictions on weight and size mean courier services aren't a good option for large or bulky shipments. 
• The cost of shipping may vary for larger items or shipments that need a speedy delivery, making this solution less economical for some items. 

How to Choose the Best Shipping Method for Your Needs 

Now that you're familiar with the ins and outs of shipping domestically and internationally, it's time to decide which solution is right for you. Follow the steps below to reveal which shipping method can meet your needs. 

1. Determine What You're Shipping and Where It's Going 

The first step in choosing a shipping option is to assess the items you need to ship. Take time to evaluate your goods and gauge their compatibility with each solution. For example, shipping small, high-value items could point to air freight as a viable option. On the other hand, sea freight may be a better choice if you need to ship large amounts of goods at once. Before opting for a courier service, make sure your parcels are within the dimension restrictions. 

It's also important to know how far your items have to travel. Local deliveries might be best left to a courier service, while moderate distances are better suited for land freight. Sea freight is an economical option to deliver goods internationally, while faraway, hard-to-reach areas might only be serviceable via aircraft. 

2. Determine Your Timeline 

If you're shipping time-sensitive items, speed is key. For many shipments, delivering items within a certain time frame is crucial to preserving goods or a hallmark of satisfactory delivery. In these cases, air freight, land freight and courier services may be the best option. However, in cases where speed is less valuable than cost-cutting, sea freight becomes the most appealing solution. 

If you're a first-time shipper or a small business breaking into delivery, now is the time to assess how important speed is to you. Spend some time determining what you want your shipping timeline to look like, and highlight the methods that match it. 

3. Weigh Your Options 

With your priorities outlined, you can review each shipping method and choose one that aligns with your goals. Pros and cons lists can be helpful as you assess the validity of each solution. When you've located the shipping method that falls within your budget, operates within your desired timeline and is compatible with the items you're shipping, you can make the right choice for your needs. 

Find Effective Shipping Solutions at Atlas International 

Choosing the right shipping method can save time, lower costs and boost customer satisfaction. If you've analyzed key factors, such as cost, speed and shipment size, an effective solution should reveal itself. If your situation is more complex or you want guidance on this important logistical question, Atlas International is here to help. 

Decades in the industry have made us shipping experts, and we're ready to help you develop a solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get moving.